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Like humans, dogs are complex creatures too. They experience a wide range of emotions like joy, anger, fear, shame, and even sadness. Yes, you read that right. Man’s best friend gets the blues too from time to time. The cause may come from something general like boredom or something specific like:
- A major change in a dog’s family surroundings (such as introducing a new baby, spouse, or pet)
- An environmental change, such as moving homes
- A distressing event, such as the loss of a canine companion or owner
- An empathy to an owner who is depressed or unhappy themselves
“It may be hard to imagine that your chirpy, tail-wagging friend could get the blues; however, dogs are in fact capable of having depression in the same way that humans are,” experts at Canagan say. “Dogs share many of the same neurochemicals that we do and, like us, they are exposed to certain stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol – so it follows that dogs may experience something similar to human depression.”
But unlike humans, dogs cannot express it directly when they are not feeling too good. The symptoms of depression in dogs can be similar to those in humans, from withdrawing themselves from social situations to being quieter than normal – it can be heartbreaking to watch. So you need to look for signs that your dog is unhappy. Here are 9 of them:
1. Change in Appetite
How to tell if your dog is unhappy: Is your dog not eating as much? Are they leaving too much food in the bowl? We know snack time is always a fun time, but too much eating can also mean an unhappy dog. A change in eating habits can be an indication of a pet’s state of mind. Stress and anxiety can lead to a lack of appetite. A drastic change in weight can also mean they are feeling down.
2. Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
They say let sleeping dogs lie, but what if your dog is clocking in more snooze time than the 12-hour average? If you notice an increase, it could be a sign that your doggy is feeling down. Dogs sleep a lot because they are not getting enough exercise and mental stimulation, which are necessary for a long and healthy life. Snoozing could be a silent cry for help. Plus, insomnia can also occur in pets. It could be caused by physical pain that’s why they are catching some Zzzs.
3. Not Interested in Their Toys
Similar to us, a loss of interest in things they usually love like toys can be a sign a dog is not feeling fine and dandy. If your dog is unusually unexcited about its chew toy, there may be something wrong internally. It’s common for dogs to lose interest in things sometimes, but not for extended amounts of time.
4. Doesn’t Want to Play or Exercise
Toys are not the only thing a melancholic mutt may lose interest in. If their energy is low and would not share the same enthusiasm for strolls and playtime is a sign. Professional dog trainer Steffi Trott says: “Depressed dogs have a generally decreased sense of excitement and happiness, and this might show in their refusal to go for walks.” Of course, not all dogs are social and active, so it’s important to note changes in behavior.
5. Hiding or Cowering
If a dog is depressed, they may go and try to seclude themselves by hiding around the house. Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, Veterinary Consultant for Dog Lab says: “You may find them sleeping under the bed or in a closet. This is a common sign seen with depressed dogs.” If there’s no presence of a bigger dog or something loud like fireworks, this hiding behavior can be a sign that they’re not feeling well. Similarly, dogs may try to make themselves small by cowering which could mean a low mood.
6. Aggression
Does your sweet fur baby suddenly start to bark, lunge, snap, or growl at anything that comes their way? There are many causes for this behavior like fear, injury, illness, possessiveness, and dominance. Depression is also another reason that leads to this change in temperament.
7. Excessive Licking or Chewing
We all have seen dogs lick and chew their paws. It’s their way of cleaning up or scratching an itch. However, it’s also possible that they are feeling down and may be trying to soothe themselves. A bored dog might also express himself by chewing on furniture, barking more than normal, or digging in the garbage. “Most people are not aware, but excessive licking (or chewing) can be a way of self-soothing,” says veterinary health expert Dr. Gary Richter.
8. Constant Pacing
Dogs are a lot like humans. When they are feeling anxious and worried they also pace around the house. It could also mean they are bored and unhappy. It can be annoying when dogs start making a nuisance of themselves, but that usually means they have a lot of built-up energy that needs to be released. Dogs are meant to play and run daily. Sitting inside all day is not part of their nature. Some outdoor time just might do the trick, but if all else fails go ahead and call a vet or animal behaviorist.
9. Being Destructive
Aside from being antsy, another sign of an emotionally unhealthy dog is suddenly being destructive. If a dog becomes rougher than usual it could be a sign that they’re feeling down. Are you spending enough time with your dog? This behavior could be your dog’s way of telling you that they want that tummy rub or run around the block. Increase their level of exercise or mental stimulation to see if their mood improves. If they experience an extended dip in mood, you may want to check in with a veterinarian.
HOW TO HELP A DEPRESSED DOG?
Experts say the first thing that you should do if you suspect that your dog is depressed, is to seek advice from your vet. Sudden behavioral changes can be the initial signs of illness, so it is important to check that these symptoms aren’t happening due to a physical ailment before anything else.”
- Give your dog more attention: One of the best ways to help your sad pup is by ensuring they get more attention. The experts at Canagan explain: “It’s important to offer this added attention in moderation as you will need to allow your dog time to deal with their feelings at their own pace.”
- Keep your dog active: Similar to humans, spending time in the fresh air can drastically help to boost your dog’s mood. Again, you may need to build this up slowly, but taking your dog out on regular walks will help them both physically and mentally. “When they aren’t properly stimulated and can’t expend all of their natural energy, a dog’s boredom levels can turn into sadness. Just like humans, when dogs are active their brains release dopamine and serotonin – the ‘feel good’ chemicals which supercharge their mood,” experts say.
- Socializing: Dogs are naturally social creatures so if your pup is feeling a little down, encouraging them to socialize with other furry friends might be just what they need. “This can be achieved perhaps by organizing time with other dog friends, through attending doggy daycare sessions or perhaps joining training classes,” experts say.
- Keep a regular routine: Ensuring your dogs know what they are doing every day will help their recovery process. Whether it’s heading out for a walk at a similar time each afternoon or when they can expect to eat dinner, stability in a routine will help them to perk up.
Our dogs’ body language says a lot about how they are feeling. If you are noticing signs your dog is unhappy, it might be a good idea to speak with your veterinarian and see if a check-up is needed.
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