Can a dog have depression? The truth is that yes, and in this article on our site we will talk about the symptoms, the causes and, of course, the treatment of depression in dogs. If we notice changes in our partner's behavior and it seems to us that he is sad, he could be suffering from depression. We should always go to the vet because the signs we see are non-specific, that is, they can correspond to both a depression and a physical illness. We must know that both situations are treatable.
How to detect depression in dogs?
Although the symptoms of depression in dogs can vary from one dog to another, the following are the ones that we can most frequently detect:
- Reducing your activity.
- Decreased interactions with other dogs and people.
- Loss of interest in surroundings.
- Eating disturbances, some stop eating while others binge eat.
- Prostration, lethargy and apathy.
- Increase in sleeping hours, although some dogs may sleep less.
- Moans, cries or howls without us knowing what caused them.
- Search for quiet places to hide.
- Decreased affectivity.
- Behavior changes.
- No gambling behavior.
- Slow movements.
- Possible incontinence.
- Stereotypies, that is, repetition of the same behavior compulsively, such as licking or biting one's paws.
- Some dogs are anxious and/or aggressive.
In addition, depression is classified into endogenous and exogenous, depending on whether the cause is internal or external. Although there is talk of depression in chihuahua, pug, poodle or husky dogs, there is no genetic predisposition of these specific breeds to depression, that is, endogenous or biologically based depression could occur in any breed or crossbreed of dog. The exogenous one is more common, a consequence of the environment and with various causes.
Depression in Senior Dogs
Depressive symptoms in elderly dogs can be related to the so-called cognitive dysfunction syndrome It is an aging process at the brain level that we could relate to Alzheimer's that humans suffer from. The dog will show deterioration of its mental faculties with symptoms such as disorientation, elimination inside the home, repetitive behaviors, decreased relationship with other members of the house, etc.
This picture could also correspond to some pathologies such as kidney disease, so we should always take the dog to the vet to perform the relevant tests that allow us to rule out a physical disorder. The age of the dog should not be an impediment to starting a treatment.
If cognitive dysfunction is confirmed, we can implement measures to modify behavior, if applicable, and the environment, always in agreement with canine behavior professionals. Medication can also be used.
Causes of depression in dogs
There are different situations that can be behind depression in dogs, such as the following:
- Depression in dogs due to separation: it is a common circumstance in which the dog will develop depressive, disruptive and destructive behaviors when found alone at home.
- Depression in dogs due to the death of another dog: Just like people, dogs can experience grief after the death of a dog. canine companion but, also, of another species, because what they feel is the loss of the bond.
- Depression in dogs due to moving of home or family: the sudden change in its routine can have negative consequences for the dog, which You will need a period of adaptation and adequate stimuli to reestablish attachment. This point may include the arrival of new members to the family, whether human or animal.
- Depression in dogs due to severe stress situations: conflicts at home, fights with other animals or illnesses can lead to depression that you will have to tackle depending on the trigger.
- Depression in dogs due to poor socialization: those dogs separated early from their mothers and siblings, or those that have suffered abuse, may present behavioral problems including depression. See the following article to find out "At what age can puppies be separated from their mother?"
- Depression in bitches due to pseudopregnancy or false pregnancy: in non-sterilized bitches, after heat, a hormonal cascade may be triggered as if the bitch were pregnant, even though there has been no fertilization. She will develop maternal instincts and changes in her behavior, including depression. On the contrary, there is no postpartum depressionin female dogs and if, after delivery, we see our female dog depressed, we should consult the veterinarian, since she could be sick.
How to treat depression in dogs?
As we have said, any of the aforementioned signs is a reason for veterinary consultation because, first of all, it is necessary to rule out that the dog suffers from any physical pathology. If the diagnosis is depression, it is important to discover what the trigger has been and, based on it, implement measures to improve our dog's mood. We will see them in the next section.
Professionals such as ethologists or veterinarians specialized in behavior can help us modify behaviors and the environment, if applicable. In those dogs in more serious situations, the veterinarian can prescribe medication.
How to cheer up a depressed dog?
Whatever the cause of our dog's depression, we can follow a series of measures to help him regain his spirits:
- The most important thing is that we dedicate every day time to spend exclusively with him. Dogs are pack animals, family members, who need to feel integrated into the group.
- The exercise appropriate to their age, walks, which cannot be limited to evacuation, games and, ultimately, different activities help keep the dog entertained, as does obedience training.
- In some cases we can assess the addition of a new dog to the family, which can work as an activation element for the depressed dog. Of course, this is a decision that cannot be taken lightly, so we recommend consulting a professional, such as an ethologist or veterinarian, since we must remember that in some situations the arrival of a new member can worsen the state of depression.
- Do not leave the dog alone for many hours.
- Avoid stressful situations that can aggravate or perpetuate the condition.
- Follow adaptation guidelines, according to professional advice.
- Although they have only shown a placebo effect, Bach flowers or products with pheromones can be used.
- Finally, pseudopregnancy in bitches is controlled with sterilization.
