He is your best friend, and although he cannot speak, he is able to communicate his state of mind with his appetite, his gaze or his movements. These are some of the symptoms that alert you that your dog is depressed.
Dogs are faithful and sensitive animals that improve your standard of living, provide emotional support, enhance your mood and are even beneficial to your heart. These road companions may, like you, experience depression and show it through certain symptoms.
It is essential to recognize these signs of canine depression and go to a veterinary specialist to rule out other health problems, such as pain or thyroid disease. For your furry friend to be happier, it is essential that they have company, play and affection, that they exercise and receive sunlight, have access to a healthier diet and receive additional attention to lift their spirits.
10 signs that your dog suffers from canine depression
- Ignore the game: If your energy levels have dropped dramatically and sports or game time no longer excites you so sharply, you should be vigilant.
- He has lost interest in his favorite activities: If your dog’s favorite game was running after a tennis ball or waiting for your son at the door every day after leaving school, but instead, he does not want to move from bed, he could be depressed.
- Leaves much of the food: Loss of appetite, especially if you give him wet treats or his favorite dish, is a noticeable symptom of depression. Pay attention to possible weight loss.
- Sleep more than usual: Every animal is different, so there is no unique number of hours of sleep that indicates canine depression. The important thing is to notice the sudden change in sleep habits.
- A loved one has passed away: Dogs also go through a period of mourning that cannot be accelerated and they miss the person who accompanied them so much. It is essential to comfort him, be sensitive to his needs, and give him extra love and caress as he gets used to the loss.
- Spend a lot of time indoors: Dogs need space to run and can be saddened by confinement and the excessive number of hours indoors. Long walks in the park, breeze and sunlight will make you regain your freedom and therefore energy.
- Shows sudden aggressive behaviors: A depressed dog may start breaking the couch or growling when you touch it. Especially if you have never displayed such behavior before, it could be a red flag.
- He feels lonely: If your dog is at home for a long time without any company, he could get depressed, since he is a social being. Ask family and friends to visit him and invest as much time as possible in his company.
- Constant changes: When there is a change of address, it is usual that the change is difficult for your dog. You need time, attention and care to adapt to this new environment.
- Constantly lick: Animals not only lick to clean themselves, but this action also helps them feel better. Although it is not a common symptom of dog depression, it could be compulsive behavior to calm down in the face of anxiety.
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