Just like humans, a dog can be depressed and feel sadness and grief. Dogs can’t tell us how they feel, but they communicate it in other ways. To understand dog sadness, it is important to recognize the symptoms, try to find the reason, and know what you can do for a sad dog.
?In this blog, I take the view that sadness is usually a reasonably fleeting state of mind for a dog while being truly depressed can lead to more serious long-term issues.?
How do you know your dog is sad?
?You know your dog better than anyone, and you’re the best person to notice when your dog is sad. The dog’s facial expression and body language may show sadness. However, the best way to know if there is a problem is to observe changes in the dog’s behavior, mannerisms, or routine. The following are indications of a sad dog:
- A loss of interest and being apathetic. A lack of excitement about a previously enjoyable activity is a sure sign of a sad dog. Activities that previously interested your dog no longer hold the same attraction. This includes going for walks, playing, and riding in the car.?
- A change in appetite. Like humans, a sad or depressed dog can lose interest in the food he previously enjoyed or can suddenly eat everything in sight. So, watch out for sudden weight gain or loss.
- A change in sleeping patterns is another warning signal. Although dogs spend a lot of their time sleeping, be on the lookout for a dog that suddenly sleeps much more than before.
- An increase in aggressive behavior can also be a sign of sadness. It may be the dog's way of trying to cope with whatever is making him depressed.
- A dog that suddenly spends a lot of time grooming herself mustn't be taken lightly either. Be particularly on the lookout for excessive paw licking.
- When your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy the company of his human and animal “family” like before and isolates himself, he can also be sad.
- And pay attention if your dog suddenly whimpers or whines for no apparent reason.
What is the cause of the sadness?
?Once you are sure that your dog is sad or depressed, you need to try and isolate the cause. Remember that dogs can’t always differentiate between physical and emotional pain.?
- The first step is to visit your vet to rule out a physical cause for the sadness. You should take your dog to the vet if you can find no obvious cause for the sadness. When the sadness goes along with extreme lethargy, aggression, vomiting, or diarrhea, there may be a physical reason. If an underlying health issue is the reason for the behavior change, he will probably prescribe medication or treatment for your dog.
- A change in a dog’s circumstances can cause sadness. Like being re-homed, the family moving to another home, or even a large renovation. This may bring about a feeling of being unsettled, displaced, and a loss of the familiar.?
- Dogs can experience grief. The loss of someone who died, or moved away, or the loss of a playmate - like a sibling she has known all her life - can all cause sadness.?
- A change in the owner’s mood, like the death of someone close, a divorce, or the owner’s depression, can be picked up by the dog. Dogs are sensitive to a human’s mood and can realize something is wrong with the owner.
- A change in the owner’s schedule may also impact the dog - they are creatures of habit and love routine. Working longer hours, spending less time with the dog - any change that can cause the dog uncertainty and a loss of the familiar can lead to sadness.?
- A new member of the family – human or dog. A dog may not always welcome a new playmate and may feel the new dog gets preferential treatment and more attention. Simply put he’s jealous and doesn’t want to share his human! Some dogs take naturally to the arrival of a baby or four-legged friend, but others may need special assurance that they’re still important and haven’t been discarded. Be sensitive to these situations.
- Another reason for sadness may be a dog that’s exposed to punitive training, or aggressive or taunting behavior - which may lead to a feeling of helplessness. This is particularly true if your dog is exposed to people who treat her in some undesirable way. Be aware of people who have contact with your dog when you’re not around. If your dog’s behavior changes after these interactions, it pays to investigate it and maybe make a change.
What can you do to help your dog get over his depression?
?So,?what can you do to get your happy, confident, and carefree dog back? Quite a bit, once you’re sure what the cause of the sadness is.
- If the cause is physical, you can use what your vet prescribes. There are medicines and treatments available, as well as natural remedies.
- Spend special time with your dog, you are the most important thing in her life, and she craves your attention. A scratch behind the ear, cuddling up on the couch for a while, even just a few words telling her how special she is - dogs are appreciative creatures.?
- Play with him and have fun! This may mean walks with lots of sniffing time, energetic ball games, hide and seek, or just a gentle stroll if he’s an older dog. An active dog is a happy dog, and even if you must encourage him at the start, he’ll probably soon get to enjoy it. Just make sure the physical activity suits the dog.
- Do something special like organizing a play date or giving her a treat like her favorite food.
- If your dog is sad because of some loss, you can try and fill the void. It may not be possible where for instance children have returned to school after holidays or even left the house, but you can distract him with interesting activities like those mentioned above. If he misses a companion, think about getting another dog. This may not always be possible or desirable but can be the solution in some cases.
- Be patient and give her time to get over the change or loss. Dogs are adjustable creatures if you provide a secure home, attention, and exercise.
- Don’t crowd the dog! Give him space and don’t fuss too much. That may just reinforce the behavior.
To be able to recognize the signs of sadness or even depression, you must be familiar with your dog’s basic, baseline behavior. Another good reason to spend time with and get to know your furry friend!
