Depression is a serious condition that starts from anywhere and clouds the mind with heavy, negative emotions. When we feel sad, we communicate with our confidants and friends. But have you ever thought about whom your pet would communicate with when they’re lonely and sad? Of course, it would be you.
It is important to be aware of signs that may indicate that they’re struggling with their mental state. Ignoring these signs can make the situation worse. Avoidance is not the answer. Like humans, your pets, too, deserve an environment that’s filled with their necessary items and love
Even though your pet may have a suitable place to live, they can still become depressed.
These are the 5 signs you need to know if your dog is showing signs of being depressed.
Licking their paws excessively.
Excessive licking can be a sign of a dog’s anxiety or depression. Oftentimes, dogs will lick their paws when they experience anxiety.
If your dog is excessively licking or chewing things, it could be a sign of underlying physical or psychological issues. In this case, you should take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
Frequent Sleeping
Dogs generally need a lot of sleep. However, if your dog has been sleeping more than usual lately, it could be a sign that something is wrong; he may be depressed, unhappy, or lonely.
If your pet is depressed, it’s a bad sign if they aren’t interested in wagging their tail when you come home from work. You should make an appointment with your vet.
Lack of energy
If your dog is avoiding exercise or playtime, it’s likely because they are feeling miserable and downhearted.
A decrease in enthusiasm from high to mild interest reveals more about your dog’s behavior and psychological state.
Mood Swings
If your pet is suddenly growling and avoiding social interaction, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Sudden outbursts of aggression can be a sign that a dog’s serotonin levels are low. This can make the dog anxious and, over time, aggressive as a result of their anxiety.
Shifts in Diet
The sudden decrease in appetite may be due to various dog issues, such as fatigue, digestive problems, or mild stress. The most likely cause of these issues is weight gain.
Any sudden change in a dog’s eating habits could be a sign of depression and should be taken seriously. If a dog begins to eat weird foods at weird times, it may be indicative of a more long-term problem that warrants a trip to the vet.
When we see our dogs exhibiting signs of sadness, there are several things we can do to help them. Dogs are just as complex as humans and can feel sadness for a variety of reasons. Luckily, there are steps we can take to assist them. If a canine can fall into a depressed state, they can also be healed from it. However, they’d require your mental and emotional support. These signs will help you identify how likely your dog is depressed, but as a dog-lover, you should act upon them as soon as you identify them.
Depression is serious and can lead to multiple illnesses and negative consequences, check on your canine friend today and show them all the love and care they want and need.