Depression in dogs: know why it can happen
Although it seems that it is a disorder typical of humans , depression in dogs also says present . And although the furry can not speak to tell you how they feel, if you observe them closely, you will notice that the signs that they are depressed can be very similar to ours. But why do dogs get depressed? The causes are very diverse. Here we tell you.
What can cause depression in dogs?
Although depression in dogs may be due to endogenous causes, usually the reasons have to be found in a traumatic situation in their environment , more or less temporary.
Sudden changes are the ones that most often influence your furry to become depressed . For example:
- The addition of a new member to the family: another pet, a baby , etc.
- The death or absence of a member of the family group (human or animal).
- A home move.
- Modifications in the routine: that you are absent for more hours, that you enter and leave at unusual times, etc.
- A fight with another dog during a walk.
In addition, climatic issues such as the arrival of winter, just as they usually affect people, can also influence your four-legged friend to become depressed .
Dogs, just like humans, can also suffer from depression. Although in some cases the causes may be endogenous, the reasons are usually found in traumatic situations in their environment or in improper treatment by their owners.
Other reasons that cause depression in dogs
But there are also deeper reasons that can cause depression in dogs. In these cases, it is the owners who have the greatest responsibility for not taking proper care of their pets. We refer to:
- Do not promote the socialization of your pets, especially with other dogs.
- Not getting them enough exercise.
- Overprotect them.
- Humanize them.
- Leaving them alone all day or not paying them the necessary attention.
- Mistreating them in different ways (hitting them, yelling at them, keeping them tied up and/or isolated, etc.).
Also, if the pet owner is suffering from depression, chances are the animal will be depressed as well. Because of this disorder, the master will not provide all the care that he requires.
Know the signs that indicate that a dog may be depressed
Although we mentioned that the signs of depression in dogs are usually similar to those in humans , some can be confused with tiredness and even boredom . That is why you must pay close attention, because if you do not detect it in time, perhaps the disorder can deepen.
Among the signs that allow you to identify a depressed dog are :
- Lack of interaction with humans and other animals, both at home and when out on walks.
- Inactivity . He doesn't feel like playing, walking, running, walking...
- Changes in your eating habits . Eat more -even gaining weight- or on the contrary, lose interest in food.
- Sleep disturbances . Generally, a dog with depression sleeps more. But you may also be more nervous or restless and have trouble sleeping.
Other signs of canine depression
Issues such as :
- To be all the time with the tail down . Remember that understanding their body language is a good way to know what is happening to the furry ones.
- Begin to relieve yourself inside the house .
- Have strange behaviors . Behaviors such as moaning or crying frequently, being restless, excessively clinging to the owner or hiding can also be related to depressive states.
- Display self-destructive behaviors . In more serious cases, the little animal can hit the walls, stop feeding or self-mutilate.
So when in doubt that your four-legged friend is developing a depressive condition, it is better to go to the vet so that they can tell you how to deal with the situation in the best possible way.