Monitoringclub.org | Signs Your Dog is Depressed – While dogs can’t directly communicate their feelings to humans, their behavior can say a lot. Dogs naturally feel sad in a different way than humans. They may not cry when they are feeling sad or depressed.
There are many reasons why dogs are depressed. Depression can result from the death of a person or another dog, or even an environment that is too foreign to the dog.
Knowing the signs your dog is depressed can be the first step to improving their mental health. Here are 9 signs your dog is depressed.
Signs Your Dog is Depressed
1. Loss of interest in activities it enjoys
If a normally active dog loses interest in play, it could be that the dog is suffering from depression. It is important for dog owners to be aware of their unusual behavior.
2. Sleeping more often than usual
Every animal has a different sleep cycle. If your dog is suddenly sleeping more often than usual, begin to be aware of the potential for depression.
3. Loss of appetite
Depression in dogs has similar symptoms in humans. If the dog does not eat its food or even loses weight, the dog may be experiencing depression.
4. Ignoring playtime
Dogs who are depressed will lose energy and not be eager to play or exercise. If your dog is not interested in his favorite toy, it may be feeling depressed or sad.
5. Constantly licking
Animals don’t just lick themselves to clean themselves, sometimes they do this to feel better. Watch your dog if it licks his body continuously.
6. Show aggression suddenly
A depressed dog may start rummaging through the couch or barking when you touch it. This behavior can be a sign of depression.
7. Neighing or whining
Puppies will usually do this to communicate with their mother. Knowing a dog’s communication style has many benefits as a pet owner.
8. Wants an extra hug
When dogs are feeling sad, they will seek comfort from their owners. This is often the case if their feelings of sadness are related to pain, loneliness, or boredom.
9. Do something specific
The longer a dog’s life with its master, it will create its own way of communicating. Over time, you should be able to interpret the facial expressions, actions, or sounds it makes.
Try to study certain signals that are given. For example, it may bring his favorite toy with it when he’s feeling down, or make certain sounds with his paws.
Understanding dog language can be difficult. However, this will provide enormous benefits for the employer. If you think your dog is depressed, it’s a good idea to take it to the vet for a check-up.
