Cases of dog depression in the UK are on the rise. According to a 2022 report, approximately 8.8 million (74%) of dogs in Britain exhibit signs of depression and anxiety. Moreover, 18% of them are displaying symptoms weekly.
Compared to human depression, dog depression is harder to diagnose since our furry pals cannot express themselves in a way that humans can clearly understand.
The good news is that the most common signs of depression in dogs have been identified. We have compiled a list of these symptoms and what can be done to help ease this behavioural issue. But first, let’s talk about what usually causes dog depression.
Why Do Dogs Feel Depressed?
Dogs are emotional creatures and sensitive to the energy of their owners. According to animal behaviourist Tamara Cartwright-Loebl, “The most likely cause of depression is the owner’s treatment of the dog.” In such cases, the dog’s human is less likely to notice it.
Many dogs are simply depressed for their whole lives,” she revealed in an interview. “They’re deprived of the normal amount of attention, exercise, and stimulation they need from day one.
Also, the emotional state of dogs and their owners are closely linked. So if a pooch’s human companion suffers from depression, he may end up mirroring their behaviour.
She further explained that owners tend not to recognise that their dog is depressed. They may not even want their pets to be their livelier selves because it “wouldn’t fit in with their lifestyle.”
It appears that a pet owner’s self-evaluation is key to resolving canine depression. However, owner behaviour is not the only cause of dog depression. Here are other possible causes:
Dog Depression Cause #1: Loss of a Family Member or Another Pet
Your dog grieves at the passing of human family members in his pack. The loss of a fellow animal companion, whether from death or house moves, can also hit him hard.
Dog Depression Cause #2: Changes in the Home
Moving to a new house or renovating your existing home can affect your furry friend. A new housemate (partner, pet, or help) and children leaving home for college, work, or holiday can also cause depression.
Dog Depression Cause #3: Pruritus and Other Skin Problems
One of the top veterinary dermatologists in the UK said that itchiness in pets when left untreated, can lead to depression.
“What we now know is that skin issues can be one of the biggest causes of depression for dogs,” said Dr Anita Patel. About 75% of canines with skin problems experience depression.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Depressed?
The presence of one or two symptoms does not guarantee a dog depression diagnosis. The following signs can also be caused by physical illness, which is why it is important to rule them out first. These are the most common symptoms of dog depression:
- Low energy levels and lack of interest. Your dog may no longer find taking walks, playing, and other favourite activities enjoyable. The toys that used to excite him no longer make him stand up and produce excited tail wag.
- Changes in the appetite. Some depressed dogs are likely to eat less and may become thinner. Others do the opposite—they eat more to comfort themselves and gain weight.
- Immoderate licking or chewing. Some depressed pets may find paw licking or chewing soothing.
- Increased potty accidents or mischief. A once gentle dog may become suddenly aggressive when depressed. Also, a very sad pup may pee in the wrong places in your home even though he’s been house-trained.
- Excessive sleeping. If your dog keeps sleeping even when you are already home and will not greet you, he is not feeling right. Depressed dogs can spend days sleeping and being sedentary.
- Hiding. A sad dog usually wants to be left alone and will avoid interaction by hiding in a closet or some hidden space.
How to Confirm If Your Pet Has Dog Depression?
If dogs show signs of depression, what should be done? The first step is to rule out health conditions that could cause these symptoms.
A thorough check by the vet can help you do that. It is possible that the moping, excessive snoozing and lack of appetite are just due to arthritis, for example.
Assess your own relationship with your furry buddy. Do you provide him with physical and mental exercise regularly? Are you able to spend quality time with your dog daily?
Is he spending more time alone without enough stimulation? Do you give him opportunities to play off-lead? Are you using gadgets to the point that your pet is reactive to them?
How to Help a Dog With Depression: 4 Remedies to Try
Dog depression treatments largely involve behavioural management and a few lifestyle adjustments, such as:
1. Maintaining Your Dog’s Daily Routine.
A depressed dog tends to feel disoriented, which takes a toll on his mental health. Help him regain his focus by following the same schedule daily. Keep the same feeding, exercise, grooming, and sleeping times.
Provide the same food but add a nice treat during exercise or training time. You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator and serve them again next time. You must not reinforce his depression by giving him all sorts of new or unhealthy treats.
2. Providing a New Toy or Introduce Fun Things to Do.
Exposing your dog to more mentally stimulating activities helps stave off symptoms of dog depression. Plus, it sharpens his mind and improves cognitive health.
A food puzzle toy or a short game can help distract your dog from his blues. Getting him to engage in such activities is a way to positively reinforce cooperative behaviour.
3. Fostering a Rescue Dog.
An owner of a depressed dog found the ultimate cure in another pooch. When Jodie Richers took in a friendly rescue dog to keep her sad pet company several hours a day, her pooch became better within just a week.
You may also like: Should I Get a Second Dog for My Other Dog?
4. Using Homoeopathic Alternatives.
Bach flower remedies (mustard) and ignatia amara can be given to your pet to lift his spirits. You can give one or two drops daily.
Star of Bethlehem essence is said to help mourning dogs. You can create a solution with 6–8 drops of the essence mixed in an ounce of clean water. Mix this in your dog’s water or food. If your dog has a medical condition or is pregnant, consult a vet first.
Dog depression is often cured by providing extra love and care to the affected dogs. If you have carried out the tips that we have provided but your furry pal’s condition shows no improvement, talk with a veterinarian.
They will likely prescribe him with dog depression meds such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety aids.
FAQs About Dog Depression
1. What Can You Give Your Pooch for Dog Depression?
Bach flower and Star of Bethlehem essence are home remedies that you can give your dog for depression.
If the vet has medicated your furry pal medications to combat depression, inform them before using any of the aforementioned remedies. This way, they can check for potential risks of interactions.
2. What Activities Are Good for Depressed Dogs?
Activities that are good for depressed dogs are a consistent exercise routine and regular social interactions. Both help keep them physically and mentally active, which could gradually boost and improve their mood.
3. Does Walking a Pooch Help Ease His Dog Depression?
Walking a dog can help ease his depression. As mentioned above, allowing him to engage in various forms of exercise may help in stabilising his mood. So if you haven’t given your furry pal regular walks, start doing so today.
4. Is My Dog Depressed or Just Lazy?
Depression in dogs can be easily mistaken for laziness or vice versa. However, depressed dogs tend to exhibit behavioural changes that are deemed concerning, such as inappetence, aggression, and an increase in soiling accidents.
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from depression, take him to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
5. What Is the Difference Between Dog Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
SAD is a type of depression that usually occurs during winter time. Thus, it is also known as winter dog depression. Certain factors are thought to bring about this condition, such as a decrease in exercise and darker days during the winter months.
SAD is believed to be a temporary problem that goes away once the winter season ends. Dog depression, on the other hand, can develop at any time and its trigger may vary.
Conclusion
A pooch going through depression is a heartbreaking sight to see. Knowing how to detect early signs of depression in dogs can shorten their stay with your pet.
Keep in mind that you and your furry pal do not have to face dog depression by yourselves. A vet and a certified canine behaviourist can offer their expertise to help resolve this issue.
