We like to think of dogs as happy-go-lucky creatures that are quick to show joy, but sometimes we notice an expression of sadness or a change in their normal dog behavior that has us wondering: Do dogs cry? Do they develop dog anxiety? Do they develop dog depression? While your pup does experience a range of emotions, including sadness, it doesn’t experience depression the same way humans do, says Linda Simon, DVM, a licensed veterinarian and veterinary consultant for The Pets.
Your dog isn’t staying up at night worrying about the economy or climate change. Still, the things that make your dog sad are often the same types of things that make you sad, like physical pain, loneliness, loss of a loved one, abuse, and neglect, Dr. Simon says. While most canine sadness is brief, sometimes dogs can experience very deep and long-lasting sadness that may turn into dog depression. There are plenty of dog stories that highlight such deep doggy emotions, like the one about the loyal pup who guarded his deceased owner’s grave for three years.
Your dog may also seem depressed if you are depressed, Dr. Simon adds. Dogs are very perceptive of their humans’ feelings, and when you’re sad, your pup may express sadness as well, even if it doesn’t understand why you are upset. Dogs have unique ways of expressing their sadness, so to help you understand your fur buddy better, we asked experts to share the top dog depression symptoms.
Like humans, dogs are complex creatures. And like humans, they can become sad for a number of reasons. When considering whether your pup has canine depression, ask yourself if your pet is dealing with any of the following scenarios.
Experiencing a death in the family
You’re not the only one mourning the loss of a family member or another pet. Your dog needs to grieve, too, and might go through a blue period. You can’t really speed up the grieving process, but you can give your dog what it most wants: comfort. Shower your pet in attention—think extra cuddles and treats—while it gets used to the loss, Dr. Simon says.
Moving to a new home
Don’t be surprised if your dog has been acting strange ever since you moved homes. Change can be tough for animals, and your dog might feel depressed while it gets used to its new environment, says Dr. Simon. With a little time and attention, though, your pet should snap out of it and warm up to its new surroundings. While your dog may hate these things, it doesn’t actually hate your new house.
Being left home alone
Your dog probably gets lonely when you’re gone, so if your job constantly keeps you out of the house for long periods of time, your pet might stop jumping up to see you the minute you come home. Dogs are social beings, and they’re not content with being alone for many hours.
First, know how long you can leave a dog home alone. Then do what you can to make sure your dog isn’t left solo for too long—hire a dog walker or ask the usual walker to add another walk to your pet’s schedule, suggests Virginia-based veterinarian Katy Nelson, DVM.
Spending too much time inside
Dogs need space to run around and might become sad if they haven’t been given the chance. Staying indoors all the time, away from nature and sunshine and friends, can take a serious toll on both human and canine mental health, says Dr. Simon.
Know how much exercise your pup needs. Then take the time to bring your dog on long walks or to the park—it’s good for both of you! Once your pet starts getting the freedom it craves, it might slowly get its energy back.
Learning what makes your pup upset is a good first step. From there, it’s important to recognize the signs of depression in a dog. Keep reading to learn the most common dog depression symptoms, according to our experts.
It may seem far fetched but in today's fast paced world, just as in their human counterparts, cases of canine depression are increasing rapidly. If your dog has been acting off lately, sleeping a lot, not eating or drinking as much and has lost interest with things like going for walks or car rides, you may have wondered, “Is my dog depressed?” likely followed by, “Can dogs even get depressed?” The short answer is yes. Because depression symptoms mimic many illnesses, the first thing to do is get your pup to the vet. Check for physical problems first, but if you can’t find anything and the symptoms continue, he may be depressed. It's important to verify whether or not your dog is sick or has a chemical imbalance that should be treated with medication.
So how do you know if your dog is depressed? What are the symptoms?
#1. Changes in Sleeping Habits
It's no secret that dogs sleep a lot, particularly when their owners are gone. However, you should be concerned if you leave your dog for a long time (say, for work) and he continues to sleep after you get home, barely reacting to your presence, something is probably wrong, or if he stays curled up instead of coming to the window or door for things that once attracted him, like the visitors or a passing dog.
#2. Paw licking
Excessive licking or chewing may be rooted in physiological or psychological issues. Depressed dogs will often lick or chew their paws to soothe themselves.
#3. Loss of interest
If your dog suddenly loses interest in playing, going for walks, and other things that would normally excite her, take note. Dogs who become less active, slow down, or seem to lose purpose may be suffering from dog depression.
#4. Changes in diet
Most dogs will eat less and lose weight when depressed. On the other hand, just like humans, some dogs may eat more as a form of comfort. Watch out for:
- Refusing treats that he once loved
- Weight gain or weight loss
If you can identify what's triggering depression in your pet, you'll learn to spot the symptoms earlier. This will help you figure how to help your pet feel better.
- Environmental Changes As with people, events going on around your pet can cause him to feel depressed and anxious. Changes in a dog's environment or living circumstances can trigger depression and anxiety. For example, dogs can experience depression and grief when another pet or human member of the household is ill or dies. This is also true when a family member moves away or changes schedules. When summer ends and your dog is suddenly alone most of the day after having children around all summer, symptoms of depression triggered by separation anxiety and loneliness can occur.
- Weather and Seasonal Changes Just as in humans, changes in seasons can have an impact on pet moods, as do periods of extended bad weather. For example, the moods of dogs that live in areas where hurricanes occur can be impacted by the change in atmospheric pressure. Additionally, just as the onset of winter can lead to seasonal affective disorder in some people, it can also an impact on dogs.
- Loss of a Companion This is probably the number one cause of depression in dogs. Dogs create strong emotional bonds with both their fellow dogs (and in some cases other small animals and even beloved toys or blankets) whom they see regularly as well as those who care for them. The loss of a friend or loved one is difficult on everyone and this is no different for your dog and they need ample time to grieve.
- Get Some Sunshine: Sometimes we forget that dogs were originally wild animals who love nature and the outdoors. This is still rooted in your dog’s instincts so his depression could be linked to a lack of outdoor activity. Try getting your dog to go on more walks or to play fetch with you in the yard. If this seems to cheer him up a bit, then do this periodically throughout the day and you are sure to see long-term improvement.
- Make Friends: Whether this is with a friend’s dog or a trip to the dog park having a companion or two can often boost your dog’s mood. If you have recently lost an older dog, then this could be a great way to help get your dog out of a funk. If you can bring a new dog into your home, with proper introduction and a little time to adjust, a new friend might be the best way to help your dog through a tough time.
- Be Patient: Sometimes – especially if the issue was a loss of a companion or master – the only thing that will heal a dog’s heart is time. It may be as few as a couple days or as much as a few months, but most dogs will be able to pull themselves out of depression with a little time and understanding. Do your best to be there for your dog for the time being and always encourage happy moments, but remember that this is not going to be an overnight change.
- Give a Little Extra Love: Just a little extra attention can go a long way with a depressed dog. Sit with them often, showing you support and care for them as much as you always have. This can be especially helpful if you think the root cause of your dog’s depression is due to being lonely throughout the day while you are at work.