How to Recognize Signs of Dog Depression

Just like humans, dogs can easily become depressed. Depression in dogs is often triggered by changes in their routine, such as losing a companion, moving to a new home, or the addition of a new family member. Depressed dogs may show changes in both their behavior (such as lethargy, pacing, or loss of appetite) and body language (like drooping tails and floppy ears). It's important to identify these signs so you can help your dog recover emotionally.

Pay attention to signs of your dog withdrawing. Healthy dogs are usually sociable and happy. If your dog seems uninterested in greeting you (slow, less tail wagging, less movement) or no longer engages in their usual favorite activities, they might be suffering from depression.

• Instead of running to the door to greet guests, a depressed dog might sneak away or curl up in a corner to sleep.
• It's especially concerning if your dog avoids you, as this could be due to injury, illness, or depression.
• On the other hand, a depressed dog might follow you everywhere but show no interest in interacting with you.

Watch for signs of your dog becoming lazy and less active. Healthy, happy dogs are full of energy. You might walk a certain distance, but your dog could cover four times that distance, running back and forth continuously. They might even encourage you to keep throwing a ball, and they wouldn't tire out until you were exhausted.

• However, when depressed, your dog will stop perking up its ears to respond to your commands. Instead of eagerly walking in the park, your dog may lower its head and walk slowly behind you. If you stop to chat with someone, your dog may sit or even lie down.
• If depressed, your dog may transition from being highly energetic and active to sluggish and indifferent.

Watch for signs of your dog pacing. If your dog is wandering from room to room but can't seem to find a comfortable spot to lie down, it could be a sign of depression.

Observe changes in your dog's sleeping patterns. Dogs tend to sleep a lot, especially when their owners are away. However, you should be concerned if your dog continues sleeping after you return home or prefers curling up instead of reacting to things that normally grab their attention, such as the mailman or a strange dog outside.

Pay attention to any changes in your dog's eating habits. Depressed dogs may eat less and lose weight. On the other hand, like humans, dogs with depression may overeat to comfort themselves. You should be alert if your dog:

• Refuses to eat their favorite food.
• Gains or loses weight.

Assess whether destructive behavior or accidents in the house are due to depression. Dogs that chew on shoes, gnaw on walls, books, furniture, or pillows are often bored and inactive, which can lead to depression. Depressed dogs are also more prone to accidents indoors. Instead of getting angry with your dog, try taking them outside more often to allow them time for bathroom breaks and to release some energy.

Watch for signs of aggression in your dog. If your dog begins to bare its teeth, growl, or act aggressively when you try to interact, it could be a sign of depression.

Look closely at your dog's eyes. Dogs often squint or narrow their eyes when they are in pain, stressed, or feeling depressed. Depressed dogs may also avoid making eye contact with anyone, even their owner.

• However, some dogs naturally have "sad" eyes, so you should rely on your overall sense to diagnose depression in your dog.

Watch for drooping or erect ears. Depressed dogs often become less responsive to surrounding sounds. For example, they may not perk up their ears when they hear familiar noises like their name being called, the sound of their collar, or even while out for a walk. They may seem sluggish and indifferent.

Monitor for signs of foot licking. Dogs suffering from depression may lick or gnaw at their paws as a way to self-soothe and find comfort.

Pay attention to how your dog holds its head. Depressed dogs often lower their heads when standing or sitting. When lying down, they may rest their chin on the floor and rarely lift their head to react to surrounding activity.

Observe how your dog holds its tail. When a dog is depressed, its tail may droop, tuck between its legs, and it will no longer wag easily. When encouraged to wag its tail, the dog might move it sluggishly or half-heartedly.

Notice the overall posture of your dog. Depressed dogs tend to move slowly, keep their head down, and have a drooping tail. They show little interest in responding to your actions and seem sluggish, no longer engaging with the world around them.

Look out for signs of hair loss. Dogs under stress often experience excessive shedding. If you find your hands covered in fur after petting or if hair is scattered around the floor, it's a likely sign that your dog is suffering from depression.

Đảm bảo chó không bị bệnh. Bạn nên đưa chó đi khám thú y nếu chó cư xử khác thường. Dấu hiệu trầm cảm và bệnh tật thường rất khó phân biệt vì cùng có những triệu chứng chung như chán ăn và lười hoạt động.

Hiểu nguyên nhân gây trầm cảm. Chó khỏe mạnh sẽ không bị trầm cảm mà không có lý do. Vì vậy, bạn nên cân nhắc xem tình trạng xuống tinh thần của chó có liên quan đến sự kiện gần đây hay không. Chó thường bị thói quen chi phối, vì vậy, nguyên nhân trầm cảm thường là do một thay đổi trong cuộc sống hằng ngày. Những thay đổi trong thói quen thường gây trầm cảm cho chó là:

• Căng thẳng: Bất cứ thứ gì ngăn cản chó nhận được sự quan tâm như bình thường đều khiến chó căng thẳng.
• Chủ làm việc ở nhà bỗng dưng ra ngoài làm việc.
• Có thêm thành viên mới (em bé hoặc chó con) trong nhà.
• Sự ra đi đột ngột của bạn đồng hành (người hoặc chó).
• Chuyển nhà.
• Quay về nhà cũ.
• Nâng cấp và đổi mới cấu trúc nhà.

Dành nhiều thời gian hơn cho chó. Bạn nên tăng cường đi dạo với chó và chơi các trò chơi mà chó thích (ném gậy, kéo co). Bạn cũng có thể thử các môn thể thao giúp chó tăng cường tính linh hoạt, dạy chó diễn trò hoặc dắt đến công viên dành cho chó. Khi xem TV, bạn nên ngồi trên sàn nhà cùng với chó thay vì ngồi trên ghế. Dù làm gì, bạn cũng nên đảm bảo cả người và chó đều vui vẻ. Dành nhiều thời gian chơi với chó là cách giúp chó vượt qua trầm cảm hiệu quả nhất.

Giúp chó hòa nhập. Nếu chó vừa mới mất đi người bạn chó thân thiết nhất, bạn có thể cân nhắc cho chó làm quen với bạn mới. Nếu chó phải ở nhà một mình hàng tiếng đồng hồ, bạn có thể nhờ dịch vụ chăm sóc chó vài ngày trong tuần hoặc nhờ người dắt cho đi dạo. Bạn cũng nên lên kế hoạch dẫn chó đi chơi công viên để chó hòa nhập hơn.

Khen thưởng nếu chó cư xử đúng mực. Chủ thường cuống quýt lên khi chó cư xử bất thường và đây chính là sai lầm nhiều người thường mắc phải.

• Ví dụ, tỏ ra cuống quýt khi chó không chịu ăn là bạn đang vô tình khiến chó hiểu lầm không ăn là một hành động thông minh.
• Cách xử lý tình huống này tốt nhất là đặt bát thức ăn xuống và bỏ mặc chó cho đến khi chó quyết định ăn. Sau khi chó ăn một miếng, bạn có thể động viên chó tiếp tục bằng cách khen ngợi chó.
• Bạn nên khuyến khích nhưng hành vi tích cực thay vì tiêu cực để giúp chó vượt qua trầm cảm.

Provide a sense of security for your dog by maintaining their usual routine. Try to ensure that your depressed dog continues with their normal activities as much as possible, so they feel safe and comfortable with their surroundings.

Consult an animal behavior specialist if your dog's depression persists. Dogs may experience a chemical imbalance and could require medication like Prozac, in addition to a behavioral modification program to help them overcome depression.