Depression in Dogs: How to Spot It?

Whether dogs are intelligent is up for debate, but their capacity to empathize and feel is undeniable — and as sentient beings, they can suffer from depression or a similar state to what we'd recognize as depression in humans.

Below we cover the causes that can lead a dog into a depressive state. Identifying them will let us address them, since, as we'll see, there's a lot we can do to improve our dog's mood.

What Causes Depression in a Dog?

Depression in dogs can be endogenous or exogenous. The first has a biological basis, while the second, which is more common, results from circumstances that have occurred in the animal's environment. Depression can affect any dog.

Key causes include:

• Separation anxiety: in this disorder, the dog can't tolerate being left alone, even for short periods. It develops destructive and depressive behaviors.
• Loss of a companion: whether another dog, another animal, or a human, the death of a life companion can trigger a period of grief.
• Changes: a move, abandonment, or a radical change in routine such as the arrival of a baby can push a dog into depression as it loses a sense of control over the situation or over loved ones.
• Stress: a prolonged, intense period of stress, regardless of its cause, can lead to a depressive state.
• Socialization problems: the socialization stage in puppies is crucial. That's why it's recommended they stay with their mother and littermates until at least eight weeks of age. Interfering with this relationship can cause serious behavioral disturbances.
• False pregnancy: unspayed females can experience depressive episodes after each heat cycle, when the body produces hormones as if pregnancy had occurred even though it hasn't. This is resolved through spaying.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Certain depressive behaviors in older dogs can be due to a disorder known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome. To put it simply, it's comparable to Alzheimer's in humans. The prognosis is guarded, since this is a process of brain degeneration linked to age.

Affected dogs seem to be in another world, lose touch with reality, appear disoriented, show stereotypic behaviors, reverse their sleep patterns, relieve themselves indoors, and generally display behavior that can look depressive to us.

A dog with this condition should be examined by a vet, since there are diseases — precisely more common in older dogs — that can present with similar symptoms. Cognitive dysfunction is treated with medication and adjustments to the animal's environment and routine.

How to Identify Depression in Dogs

Broadly speaking, a depressed dog will seem sad. But since "sad" can be vague, we need to pin down which situations should make us suspect our dog is depressed.

First of all, it's essential to see a vet, because these symptoms can be the same as those caused by other illnesses. It's the vet who will rule out a physical problem.

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Decreased activity, both physical and mental.
• The dog avoids interacting with other animals or people.
• It also loses interest in its surroundings.
• Loss of appetite or, conversely, some dogs eat compulsively.
• Lying down for much of the time.
• Sleeping more, though the opposite can also occur.
• Puzzling whining and howling, since we don't know what's causing it.
• Seeking out hiding spots to stay away from everyone else.
• No longer showing affection.
• Behavioral changes, becoming anxious or aggressive.
• Stops playing.
• Moves slowly, as if weighed down.
• Some dogs end up urinating indoors.
• Stereotypies (OCD) may appear, consisting of repeated, meaningless behaviors such as licking or biting themselves.

How to Improve the Mood of a Depressed Dog

If, after the relevant physical tests, the vet determines the dog has depression, our job will be to find out what triggered it so we can address it directly.

In most cases, improvement measures focus on behavioral intervention. For this we'll seek guidance from professionals specializing in canine behavior, such as ethologists. Medication is an option, but it's always healthier to work on the psychological side and leave drugs as a last resort.

Generally speaking, to improve a depressed dog's state or even prevent depression from appearing, we can consider the following measures:

• The dog needs to feel loved and part of the household. To achieve that, it's essential to give it dedicated one-on-one time.
• Learning about canine behavior will help us understand its needs and make sure they're met. This includes exercise, companionship, diet, and training.
• Avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
• Any major change to the dog's routine should be made gradually and progressively. An adjustment period is necessary.
• Pheromones can be worth considering, or, although no more than a placebo effect has been shown, Bach flower remedies.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin (2002): Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid: Editorial el Drac.