Dogs are generally considered to be very sensitive and empathetic. As soon as the owner is not doing so well, the four-legged friends notice this and try to cheer up their human again. There are also enough dogs that are specifically registered as emotional companion dogs. People with depression receive the emotional support they need from their dog so that they can cope with everyday life. But what about the dogs themselves? Are these animals always happy by nature, or can our dogs be depressed and sad too? Although depression is not as common in dogs as it is in humans, it also occurs in the animal world. In this article, we want to take a closer look at how depression develops in dogs, how you can recognize it, and what you can do about it.
Depression in dogs – causes and triggers
The triggers for depression in dogs are not dissimilar to those that can cause depression in humans. Separations could be a reason that the dog falls into deep grief. If a close relative dies or leaves the four-legged friend in the course of a separation or divorce, this can trigger depressive moods in the animal. Even when another animal in the pack dies, some dogs often grieve very intensely. If the dog is handed over by its owners to an animal shelter or to another family, dogs usually mourn a lot here too.
If you are on vacation for a longer period of time and the dog has to stay in an animal boarding house during this phase, this can also trigger insecurity and sadness in the four-legged friend. Above all, dogs that may have just been adopted from an animal shelter or so-called foreign and street dogs often have a problem with trust and security. They are afraid that they have already lost their beautiful new home and fall into a black hole. Some dogs also become depressed when they don’t get enough affection, when they aren’t being exercised properly, or when they are asked to spend most of their day alone in the kennel or kennel in the yard, for example.
You see, dogs can also feel human emotions and be thrown off track by concise events. Just as the dog usually comforts you, in this case, you should be there for your four-legged friend and help him.
Can Dogs Feel Depression?
Dogs are very sensitive and empathetic. Not only do they feel when you’re feeling down, they can also become sad and depressed themselves when something drastically changes in their life.
Symptoms – How to tell if your dog is depressed
You know exactly how your dog ticks and how it reacts and acts in a wide variety of situations. This way you are guaranteed to recognize the first signs immediately – if something changes in his behavior. But that doesn’t mean that it always has to be depression just because your four-legged friend suddenly shows a change in behavior.
An illness or other thing can also be the trigger for suddenly different behavior. In any case, it should always be clarified whether the health of your dog is in order. Eating behavior can always be an indication that something is wrong. Depressed dogs suddenly don’t want to eat anymore, even if they have never had problems with their diet before. If you offer your dog the best treats and he refuses everything, then you should be concerned. Above all, make sure that the animal still drinks enough water. Very small dogs in particular can quickly become dehydrated.
If the dog no longer shows any energy and a playful, agile dog suddenly turns into a calm sad dumpling, then the animal is showing you that it is sad. Many dogs don’t feel like going for a walk anymore and are really reluctant to do so. It may be that the four-legged friend hides in the furthest corner of the apartment and prefers to spend the day there all alone. The animal may have a blank look and its posture also appears limp and listless. These are also possible symptoms of depression in dogs.
Another symptom of depression in dogs can be that your dog only wants to lie with you. As soon as you move away from him, he starts howling and moaning. In rare cases, there may also be problems with housebreaking. When a dog is depressed, it may pee in the house again, even though it has been housebroken for years.
How does a depressed dog behave?
Depressed dogs often have a blank stare, sleep a lot, eat little and don’t seem to enjoy anything anymore.
How to diagnose depression in dogs
First and foremost, you need to watch your dog closely. It’s also important that you see a vet to rule out any health problems. The fact that the dog no longer wants to eat can also be due to the fact that it has a severe toothache or inflamed gums, for example. An animal psychologist or behavioral specialist can also diagnose depression in dogs. However, you always have to work closely with the dog owner, as depression in dogs is not so easy to diagnose.
The veterinarian or psychologist will then ask you a lot of questions. This way you can find out what has changed in the dog’s life. It is important that you answer openly and honestly here. Do not be ashamed, even if some answers make you uncomfortable. If you have recently taken your dog to a dog sitter often or had little time for a walk together, then you absolutely have to tell us about it here. This is the only way to find the right approach later on how to treat depression in dogs.
Treating depression in dogs – possible solutions
Once the trigger and causes of depression in dogs are found, it is relatively easy to do something about it. Above all, with a lot of patience, love, and empathy you can get it under control again. If the four-legged friend has lost a close reference person through death or separation, it only helps to offer the animal a lot of love and security. The dog needs to realize that even now he has someone he can fully rely on. However, it is normal for the dog to grieve for a period of time.
In some cases it also helps if a new playmate moves in for the dog. If he has been used to having a second dog in the house for years, he may revive quickly when a new dog moves in. In most cases it helps to have a lot of time for the dog now. It might also help if you start new activities together and sign up for dog training, swimming or dog sports.
Can a dog be mentally ill?
Yes, dogs can also become mentally ill and suffer from depression.
If the situation doesn’t change at all, the vet can also prescribe mood-enhancing medication. However, these antidepressants should also be the very last resort in dogs. There are also homeopathic remedies that help against depression in dogs. However, these must be individually adapted to the dog. However, Rescue Bach flower drops are usually so universal that they can always be administered. Soothing scents can also be helpful here. Special diffusers that are specially designed for this purpose are available in specialist shops and online. Give your dog a little massage every day. You should enjoy these 10 minutes as your own personal time-out together. Gently massage your dog and especially the vagus nerve, which runs over the throat, neck and stomach. This can also affect the mood of the dog.
In the case of depression in dogs, it is important that the animal now gets to know a fixed and consistent routine. This makes him feel more secure. Particular attention should now be paid to the perfect balance between physical and mental exertion and absolute rest phases.
How do you know when dogs are sad?
If the dog’s behavior changes significantly, sadness may be the cause. He may not be eating well, he may not like to go for a walk, and he may seem tired and exhausted.
Preventing Depression in Dogs
You cannot protect yourself against some events. But you can make sure that you never neglect your dog. If you need a dog sitter, look for someone your pet will feel completely comfortable with. Plan your next vacation so that you can take your four-legged friend with you. If this is not possible, do not take him to a kennel, but perhaps to your parents or people he likes and knows well.
Depression can also be prevented if you always make sure you have enough exercise and rest. The more constant life is, the more secure the dog feels. Safety breeds confidence, and dogs with a healthy sense of self will rarely become depressed.
