It’s important to recognize the signs of stress and depression in your dog. Dogs can experience a range of emotions, just like humans, and it’s important to be aware of how they’re feeling. Here are seven signs that your dog may be stressed or depressed:
- Loss of Appetite – One of the most common signs that your dog is stressed or depressed is a loss of appetite. If you notice that your pup isn’t eating as much as usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
- Ears Pinned Back – Another sign to look out for is if your pup’s ears are pinned back against their head. This can indicate fear or anxiety in dogs, so it’s important to pay attention to this behavior and try to determine what might be causing it.
- Nose and Lip Licking – If you notice that your pup is licking its nose or lips more than usual, this could be a sign of stress or anxiety. It’s also possible that they may have an underlying medical condition, so it’s best to take them to the vet if you notice this behavior for an extended period of time.
- Yawning – Yawning can sometimes indicate boredom in dogs, but if you notice that your pup is yawning more than usual, it could also be a sign of stress or anxiety. Pay attention to when they yawn and see if any triggers might be causing them distress.
- Demanding More Affection – If you find that your pup is suddenly demanding more affection than usual, this could be a sign that they are feeling anxious or depressed. Try spending some extra quality time with them and providing lots of reassurance and love during these times when they need it most.
- Becoming Withdrawn – If you find that your pup has become withdrawn from activities they used to enjoy, such as going for walks or playing with toys, this could indicate depression in dogs. Try engaging them in activities they used to enjoy and provide lots of positive reinforcement when they do participate in these activities again.
- Change In Sleeping Habits – A change in sleeping habits can also indicate stress or depression in dogs, so pay close attention if you notice any changes here too! If your pup seems unusually tired during the day or wakes up frequently at night, these could both be signs of distress in dogs and should not be ignored!
