Why is my dog depressed?
Some of the more common reasons why dogs get depressed include environmental changes, medical issues, and the loss of a companion. Dogs who suffer from depression also tend to be bored and alone for long hours without any activity that can make them engaged and stimulated.
What causes depression in dogs?
One of the things that pet owners like us need to watch out for is the mental well-being of our furry friends. They’re creatures with feelings that need to be in a generally happy state of mind to live healthy lives.
However, there are times when we forget to watch out for their mental health due to busy schedules.
If you want to learn more about what to look out for when caring for your dog, we’ve listed below a few reasons why dogs experience depression.
Abrupt environmental changes
Dogs love having a routine. They thrive knowing they are scheduled to eat, play, and sleep during specific parts of the day. This is why when a dog’s schedule suddenly gets topsy-turvy, it can affect its mental health.
“What are these changes you’re talking about?”
Examples of these include:
- Adopting a new pet.
- Introducing a new person.
- Transferring to a new home.
These may seem harmless to humans, but to dogs, these can have heavy effects on their well-being.
Medical issues and diseases
When dogs don’t feel good because of illnesses, they tend to be lethargic, which leads to being in a depressive episode.
Your pup might be experiencing chronic pain, extreme discomfort, fatigue, and nausea, which are symptoms of a more serious medical condition like:
- Arthritis.
- Tumors.
- Infectious diseases.
- Cognitive dysfunction.
- Hormonal imbalances.
If you think your pup is experiencing health issues, it’s best to seek the advice of your vet to address the problem properly.
Low activity levels
This applies primarily to dogs with high energy and are bred to be working canines, such as:
- Corgis.
- Huskies.
- Rottweilers.
- Dobermanns.
- Golden Retrievers.
However, lap dogs still need exercise to be mentally healthy and well-stimulated.
Simple activities such as walking and playing can significantly and positively affect your dog’s mental health.
How to make a depressed dog eat?
Dogs who are going through depression may skip meals and have low energy levels. If this continues, your pup might experience other medical issues since they’re not getting enough daily nutrients.
You can give them tasty meals with strong smells to aid their appetite. Heating their food can also make it more appetizing to them. Examples of these include:
- Beef.
- Low-sodium chicken.
- Salmon-flavored wet food.
Hand-feeding your pup will also help encourage them to eat.
