Other Conditions That Can Be Confused With Dog Depression
Unfortunately, the symptoms of dog depression can be similar to other medical conditions. Chronic pain is often mistaken as depression in older pets, and to further confuse matters, stress from depression can make underlying medical conditions emerge.
Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCD) is a condition associated with the aging of a dog’s brain, which can affect their awareness, memory, learning, and response to certain stimuli. CCD can have signs similar to depression. If you have an older pet (usually 8 years and above) that is starting to show these signs, ask your vet about CCD.
If your dog is showing signs that are consistent with depression, especially in the absence of a life-altering event, they should be evaluated by their primary care veterinarian to look for an underlying cause.
If your dog’s symptoms of depression are accompanied by any other signs, like vomiting, diarrhea, severe lethargy, significant aggression, peeing or pooping more often, and so on, take your dog to the vet right away.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from depression, think about what has changed or is changing in their life, such as changes in their environment or social situations. Any significant change to a pet’s normal routine can cause stress and/or depression. This is not a complete list, but dog depression can be caused by:
- The addition of a new family member (human or pet)
- A change in work or school routines, like a pet parent going back to work after an extended stay at home
Pets can also feel empathy with pet parents, including depression. A 2019 study in Sweden looked at the concentration of long-term stress hormones in humans and their pets and found that dogs had similar stress levels as their owners.
They concluded that “the dogs…mirror the stress levels of their owners rather than the owners responding to the stress in their dogs.” Dogs can pick up on our moods and recognize our facial expressions and body language. They know when we are happy or sad, and our moods can affect them.4
Changes in ownership happen for a host of reasons. Everyone wants to pick just the right dog for their family, but some dogs turn out to be a bad fit. For example, a fluffy border collie may be adorable and loyal, but the high-energy breed requires much more stimulation than many other breeds and may drive an apartment dweller crazy. Sometimes a dog has to change homes when his original owner gets sick or passes away; this scenario can be difficult for the canine — on top of his grieving, his life is turning upside down. Sometimes dogs get rehomed due to neglect or abuse. Theyre usually placed in stable, loving homes with handlers experienced in rehabilitating such dogs. Dogs that have suffered abuse may have behavioral problems that the average family cant risk accepting.
Dogs experience a range of humanlike emotions when they change owners. Depression is common in dogs who have recently lost a caring owner. A depressed dog may be unmotivated to play, may sleep at unusual times and may show a lack of attention to his surroundings. Some dogs experience anxiety when moving from house to house. Anxious dogs often whine and bark out of fear or frustration; they may pace and search unsuccessfully for their former owners. Dogs moved from neglectful owners to stable homes are often shy and reluctant to interact with new people. They may hide or cower in fear until they become acclimated to their new surroundings. They may become aggressive when approached.
Emotional issues aren’t the only changes a dog experiences during a transition. Physical symptoms of stress are common in many dogs. While some may seem serious, they rarely require veterinary attention. Digestive upset and a lack of interest in food, for instance, is common in dogs under stress. If they persist for more than two days, you may seek your vets intervention, but most dogs adapt fairly quickly. Some dogs may shake or shiver out of fear or anxiety, and may even drool excessively, until they feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Eliminating stress in a dog whos changing owners is nearly impossible, but a few tricks make the process smoother. Place the dog’s kennel or bed in a quiet corner of your home to give him a place of his own, where he can retreat when the stress of moving becomes overwhelming. Retain a few items from the previous owner, such as an old shirt or the dog’s toys, to give him a sense of security. Feed the dog on a set schedule to establish a routine, and feed him the same kind of food to avoid excessive digestive problems. Provide the dog with ample opportunity to exercise, which allows him to focus on something fun and burn off excess energy.
How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a new owner?
All dogs have differing temperaments and stories, so it’s always a case-by-case situation. Aside from bonding in general, it often takes dogs between two days and two months to get used to the presence of their owners in general.
Do Dogs Get Depressed? | DEPRESSED DOG!?
Depression and anxiety can affect dogs, much like humans. Here, our Southeast Memphis vets share what symptoms to look for and how to help cheer up your furry four-legged friend.
Its true, dogs are capable of suffering from depression and anxiety. This is because they are intelligent creatures who, like humans, experience a range of emotions.