Can Dogs Get Depressed? | Dog Depression

March 2, 2015

Can Dogs Get Depressed? | Dog Depression

All throughout the ages there’s been much philosophical argument over whether or not animals have a consciousness just as humans do, and a lot of the surrounding questions will probably forever remain a mystery.   There’s probably no way of telling just what goes on in an animals brain, let alone whether or not their psychological makeup is consciously just like ours.  But, another related question has gotten some serious attention in the past decade and has gotten some answers as a result:  Can animals get depressed?? 

Usually this question is asked when people who own canines have noticed a change in temperament leading to lethargy, listlessness and other signs.  Theses changes in the temperament of our pooch friends has been perceived as very similar to human depression, and as a result has lead many people to wonder whether or not dogs can get depressed just like humans. 

The Answer | Dog Depression

Well, in light of much recent study into animal psychology and specifically doggy temperaments and dog psychology – the answer seems to be very concretely yes, dogs can absolutely get depressed (as sad as this may be).   No one wants to here the confirmation of their poochy loves sadness, but it does indeed seem to be a real condition that dogs can suffer from.

How do dogs get depressed?

Since our little friends can’t communicate with us all too well, it can be pretty difficult to determine just exactly what is bothering them and what’s given them the doggy blues.  But, essentially their depression is causally similar to human beings.  Dogs can get depressed for a number of reasons including:

  • Traumatic events
  • Dietary issues
  • Illness
  • Major life changes

Even something as simple as a change in your daily schedule can put them in a bit of a rut.  My pooch has a bit of a history with anxiety, she’s an adopted pooch that comes from a bit of an unstable background.  As a result she’s a dog that LOVES stability and over all consistency, even something as simple as my leaving the house at a time that she’s not used to can put her into a bit of a frenzy.  She gets used to things and likes them to stay that way. 

For example: we brought a new carpet into the house and she stayed up the whole night just lying away from it and staring at it, whining here and there.  The following day she was in quite the slump and it took her almost 3 days to adjust to the new carpet. Needless to say our interior design choices didn’t seem to be quite up to her standards and she actually got depressed!

What to do if my dog is depressed?

First and foremost you need to know why your dog is depressed.  Usually there’s a pretty clear reason for your dogs depression and it will go away quickly or can be easily be fixed with some adjustments or a frolic in the park.

But, sometimes you may have to get the help of a professional in determining the reason behind your dogs sudden decline into the doggy blues.  There may be an underlying health reason such as a dietary problem or illness that could be causing it and your vet should be able to determine what that might be and recommend what to do.  Sometimes, depending on the origin of your dogs depression they could even be prescribed therapy or psychoactive meds just like with human beings; although I would recommend using meds as a very last resort, because personally I feel as though just like in humans medication won’t necessarily get at the underlying problem.

Sometimes all your pooch might need is some extra hugs and kisses! So, make sure that if you think your little friend is down in the dumps to cheer them up in whatever way you can!

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Author: Aileen Schultz 

Photo Credit: Pretty and Sad via photopin (license)