You pets are the ones who keep you happy but there are times when they face depression too. Hence, we should not make the mistake of treating them like toys or hugging them constantly. It’s important to remember that they can also experience depression. Pets exhibit signs and symptoms when they are feeling down, and we should pay close attention to help them manage their depression and mood swings, ultimately making them happy. Read below to know how to identify depression in pets.
They Become Withdrawn
Dogs who are often very playful and social stop interacting with anyone when they are depressed. They do not even respond to their companion pets or their special people, which are those who loves the most at home.
Changes in Eating Habits
The dog’s appetite might reduce drastically and this can cause weight loss or and invite other illnesses. At the same time, a depressed dog can also overeat and gain excessive weight which is equally harmful. Hence, you should keep a check if your dog shows changes in their eating habits, as it is the best way to identify depression in pets.
Becoming Inactive
Dogs that are usually playful and active may become inactive and clumsy when they are depressed. Instead of punishing them for not responding to your training sessions, it’s important to recognize their depression and assist them in overcoming it by showing love and care. He might also move slower than usual and wander around without a purpose.
Changes in Sleeping Habits
When dogs feel sad, they might sleep a lot or have trouble sleeping well.
Discontinue Gestures
Dogs are very interactive and usually wag their tails and get excited when they see their loved ones. When a dog is feeling down, they may not react to things and might sit alone in corners, looking at the walls.
You should keep a check whether your dog is showing any of the above signs and sadly, if he is showing it you should immediately take all the efforts in order to cheer him up because your pets are your family and you cannot let them stay depressed for a long time. Take them for an outing at the park or try to give them a change they need if required.
