Causes of dog depression and how to deal with it?

Could your dog be depressed? Do dogs even get depressed? Like humans, some dogs can occasionally suffer from the encounter of depression. Even though dogs do not have the same capacity for reasoning as we humans, it doesn’t mean they cannot experience depression. In dogs, depression is not the same complicated clinical disorder that it is in people. However, dogs can naturally experience depression.

When dogs are depressed, they often come out sad, lethargic, and withdrawn. Some dogs will stop eating or eat much less than habitual. They may drink only the least possible amounts of water and lose interest in play. Eventually, some depressed dogs can lose drastic amounts of weight and develop a different physical illness. As a loving dog owner, you will be comforted to learn that you can help your dog.

Causes of depression in dogs

There are many several potential causes of depression in dogs discussed below:

Physical illness

Many different health problems will cause dogs to act depressed. Contact your nearest veterinarian right away if you notice signs of depression in your dog. It is important to first rule out a physical cause for your dog’s abnormal behavior before things get worse. If your veterinarian does find a health problem, follow the treatment recommendations. Confidently, your dog’s depression will improve once he recovers from the sickness. If your veterinarian has ruled out all the possible physical causes of depression, it is time to start looking at mental/emotional reasons.

Grief

Dogs regret the loss of human and animal companions just as you do. Probably a housemate or neighborhood dog he played with is departed. Or, maybe a child in your home has grown up and moved out. There is no way to explain this to your dog. Losing a playmate, especially in your home playmate is often a reason for eyetooth depression. We may not notice that it very often, but pets do grieve.

Environmental changes

Moving to a new home, a general change of scenery or even the weather can adversely affect a normal happy dog. You can’t explain the reasons for such a histrionic change. It usually takes time for your dog to adjust to major new environmental changes.

Fear

Your dog may have dread or phobia that makes him seem depressed. Dogs sometimes show fear in various ways than you would expect. Your dog may be trying not to appear panicky since that might make him more vulnerable. Instead, he just evacuated from normal activities to protect himself.

You (the owner)

Are you depressed or sick? Your dog will be able to pick up on your energy and may start to feel similar to how you feel. Or, your dog’s capability is depressed if you are gone a lot. This may be similar to separation anxiety.

Unknown

In some cases, there is no known reason for the depression. This can be very disappointing for you as an owner.

What to do if your dog is depressed?

Disintegration and loss of ambition are definite clues that something is bothering your dog. If this is an occurrence to your dog, you need to address it right away and start to make life fun again. Once you have ruled out a health problem, an increase in your dog’s performance level is the next step to sporting your dog. Exercising with your dog is a wonderful way to start. Try to occupy in fun activities with your dog, like games, fun tricks, and general training. Take some time to fun with your dog. You may also consider allowing your dog to play with other dogs or go to doggie daycare. Naturally, you will want to pay more attention to your dog.