“Dogs will become withdrawn. They become inactive. Their eating and sleeping habits often change. They don't participate in the things they once enjoyed.”
Feed them at a certain time, take them out for a daily walk, and have cuddle sessions in between; all this can help cheer your pup up. If in the case your dog is still sad or does not seem to be getting better, they might need some medical attention.
Signs a Dog May Be Feeling 'Sad'
A depressed dog may stop eating and drinking, become lethargic and withdrawn, or their depression can manifest as anxiety, and the dog may become destructive. A depressed dog might also become aggressive, Inman says.
If your dog suddenly loses interest in playing, going for walks, and other things that would normally excite her, take note. Dogs who become less active, slow down, or seem to lose purpose may be suffering from dog depression.
Sad or depressed dogs show changes in their behavior. They're often disinterested in games, act clingy or needy, or have lethargy and a decreased appetite.
Changes in behavior may indicate a health problem, so it's important to bring your dog to the veterinarian. Health isn't the only reason a dog's behavior changes. A dog who suddenly becomes disinterested in his pack may be experiencing a wide range of emotions, such as jealousy, anxiety or depression.
Most dogs bounce back from depression within a few days to a few months with just a little extra TLC, said Ciribassi. “Keep them engaged, do more of the things they like to do, get them a little more exercise, and they should be fine,” he said.
Still, the things that make your dog sad are often the same types of things that make you sad, like physical pain, loneliness, loss of a loved one, abuse, and neglect, Dr. Simon says. While most canine sadness is brief, sometimes dogs can experience very deep and long-lasting sadness that may turn into dog depression.
While dog stares are often loving or solicitous, they can sometimes signify more negative emotions. Staring or holding eye contact may indicate that a dog is fearful, anxious or uncomfortable in some way, Cerone explains.
Most dogs love them and they can be a wonderful part of our day. That being said, it is not necessary to take a walk every single day. Many dog caretakers feel like they are failing their dogs if they skip a daily walk. In fact, it is usually nothing to worry about, and sometimes it's exactly what your dog needs!
Dogs are social and typically prefer to be with others. Some may always struggle with being alone. When a dog doesn't know how to self-soothe or cope, they may turn to chewing or clawing stuff around the house, or barking or howling. Learn more about treating canine separation anxiety.
They may not show it like humans do, but dogs are definitely capable of feeling rejected and unwanted. Not just by their human counterparts, either. It has been proven that dogs can feel rejection when it comes to falling in love as well.
Before leaving a dog alone for a few hours, many people flick on the radio so their pet does not feel abandoned. However, new evidence suggests that they may prefer a bit of peace and quiet.
They love to eat, sleep and run around outside. Interestingly, dogs have preferences unique to canines. Most people are not aware of these particular tastes. Dogs, like humans, enjoy certain activities, mostly related to their breed, instinct, temperament and personality.
The best way to keep a dog happy is to simply provide for their physical, intellectual, and emotional needs. Make sure they have a healthy diet, an appropriate amount of exercise, enough mental stimulation, and lots of love and affection.
Wincing, Whining or Crying
All three of these actions indicate an injury or some kind of pain your dog is experiencing. If you start to pet your dog and they shy away from your hand or whine, you know there is something wrong. Your pet might need x-rays and a full examination to determine the cause.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
If your dog follows you into the bathroom, it's likely a result of their animal instinct and pack mentality. Canines who do this are referred to as “Velcro dogs,” due to their desire to be attached to your side. They may follow you around, even to the bathroom, to protect a part of their pack.