Identifying Depression in Your Pets: Signs and Symptoms

Identifying depression in our pets is very similar to recognizing the symptoms of depression in our human loved ones. Just as in humans, there are many causes of depression. It's important to recognize the symptoms of depression your pet may be exhibiting, just as in humans, depression in animals is a life-threatening condition.

A few causes of depression in pets include:

Grief- Losing an animal playmate, a human playmate or companion, etc. Animals grieve in the same way we do, they feel loneliness and sadness just like humans at the loss of a loved one.

Changes In Environment- Being moved to a new home or family/owner(s), staying in a kennel, etc. can cause your pet to become disoriented emotionally, and become depressed.

Chemical Imbalances- Just like humans, animals have chemicals in their brains which help control their moods. If these chemicals become imbalanced, it can cause depression in your pet.

Weather Changes- Again, just as in humans, animals are affected by changes in the weather, and these weather changes can cause depression and other mood swings.

Symptoms of depression in your pet are any changes in eating habits, behavioral changes, changes in sleeping habits, and even changes in grooming habits or activity levels.

Your pet may become lethargic or move very slowly. If your normally active dog or cat suddenly becomes disinterested in playing, going for a walk, or moves very little, he or she has become lethargic. This could be due to physical causes, but if there are no physical causes for it, it's likely that he or she is depressed.

Abnormal (for your pet) anxiety or nervousness is also a symptom of depression, and any changes in his/her behavior around other pets or people should be noted.

He or she may lose his/her appetite, and eat very little- or stop eating at all- and may not drink enough water. Changes in appetite and thirst are especially dangerous, as your pet could end up becoming dehydrated or starve.

Excessive barking or mewing is another sign of depression in your pet. If he or she is barking or mewing for no apparent reason, and it continues for more than a few days, he or she could be depressed.

Over-grooming and self-mutilation (biting, clawing, etc of his/her self) are other symptoms of depression in your pet. If he or she seems to be grooming more often than normal, or is biting/clawing/scratching his/her-self, then your pet could be depressed.

Regressive behavior, such as when he/she was a puppy or kitten, is also a sign of depression in your pet. If your pet suddenly starts using the bathroom in inappropriate places, whining or "crying", then he or she is likely depressed. This is especially common in elderly pets.

Aggressive behavior- such as snapping, growling, biting or clawing at other pets or at his/her owners, is another symptom of depression in your dog or cat. If your normally easy-going pet suddenly becomes cantankerous, aggressive, and volatile towards other pets or his/her owners, then it's time to take him/her to the veterinarian.

Any behavior out of the ordinary for your furry loved one should be immediately discussed with his/her veterinarian, and possible physical causes should be ruled out. Depression in pets is easily treated when diagnosed properly, if it's left untreated it can turn into actual physical problems for your pet. You should never attempt to diagnose your pet with any condition or attempt to treat any condition on your own- You wouldn't perform brain surgery on yourself, so it's best to not attempt to treat your pet's depression on your own!

Your veterinarian may suggest an anti-depressant for your pet- in the past few years, "Prozac" for pets has come on the market, and has had some success in treating depression in pets. In milder cases of depression in your pet, your veterinarian may suggest simple changes in diet, routines, etc. Spending more time with your pet, cuddling him/her, showing him/her affection can go a long way toward treating his/her depression.

Pets have the same emotions as we do, and this means they are just as likely as humans to become depressed. If your pet is acting out of character, and you think he/she may be depressed- take him/her to the veterinarian immediately. Depression in pets is treatable!