As most dog owners will attest, dogs do feel a range of emotions. They may not experience sadness quite the same as humans because dogs lack self-consciousness. But they can experience anxiety and depression, says Dr. Carlo Siracusa at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, in "Do Dogs Feel Sadness?" by Kate Hughes.
The development of dogs' emotions is equivalent to that of a two or two-and-a-half-year-old child, according to researchers, including Evan MacLean, the University of Arizona's director of the Canine Cognition Center. So the sadness they experience is less complex than that in human adults.
Causes of depression in dogs
Because dogs are social animals, receiving a lack of attention or being left alone for long periods can affect their mental health. When dogs are confined to a crate or the same room for extended hours, it can lead to depression.
Similarly, a lack of exercise can also cause depression. This can be particularly problematic for pets that are crated or confined to small areas for many hours at a time. While crate training for puppies is beneficial for housebreaking, they should never be crated for more than 4 hours at a time.
Once your puppy is housebroken, a crate can provide a cozy spot for your dog with the door left open. But dogs need companionship, exercise, and stimulation, which they cannot experience in a crate. So as your dog grows, limit confinement and when it is necessary, preferably to a larger room.
Also, make sure your dog regularly gets the exercise it needs. And hey, exercising with a dog is good for owners, too.
Another cause of depression in dogs is when a family member is depressed. Recent studies have found dogs recognize human emotions. A 2012 study in Animal Cognition Journal found dogs responded more strongly when people were crying as opposed to talking or humming. In this case, the best remedy may be to get treatment for yourself or the depressed family member, which should alleviate your dog's sadness.
Dogs also experience depression when they lose a family member, whether it's another pet or human companion. Sometimes dogs improve if a new pet is introduced, but not always. When a dog loses its owner, this can be particularly devastating.
An interesting 2013 study was reported by CBS News: "Dogs bond with owners similar to babies with parents." Researchers observed that the "secure base effect" phenomenon that's experienced by babies also occurs in dogs. Like babies, dogs are more likely to interact with things and other people when they feel the secure presence of their caregivers.
Another cause of depression in dogs is punishment. Animal behaviorists say when dogs are repeatedly punished with shock collars or other physical means, dogs come to feel helpless. Not only can it cause aggression in dogs, but it can also cause dogs to withdraw. The best method for training dogs is with rewards for positive behavior. This is not only better for their emotional health, but it's also more humane and effective.
Finally, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems can cause depression. If your dog is depressed, and especially if there's no apparent reason for it, have your dog checked out by your veterinarian.
Signs your dog is depressed
The most common symptoms of dog depression are similar to those in humans. They include:
- sleeping more than usual
- withdrawal or hiding
- loss of interest in food
- loss of interest in things it previously enjoyed, or inactivity
- excessive licking, particularly of their paws
- self-mutilation (in more severe cases, often related to separation anxiety)
About the Author: Kimberly Blaker is a Michigan-based writer and regular contributor to SW Lake.
"Dogs also experience depression when they lose a family member, whether it's another pet or human companion. Sometimes dogs improve if a new pet is introduced, but not always. When a dog loses its owner, this can be particularly devastating."