Dogs don’t have an option to fully express their feelings, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t have feelings. They do feel sad and depressed as well.

Although there aren’t as many studies available in this regard as there are for humans, there is anecdotal evidence that points towards sadness and depression in dogs.

Some symptoms are obvious, like a dog appearing subdued and sleepy preceding the death of another dog in the family, however others might be harder to spot.

So, how can you know if your dog is sad or going through depression? Well, there are several signs that point to canine depression, some of which are very similar to the depression flags in humans…

Always Sleeping

You may have heard that dogs sleep a lot. But if you own a dog, you’ll hopefully have a routine going that’ll allow you to spot if your dog is napping more than usual. Don’t forget the significance of your own routine too. Has it changed? You might find your dog’s routine corresponds to your own, and your dog will sleep more readily when you’re not around.

Let’s say you leave your dog to go to work. To the best of your knowledge, your dog slept whilst alone, and continues to sleep after you get back home and doesn’t react to your presence. This could be a sign that something is wrong with your dog. This is especially true for dog breeds such as the Goldendoodle.

Check the dog for any physical problems, but if you don’t find any while the symptoms continue, then chances are high that your dog is depressed.

However, this can be the other way around. Due to depression, your dog may become restless and have trouble sleeping.

Appetite Changes

Some dogs lose interest in their food – any type – and may lose weight as well if they are sad.

On the other hand, some dogs see solace in the food and continue to eat. These dogs, while depressed, want to eat more and more, and may gain weight.

Of course you must take into account environmental factors too. If the weather is incredibly warm, you have recently moved, or have the builders in, this can result in appetite and behavioural changes in your dog too .

Hiding and Avoidance

There are many stories of dogs hiding in closets or under beds. Typically speaking, this behaviour points out towards either of two things; injury or illness.

When dogs suddenly start behaving like they want to be left alone or hide from everyone, this is because something is bothering them. If they are neither ill nor injured, then it could well point to some emotional trauma.

Aggression

If your dog has suddenly started snapping, it is most likely a sign that something is wrong. Aggression in dogs is usually a consequence of something else that has been bothering them.

Aggression comes in different levels, and you may need some time to observe the timings and patterns of aggression in your dog.

It could be anything from just growling to some serious fights with their best friend. Generally, dogs are not aggressive without any provocation, therefore, you need to check what could be the matter with your dog. It goes without saying, your first port of call should be your vet to rule out any physical problem or medical condition, something as minor as a bad tooth can result in some seriously odd behavioural changes.

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Even if you’ve become aware of some of the above signs, you shouldn’t assume that your dog is depressed right away. Take your dog to a vet as soon as possible to double check these changes aren’t a result of an underlying condition. If you do eventually discover your dog is depressed, seek additional guidance from your vet, as there may be very modifications you can make to their routine, diet or otherwise to elevate your dog’s mood.