Signs of Canine Depression

Dogs often appear so happy and well adjusted, it might not occur to dog owners that canines can suffer depression. Dogs usually become depressed in response to something in the environment, such as the death of a beloved companion, a major life change, or mistreatment. If your dog shows several of the signs of canine depression, take it to a vet for a full physical workup to rule out medical causes and to discuss interventions that can best help your pet return to its usual happy self.

  1. Loss of Interest

    • One of the best indicators of canine depression is a loss of interest in activities that the dog previously enjoyed. If your dog is depressed, it may show little interest in favorite pastimes such as chasing balls or sticks, playing fetch, hunting, swimming, or even taking walks. You may also noticed that the depressed dog doesn't respond to other animals with whom it usually has a good relationship.

    Lethargy

    • The depressed dog typically has a low energy level. All it wants to do is lie around. Some people describe their depressed dogs as "sluggish" or "tired all the time." You can't interest it in food, activities or spending time with favorite humans. You can barely get it off its bed to go outside to use the bathroom. The dog might sleep a lot during the day, or it might just lie there with a sad or faraway look in its eyes.

    Changes in Eating and Sleeping Patterns

    • The depressed dog doesn't eat well and may lose a lot of weight in a short period of time. Since weight loss can be a sign of other problems, such as thyroid disorders or cancer, it's important for you to take your dog to the vet right away if you notice this symptom. Some depressed canines sleep a lot more than usual, while others might be unable to sleep at all. For instance, you might hear your dog pacing the hallway in the middle of the night or whining to get into or out of your bedroom.

    Anxiety or Aggressiveness

    • Some depressed dogs develop intense separation anxiety, especially if their depression is caused by a major life change. The dog might not want to let you out of its sight and might chew furniture and otherwise cause damage if you leave it alone. Depression also can trigger aggression in some dogs who are prone to hyper, guarding behavior. For instance, behaviors such as food guarding might get worse if an animal is depressed, or your dog might snarl at anyone who comes near you.

    Decline in Sociability

    • Canines are social creatures. They crave the structure of the "pack" and love getting praise and attention from the pack leader, the human. A depressed dog might ignore its human. For instance, a dog that once greeted you at the door when you got home from work may take no notice of your arrivals and departures.