How Can You Know That Your Dog Is Depressed

Having a dog as a companion is as good as having a person as a companion, with dogs’ also experiencing depression as human beings. We must have noticed some of our friend and family get depressed; they may stop eating, complain of dull pains and also start avoiding family and friends. Some may also call in sick to work.

Your pet dog could also get depressed and sad, with some dogs shutting down and sleeping all day. You may also find some dogs that sleep behind closets when they lose another dog of their pack. It also common to find pet dogs moping or experiencing mood changes after a move.

Look out for signs of depression in your dog:

• There would be changes in your dog’s appetite if he/she is depressed; your dog will be very sad and lose interest in food and would suffer weight loss. It is also possible that your dog could gain weight by using food as a solace for the depression.

• Your dog would be sleeping all the time; it is true that dogs sleep a lot but if the dog sleeps for a long time and does not react to the owner’s presence, it is time to know that something is wrong. It is quite possible that a dog sleeps a lot due to physical problems; if that is not the case and the symptoms continue it is quite possible he/she is depressed. It is however worthwhile noting that not only excess sleep, but sleeplessness and restlessness could also be a sign of depression.

• Your ever enthusiastic dog may lose an interest in the activities he/she enjoyed; the dog may lose interest in playing, going for walks and things that usually excited him/her. You could be quite sure your dog suffers from depression when he/she becomes less active, slows down and seems to lose a purpose in life.

• Avoidance and hiding in objects like closets could indicate depression in your dog. This sort of behavior could arise due to the fear of injury or illness. They may want to be left alone as something is bothering them; the problem is not physical but is most likely emotional.

These are just some of the signs that a dog is depressed; it is however wrong to assume a dog is depressed just because these signs exist in your dog. These emotional problems could also stem from medical and physical causes, with your vet being the best person to diagnose it. 

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