Depression in Animals

Just like humans, cats, dogs and other animals can become depressed. And just like in humans, many different things can cause an animal's depression. If you have recently noticed that Fluffy or Fido has stopped eating with gusto, isn't as enthusiastic about fetching balls or chasing laser lights, or has turned into even more of a couch potato than usual, then depression may very well be the culprit.

  1. Definition

    • Animals who are depressed are experiencing a profound feeling of sadness, similar to that felt by humans who are depressed. Years of research has established that animals do in fact experience sorrow, and watching your own animal's state of mind may confirm that for you.

    Causes

    • Many factors can result in an animal's depression. One common cause is losing a partner or sibling. If you have recently lost a pet, your surviving pet or pets are dealing with the loss as well. Did your son recently move away to college? Fido may be mourning the loss of his companion. Did you recently move from a house where your cat was allowed to romp in the yard when he pleased, into an apartment? Fluffy may miss his old, carefree routine.

    Significance

    • Doing everything possible to help a depressed pet can prevent a tragedy. Many people have seen a pet run away after displaying symptoms of depression. Animals have also been thought to commit suicide, much like those stories of one elderly person letting himself starve to death after the death of a lifelong companion. A 2007 Softpedia article by Science Editor Stefan Anitei details various stories of suicidal animals.

    Treatment

    • Symptoms in your pet that you may attribute to depression may also be symptoms of another illness, so it's very important to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian who can rule out serious medical conditions.

      If your pet is indeed depressed, there are treatments available to help perk him back up. Medications administered to depressed animals are often the same used to treat depression in humans, including Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, according to Karen Sueda, a veterinarian of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, in a WebMD article. But the wrong dosage can kill your pet, so only give your dog or cat these medications if prescribed by your veterinarian, and only at the dosages recommended by your vet.

    Support

    • You can play a vital role in helping Fluffy or Fido beat depression. Like humans, most animals who become depressed as the result of a loss or profound change can adapt and bounce back from depression. You can help by rewarding signs of happiness with praise and treats. On the other hand, avoid lavishing an animal who is moping with attention and treats, as this is essentially reinforcing the depressed behavior. Getting a new pet to keep your pet company may also relieve his depression.