Yes, Dogs Do Get Depressed – And It Can Be Treated
As most dog owners will attest, dogs do feel a range of emotions. Dogs may not experience sadness quite the same as humans because dogs lack self-consciousness, but they can experience anxiety and depression, says Dr. Carlo Siracusa at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, according to the article, “Do Dogs Feel Sadness?” by Kate Hughes.
The development of dogs' emotions is equivalent to that of a two or two-and-a-half-year-old child, say researchers. So the sadness they experience is less complex than that in human adults. For example, human adults can feel sad or depressed as a result of ruminating about their failures, imperfections or something they did or didn't do. Since dogs, like very young children, lack self-consciousness, they don't experience this type of sadness. Still, dogs can experience sadness or get depressed for a variety of other reasons.
Causes of depression in dogs
Because dogs are social animals, a lack of attention or being left alone for long periods can affect a dog's mental health. When dogs are confined to a crate or bathroom for extended hours, it can lead to depression. Allow your dog to spend as much time with family as possible.
Similarly, a lack of exercise can also cause depression. This can be particularly problematic for pets that are crated or confined to small areas for many hours at a time. While crate training for puppies is beneficial for housebreaking, they should never be crated for more than 4 hours at a time without an extended break.
Once your puppy is housebroken, a crate can provide a cozy spot for your dog with the crate left open. Dogs need companionship, exercise and stimulation, which they cannot experience in a crate so as dogs grow, limit confinement and preferably to a larger room when necessary.
Also, find out how much and what types of exercise are appropriate for your dog's breed and age so you can make sure your dog gets the exercise it needs regularly.
Another cause of depression in dogs is when a family member is depressed. Recent studies have found dogs recognize human emotions. In May 2012, a study was published in the Animal Cognition journal that found dogs responded more strongly when people were crying as opposed to talking or humming. In this case, the best remedy may treatment for yourself or the depressed family member, which could alleviate your dog's sadness.
Dogs also experience depression when they lose a family member, whether it's another pet or human companion. Sometimes dogs improve if a new pet is introduced, but not always. When a dog loses its owner, this can be particularly devastating.
An interesting 2013 study was reported by CBS News, in “Study: Dogs bond with owners similar to babies with parents.” Researchers observed that the “secure base effect” phenomenon that's experienced by babies also occurs in dogs. Like babies, dogs are more likely to interact with things and other people when they feel the secure presence of their caregivers. If your dog has lost a beloved family member or caregiver, those closest to your dog should intervene and give it additional love and attention.
Another cause of depression in dogs is punishment. Animal behaviorists say when dogs are repeatedly punished with shock collars or other physical means, dogs come to feel helpless. Not only can it cause aggression in dogs, but it can also cause dogs to withdraw. The best method for training dogs is with rewards for positive behavior. Not only is this better for their emotional health, but it's also more effective.
Finally, certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems can cause depression. If your dog is depressed, particularly if there's no obvious reason for it, have your dog checked out by your veterinarian.
Signs your dog is depressed
The most common symptoms of dog depression are similar to those in humans. These include:
sleeping more than usual
withdrawal or hiding
loss of interest in food
loss of interest in things it previously enjoyed, or inactivity
excessive licking, particularly of their paws
self-mutilation, in more severe cases, often related to separation anxiety
What to do if your dog is depressed
First, if you suspect any of the reasons above is causing your dog's depression, try to remedy the situation that's causing it. This will often resolve your dog's sadness. But if your dog doesn't improve, an antidepressant can help, particularly in anxious dogs. Dogs are prescribed many of the same antidepressants as humans. Always talk with your veterinarian before giving one to your dog.
Written by Kimberly Blaker
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