How can you tell if your dog is depressed?

Doggy Day Care at the Willows

According to recent research, dog depression is at the highest rate it’s ever been. However, many people are unaware that dogs need hobbies just like humans. So, how can you tell if your dog is depressed? Mental stimulation and socialisation are just as important for your furry friend’s wellbeing as physical exercise and a healthy diet.

What are the signs of depression in dogs?

Your canine companion wasn’t designed simply to eat, sleep, walk and go to the toilet. Over hundreds of years, they’ve evolved to hunt, track, search, investigate and problem-solve. But when stimulating activities are absent from their daily lives, their behaviour can become destructive. Regular walks are only part of the daily stimulus needed by your dog.

Dogs can also become depressed when their daily routine is disrupted. Common causes include a family death, loss of another pet, a new pet or baby, a change of work schedule or moving house.

Below are several signs of when a dog is depressed:

• Howling, whimpering or restlessness
• Decreased interest in activities
• Excessive chewing or licking
• Sleeping more than usual
• Hiding or less interaction
• Reduced appetite
• Low energy

How do you improve your dog’s mental health?

If your dog is showing signs of depression, there are various things you can do to help them improve their mental health. Make sure they’re eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise and rest time, as well as lots of fun playtime activities. Training helps them to learn important skills, but hobbies allow them to express their natural behaviours.

Mental stimulation for dogs

Let’s face it, a bored dog is an unhappy dog! By providing them with enriching activities, you can keep your canine companion happy and their brain active. Mental stimulation helps to reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviours.

Food puzzle feeders like KONGs, snuffle mats, scent work games, sniffing walks, shredding boxes and digging pits all provide calming, rewarding experiences. For more ideas, see our blog, Why is mental stimulation important for dogs?

Get in touch to book your dog grooming or teeth cleaning appointment today.

Socialising your dog

Socialisation with other dogs is also important for their mental health. It helps them to remain calm in unfamiliar surroundings and become comfortable around other dogs. When your furry friend becomes an adult, regular socialising will help them to build and maintain their confidence. For more insights, see our blog, How to give your dog a happy life.

Our daycare for dogs offers enriching activities

Most dogs should never be left on their own for more than four hours at a time. Long periods of isolation can lead to your four-legged friend becoming bored and depressed. One way for your dog to enjoy plenty of mental and physical stimulation, as well as socialisation is through doggy daycare services.

At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, we have lots of space for your dog to run around, including paddocks, a sand school, paddling pool and an air conditioned, heated indoor playroom. Our Doggy Daycare Assistants are fully committed to maintaining your dog’s wellbeing using fun toys and mentally enriching activities.

Learn more about our doggy daycare services – get in touch for a chat with our friendly team.

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Doggy Day Care at the Willows

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