Dog Depression: Recognize the Signs and How to Help

If you're like most dog parents, you do your best to stay on top of your canine companion's physical health. However, did you know that taking care of your pet's emotional well-being is equally important? Dog depression is a real issue and can affect your pet without warning.

You may have a depressed dog without knowing it.

Just like human depression, dogs can be prone to depression after going through major life changes and traumatic experiences. While there may be acute or obvious signs involved, there are also some indicators that can be rather tricky to notice.

I've put together this blog post not just to make you aware of depression in dogs, but also to familiarize you with its causes and symptoms. Additionally, I will walk you through some practical and homeopathic strategies to support your pet during dog depression.

Just to emphasize, canine depression is not something that you should just brush off. Besides significantly affecting your dog's emotional state, this mental health issue can also have a big impact on your pet's overall quality of life.

What is Dog Depression?

Dog depression, similar to human depression, manifests as a prolonged state of low mood and disinterest in normal activities. Factors such as significant changes in environment, the loss of a companion, underlying illnesses, or traumatic experiences can contribute to this condition. We will explore these causes shortly

Additionally, a depressed dog can be identified through symptoms such as lethargy, changes in appetite, and a lack of enthusiasm for play or walks. We will explore these symptoms in more detail as we go along.

A dog's depression may lead to life-threatening situations.

While it may sound surprising, depressed dogs can face life-threatening situations without proper care and attention. Beyond the risks of malnutrition and secondary health issues, your furry friend might develop destructive behaviors, which could lead to dangerous situations and even self-harm.

Please do not underestimate depression in dogs. Some pet owners might dismiss it as a temporary change in mood, thinking it will go away quickly. However, as an experienced homeopath, I can assure you that this issue can severely impact a dog's life. It's more serious than you might imagine.

What are the Causes of Canine Depression?

Interestingly, there are many possible causes that can make your dog depressed. However, it is crucial to note that dogs have different personalities. They process experiences differently, so what causes depression in one dog may not affect another the same way.

In this part of our discussion, we'll cover the most common causes of depression in dogs. Some factors may temporarily affect your dog's mood, while others can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, which are major contributors to canine depression.

Moving to a new environment

Did you know that relocating to a new home can contribute to depression in dogs? Familiar surroundings foster feelings of safety and security, which are crucial for a dog's mental and emotional well-being. When a dog feels secure, it is more likely to be content and happy.

It's not uncommon for your dog to act differently after moving to a new home, whether it's a house, apartment, condominium, city, or state. This change in behavior is due to the bombardment of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. However, most dogs adjust quickly as long as they are reassured that everything is okay.

Losing a loved one

Many animals exhibit grieving behaviors after losing a loved one, and dogs are no exception. Grief is one of the most common emotional causes of depression in dogs. Whether they lose a fellow canine companion or a human caregiver, this experience can leave them feeling unable to engage in their daily activities.

Studies show that dogs who lose a loved one can experience mood states similar to those caused by physical pain, highlighting the significant impact of loss on dogs. This underscores the importance of mental stimulation in managing depression in dogs.

Suddenly living with a new family member

Trust is crucial in a dog's life. No matter how friendly and sociable your pet may be, introducing a new family member—whether it’s a baby or another animal—can cause anxiety. Ensuring your dog feels secure during these transitions is essential for maintaining their well-being.

This anxiety often begins by affecting a dog's mood and can gradually develop into a canine version of jealousy. Typically, a dog’s anxiety is triggered when it feels neglected or less attended to than before. When introducing a new baby or pet, ensure you provide continuous positive reinforcement and extra attention to your dog to help ease their transition.

Mental health issues of pet parents

Did you know that dogs can experience chronic stress and anxiety if their owners have underlying mental health issues? When you go through periods of depression, your furry friend can mirror your mood states and suffer similarly.

Incredibly, dogs are hard-wired to be empathetic with their human caregivers. If your dog is anxious, it’s possible you might be experiencing similar feelings.

Unexpected changes in the daily routine

As a dog parent, you likely know that our furry friends are creatures of habit. Breaking your pet's daily routine is one of the more significant mental and emotional causes of depression in dogs.

Whether it's a new work schedule or a change in exercise routine, dogs often experience anxiety and stress when these changes occur. If not properly managed, this can eventually lead to full-blown depression.

Underlying health issues

While this may sound surprising, underlying health issues can make your dog feel depressed. Chronic pain from an illness, lack of mental stimulation due to isolation after surgery, and inability to follow a daily routine because of mobility problems caused by arthritis are key examples.

This is why regular consultations with your vet or pet wellness expert are crucial. They can help manage your dog's stress and anxiety, preventing signs of depression and ensuring overall well-being.

Dog Depression Symptoms You Should Know About

Contrary to popular belief, sudden changes in your dog's mood are just one indicator of depression. In this section, I will highlight key questions to ask yourself to help determine if your dog may be suffering from depression:

Is your dog bored most of the time?

• Does your dog lose interest easily even with his favorite activities?
• Is your dog getting as much exercise as he should?
• Are you providing your pet with sufficient mental stimulation?
• Does your pet isolate itself from other dogs?
• Did a loved one just recently pass on?
• Has your dog's personality changed all of a sudden?
• Are you having problems with mental health lately?
• Did you just move to a new place or have new family members?

These are the key questions to ask yourself if you think your dog might be suffering from depression. As I emphasized earlier, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to address depression as soon as you notice any symptoms in your dog.

What Should You Do When Your Dog Exhibits Signs of Depression?

The first step when you observe signs of depression in your dog is to consult a vet. They can perform a canine mental health assessment to determine if your dog is truly suffering from depression or if another physical illness is causing depression-like symptoms.

Many dogs display symptoms that resemble depression but do not actually suffer from this mental health issue. Additionally, some dogs exhibit signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can also mimic depression. Regardless of the underlying cause, consulting your vet is essential for developing a feasible treatment plan.

Simple Ways to Support Your Dog During Depression

If you determine that your dog is suffering from depression, there are ways to support your pet during this crucial time. As an experienced homeopath, I highly recommend providing your dog with meaningful mental and sensory stimulation to help distract and engage them.

Activities like puzzle toys, interactive play, and new scents can make a significant difference in their well-being.

This meaningful distraction aims to trigger positive effects in your dog's brain. A dog suffering from depression can experience significant changes in eating patterns, sleeping habits, and even toilet training. Addressing these issues with mental and sensory stimulation can help improve your dog's overall well-being.

Practical ways to support your dog include establishing a new daily routine. This can involve visits to the dog park, teaching your pet new tricks, and introducing him to new people and animals. Remember to provide lots of positive reinforcement throughout these activities. Even a wet walk from time to time can do wonders for dogs with depression!

Do you always need to resort to conventional medicines to treat depression in dogs?

The short answer is no. While many pet parents immediately resort to conventional options like anti-anxiety medication, numerous dogs can overcome this health problem through natural means. In the next part of our discussion, we will explore a natural product that you should consider.

A Natural Product That Helps Your Dog Deal With Stress Properly

Zumalka's VITALOPET features an adaptogenic formula, meaning it adapts to each animal’s body chemistry to help manage stress. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body cope with stress and maintain balance.

VITALOPET supports adrenal functions, which help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure, response to stress, and other essential functions. This makes this natural product an excellent choice for promoting overall health and well-being in dogs.

Conclusion

Dealing with dog depression can be challenging, and sometimes your dog's symptoms may not involve depression at all. However, if you don't address this issue promptly and properly, your pet could become vulnerable to more serious health problems, such as chronic anxiety, physical ailments, and serious behavioral issues. Taking early action can help ensure your dog remains healthy and happy.

As soon as you notice unexpected changes in your dog's habits and routines, consult your vet or pet wellness expert. While dog depression is a serious issue, addressing it properly can significantly improve your pet's quality of life.

About the author

Denise Lessard

HOMEOPATH, NATUROPATH, REFLEXOLOGIST, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE THERAPIST

Denyse Lessard is deemed as the “mother” of Zumalka, which was established more than ten years ago to provide easily accessible natural products for pet wellness worldwide.

Besides being a trained alternative medicine therapist, Denyse also has expertise in homeopathy, naturopathy and iridology, reflexology, as well as Chinese medicine. She is a long-standing member of the Professional Union of Homeopaths of Quebec, as well as the Association of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Quebec.

Denyse’s philosophy as regards pet wellness is not just about only dealing with disease and illness when they get in the picture, but keeping animals in ideal health each and every day.

Find out more about Denyse when you click HERE.