Little or negative socialization You might find your dog become aggressive, shy, or fearful around other humans or animals. Lack of socialization may even cause depression spells. You may witness your dog develop irregular sleeping and eating patterns, or it may refuse to play.
Fearful dogs may exhibit unusual behaviors such as defecation, squealing, avoidance, hostility, and hiding. These actions are only transitory and will go away as soon as your dog regains his confidence and calms down. If your dog has been through a traumatic experience, he may develop persistent fear.
If you're unsure whether your dog is showing symptoms of illness or distress it is always best to consult your veterinarian to discuss what may be the issue. Because our dogs cannot communicate with us through words we must pay close attention to what they demonstrate through their physical and behavioral changes.
Dog may hide under things due to fear, illness, or a simple desire for private space. If your dog starts hiding when they never used to before, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Simply put, animals, like humans, like to be alone when they aren't feeling well. Moreover, this action is a natural instinct. Animals, including domesticated dogs and cats, are hardwired to hide when they are feeling sick and/or weak because they understand that weak animals are easier targets for predators.
Dogs can get depression, and it's most often caused by big changes, such as the loss of a significant human or an environmental change (such as a move). Depressed dogs may show symptoms such as a lack of interest in activities, loss of appetite, increased irritability, and unusually clingy or needy behavior.
What causes 'dog depression'? There are many factors that can impact on a dog's emotional state – these include changes to routine, environment, social group, or as a result of chronic stress or anxiety resulting from fears and phobias or lifestyle.
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.
Constant whining or whimpering lets you know that something just isn't right with your dog. Even more obvious than a whine, a yelp or crying out in pain when you touch your dog is his way of letting you know that he hurts.
Raised hackles are an undeniable physical sign of your dog's discomfort. Pacing: Your pet might walk back and forth nervously if feeling stressed. Shaking or trembling: This behavior is an obvious sign of dog stress. Whining, barking, or growling: Your pet will often “talk” to you when feeling uncomfortable.
What to Do When Your Pet Is Sick. First, remain calm and make a note of your pet's symptoms and when they began. Then contact your veterinarian to find out if you should schedule an appointment or visit the nearest emergency hospital.
If your dog is lethargic, there are lots of things that could be causing it. It could be that your dog got into something toxic, or it could be something as simple as dehydration or anxiety. Anxiety may also come with symptoms such as your dog chewing its paws.
If your dog no longer enjoys playing their favorite game of fetch or going to the dog park, or simply stops moving very much, they may be feeling lethargic. Just as lethargy in humans can be a sign of illness, lethargy in dogs may indicate that your canine pal is unwell and might need veterinary attention.
Treating your dog to their favorite activity or giving him a new toy can help to cheer them up. Also, since dogs love food, treat him or her to their favorite meal!
Anxiety and stress
Rescue dogs will often feel anxious and go into a shut-down or distant state when they go into their new home. Some dogs may also act distant due to separation anxiety, because they've panicked so much when you're gone, that when you come back they pretty much shut-down.
There is probably nothing more soothing to an anxious dog than its owner's touch. Try to identify the signs of anxiety in your dog and nip them in the bud as early as possible by picking them up, cuddling on the couch, or giving them a good long petting session.
Staying active is one way to distract your pooch from being sad and gloomy. Create an exercise routine that is fun for your dog. Make sure you create an exercise program that is suitable for your companion's size, age, breed, and temperament. An older dog, for example, should have less strenuous physical activity.
When dogs experience anxiety, music or white noise can help calm them down. This provides a soothing and calming environment, and it can naturally reduce their stress and anxiety levels. White noise or music can also drown out the unpredictable noises from thunderstorms or fireworks that trigger anxiety.
Look for secondary clues to hone in on what he is trying to tell you. Generally, one bark is to alert. Multiple barks mean he is trying to tell you something – anything from hunger to needing attention. Yipping or whining – A pup usually yips or whines when he is uncomfortable or lonely.