Is your dog depressed? This is how you can spot signs of depression in your pet according to experts

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from depression. However, unlike us, they cannot tell us how they feel with words.

Instead of verbalising their feelings, dogs instead give us a variety of signals that can point us in the right direction as to how to help them, because nobody wants a poorly pooch.

The main things to look out for in dogs' behaviour is a change in body language when interacting with people and other animals, a decreased appetite, and lethargic behaviour.

How to detect doggy depression

When detecting depression, “the main thing would be a change in normal demeanour,” Dr. Leslie Sinn, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists says. “What I hear from most of my clients is that their dog is not that willing to engage in activities that previously they seemed to really enjoy.”

Behavioural changes do depend on the dog, as while some become clingy and needy, others can appear more distanced from their owner.

Pain can be a key driver of depression in dogs: “In general”, Sinn adds via the American Kennel Club, “if a dog is slowing down or is reluctant to engage, especially in the absence of some life-changing event, then I would bet huge amounts of money that it is medical or pain-related."

Like humans, grief from losing a loved one can cause dogs to suffer from depression. As well as that, trauma from injury, abuse, or prolonged stress can impact their well-being. Environmental changes like moving, rehoming, or new family members, as well as shifts in routines, may also contribute. Additionally, social isolation and a lack of physical or mental stimulation, especially in high-energy breeds, can be significant factors in causing depression.

“Depression, in animals anyway, is something that we tend to associate with a specific event. It could be the loss of an owner, the loss of a buddy that they have grown up with, or a huge lifestyle change — a big move, or the addition or subtraction of key members of their social group. It tends to be context-specific", explains Sinn.

How can I cure my dog of depression?

Luckily, dogs are incredibly reactive to depression treatment, with Sinn emphasising that “spending some extra time with them, taking them on extra fun walks, playing a little tug, or having a little grooming session" can have hugely positive effects on their mental health.

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Medication is an option, although it is a last resort in many cases and only ever used on dogs with particularly traumatic pasts that they cannot get over. And medication is never a sole option for treatment, and will always be administered along with positive changes in their environment, which are a must for every dog, happy or sad.

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