If you are a concerned owner wondering " why is my dog sad" you should know that there are many causes that can cause sadness and even depression in dogs. In fact, thanks to the most recent ethology studies, today we know that dogs are possessors of complex emotions, such as happiness, discrimination or sadness.
It is very important not to ignore this behavior, so in this article on our site we will explain why a dog is sad and what to do about it. We will detail the most common signs that we can observe, the causes that cause it and some driving tips that every owner should follow to guarantee the well-being of his best friend. Keep reading!
Depression in dogs or sadness?
To begin with, it is essential to point out that a continuous state of depression in the dog is not the same, which can last for days and even weeks, to an occasional episode of sadness. However, the signs that we can observe are very similar, so it will be essential not to ignore them and act promptly, in this way we will prevent it from going any further, becomes chronic or worse.
How do I know if my dog is sad?
Dogs are therefore susceptible to suffering from a state of sadness and depression, but how can we recognize it? If we know the usual behavior of our best friend, it will be easier to identify that something is wrong, however, if we have recently adopted the dog, it will not be so easy.
Below we will mention the most common signs o 20 symptoms of sadness in dogs:
- Lack of appetite
- Increased appetite
- Apathy
- Inactivity
- Prostration
- Decrease in activity
- Increased sleep
- Wailing
- Crying
- Howling
- No game
- Fear
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Lack of interaction
- Little interest in the environment
- Stereotypes
- Incontinence
- Hides
Why is my dog sad? - 5 causes
Before suspecting that our dog's behavior is caused by an emotional or behavioral problem, we must go to the vet for a check-up and rule out that our best friend suffers from a viral disease, such as distemper or parvovirus. In these cases we can see that the dog is sad and doesn't want to eat, it has limps, it trembles and it doesn't get up.
It can also be due to a parasitic disease, whether we are talking about external parasites or internal parasites, thus showing that the dog is sad and has diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive scratching. In other cases we could speak of a hormonal disorder, such as psychological pregnancy in non-neutered female dogs. Any of these problems can cause the above symptoms.
Once the organic problems have been ruled out, it will be essential to review the causes that explain "why my dog is sad" since this alone way we can solve it effectively:
- Puppy Adoption: when we separate the puppy from its mother and siblings, especially when it is done early (before 2 months and a half of age) it is very likely that an episode of sadness or depression will appear that will last until the little one adapts to his home.
- Changes in the family unit: As in the previous case, a dog that has been separated from its family, let's talk of humans or other domestic animals, can experience a process of sadness and even depression until an adaptation to this new circumstance occurs. The birth of a baby, a death or a new animal at home are also some examples.
- Use of punishment by the tutor: studies indicate that the use of punishment is not only less effective than positive reinforcement, but also which can also cause the appearance of behavior problems, including fear, aggressiveness or sadness.
- Loneliness and lack of stimulation: Dogs are social animals that should not spend more than 6-8 hours a day alone. Likewise, they require attention, affection, physical stimulation and mental stimulation. The lack of enrichment can also cause a state of sadness and depression.
- Negative experiences and traumas: a very stressful, negative and even traumatic situation for your dog can cause depression but also act as a trigger of various behavioral problems in dogs. Dog fights, a hit-and-run or a serious injury are some examples of situations that can cause this type of consequence.
What to do if my dog is sad?
Whether we have identified the cause that is making our dog sad or not, it is highly advisable to visit a veterinarian specialized in ethology or a licensed professional canine trainer or educator to make a diagnosis and provide us with a list of exercises and handling guidelines. However, while we wait for the specialist's visit, it may be advisable to follow these basic guidelines:
Pay more attention to dog language
It is obvious that any owner knows their dog, however, during a stage of sadness or depression it is important to pay much more attention to body languageof the dog to be more respectful with him. We will avoid those behaviors that may cause you unnecessary stress and, whenever possible, we will provide you with positive and pleasant experiences that promote well-being and a positive state of mind. A quality walk or a bowl of homemade dog food are simple but effective examples.
Spend more time with him
As we have explained, a dog should not spend more than 6-8 hours alone a day, however, spending more time by his side also means paying attentionIt is not necessary to be constantly caressing him, it can also be positive to carry out a brushing session or encourage him to follow us around the house when we carry out our daily tasks.
Promotes calm and relaxation at home
There are some relaxation exercises for dogs which, in addition to improving the bond with our best friend, are very effective for those dogs that They have stress and anxiety problems. Of course, it is important to point out that we must be very constant and do them on a daily basis so that they are really effective and have a real impact on the dog.
Improves the quality of walks and daily exercise
Physical activity is essential for dogs, therefore, we must guarantee that the dog takes a minimum of between 2 and 4 daily walks, combined with physical exercise whenever possible. Playing fetch, jogging for 15 minutes or simply giving him some time off the leash in a safe and spacious space are activities that will help our best friend develop his muscles and feel more satisfied in his day a day.
Practice obedience or mental stimulation
Just as we exercise our best friend's body, we should exercise his mind. We can practice short daily sessions of 5-10 minutes of Basic Obedience for Dogs, teaching him the basic commands such as sit, lie down, stay or he come here And, in fact, even if you have already learned them, it is worth reinforcing them so that you do not forget them and know how to execute them in all kinds of situations. We can also bet on mental stimulation exercises, either through commercial toys or improvising with elements from our home, an example is the one we show you in the following video:
