Dogs are sensitive creatures, and they show emotions like humans. Even though we are two entirely different species, we suffer from same illnesses. Have you noticed lately that your dog is out of energy and that his eating and sleeping habits have changed, or he isn’t as interested in the things he used to be involved in? In this case, it is possible that your dog is depressed. Dog depression is often triggered by the loss of family member, but also, some significant changes can cause this condition. If you are concerned about your furry friend, then you should look at the following warning signs.
Appetite changes
Let’s be real, dogs love their food, but when they reject it; then something is wrong. When dogs become depressed, they often eat less and even stop eating. On the other hand, some canines tend to eat a lot more when they are depressed. In this case, the food serves them as a comfort. If you notice a significant weight loss in a short amount of time, there might be a chance there is a chemical imbalance in their body. You should pay attention to his eating habits before it becomes too late.
Changes in sleep
Same as humans, dogs who suffer from depression, they sleep a lot more than they usually do. You might come from work and find your dog sleeping, which is not an ideal situation. Excessive sleeping is one of the most common signs of depression. Once you notice this behavior, take your dog straight to the vet. He will tell you what needs to be done to improve his condition and mood.
Loss of interest
Dogs tend to follow their owners everywhere, and they are very curious about their surroundings. A primary symptom of depression is a loss of interest in everyday things, such as walking, playing, and other activities your dog use to enjoy. Again, this condition is similar to humans, and your furry friend will behave in the same way as any depressed person. Unfortunately, using drugs is out of option, but you can implement other ways to make your pet happy and jovial again.
Avoidance and hiding
If your dog starts hiding from you and wants to be alone, then that’s a strong indication that something is bothering him. In this case, it can be a physical injury or purely emotional one. You need to observe his behavior and check whether he is hurting somewhere before you can rule out this option.
Excessive licking
Depressive dogs will often lick their paws to soothe their emotional pain. If you notice such behavior or your dog starts developing biting habits, then he might be depressed.
What can you do?
First of all, take your dog to the vet, to eliminate other causes. If the vet says he is physically all right, then you should keep his habits the same. Provide him the same amount of food, take him outside as much as possible and help him get back to a sense of normalcy. Always be ready to test your dog for mental disorders since you don’t want your pet to be sad and unhappy.
