- Dogs can have many of the same health problems humans experience, such as diabetes, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, anxiety and depression.
- You should always discuss health and behavior problems with a veterinarian to rule out other potential issues.
- Be aware of how changes in your own life might impact your dog’s mental well-being, such as changing your job, moving or experiencing loss.
- Dog depression can be treated without medication most of the time, so you should research ways to develop and maintain routines for your dog.
- When traditional treatment strategies fail, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to treat your dog that’s similar to medications humans use to treat depression.
Do you ever wonder if dogs can suffer from depression? If you notice stark changes in your dog’s behavior, they may be having a rough time mentally. Perhaps they’re having trouble adjusting to life changes, experienced some form of trauma in the past or simply have a chemical imbalance in their brain. The reality is that dogs share more with humans than you’d think and can suffer from some of the same mental health problems that we do. This guide covers the causes and symptoms of dog depression and what you can do to help your dog lead the happiest, healthiest life possible.
Causes of Dog Depression
In humans, other medical conditions can mimic depression. The same is true with dogs, and it’s harder to nail down the cause of an issue because dogs can’t simply talk to us and say what’s going on in their lives. If you notice behavioral problems with your dog, you should first consider whether they have gone through something recently that could result in depression. Here are the most common causes: