Up to 5% of all adults suffer from depression at some point in their lives, so there’s a large community of people who understand just how debilitating it can be. Between the low moods, the lack of energy, and the other physical and mental symptoms, it can feel impossible to complete even basic daily tasks.
As much as pet owners hate to hear it, it’s important to know that animals can struggle with mental health, too. That’s why the owner of canine TikToker @buddysmartz made an informational video featuring 5 signs of depression in dogs that people should watch out for. These aren’t the only 5 signs, of course, but they’re great for getting the conversation started.
Have you noticed any of these behaviors in your dog? If so–try your best not to worry. These actions don’t necessarily mean that your best furry friend is feeling sad or hopeless.
“My dog does all those things and he’s really lazy, so I think it’s just a lazy thing,” said @aaron_hines10. It could be! Refusal to eat, for example, could be caused by anything, from a dental issue to picky eating. And a changed mood can have so many triggers!
It should go without saying that any long-term or extreme changes should be evaluated by a vet. You never know what could be going on!
@Addyyy shared, “I think my dog has anxiety: restless at night, licks his paws nonstop, chews on the other dog’s ears, shakes.” That’s also a possibility! Depression isn’t the only mental health concern that affects our canine companions. Luckily, depression and anxiety both have a myriad of solutions, too!
Source: Pethelpful
