Depression is a recognized medical condition in dogs. Although puppies appear happy and playful, not all are fully satisfied with their lives. Some canine fur babies develop depression over time and knowing the cause of a puppy’s agony can help find effective solutions.
Depression can adversely affect your pet’s mood, energy levels, eating and drinking habits, and overall quality of life. You should take countermeasures right at the onset of the problem so your pupper is not devastated on all levels.
This condition is treatable, but when left untreated, it can negatively affect your puppy’s general health and trigger other health issues. Recognize the symptoms before things get out of hand and consult a canine specialist for testing and treatment.
It is worth noting that cheap pet insurance policies cover a furry baby only for particular physical ailments and medical emergencies. Even the best dog insurance policy will usually not cover a pupper for behavioral conditions.
Nevertheless, consider being prepared with a policy because no four-legged person can be entirely immune from accidental injuries, sickness, or other health emergencies. Meanwhile, read this article to learn the common symptoms of doggy depression.
Symptoms of doggy depression
Familiarize yourself with your little pupper’s normal behavior to spot any behavioral changes sooner. Although depression can manifest in various forms, a major red flag is significant changes in habits.
1. Lack of interest/lethargy
Your puppy doesn’t seem to enjoy the activities it once happily jumped to start playing. Also, your furry baby may not be as interested in its favorite toys and treats and engage with other people or pets at home.
Depressed appearance, body weakness, low energy levels, constant snoozing, being lost in thoughts, and not responding to tasty meals are signals that depression is setting in.
2. Drastic changes in eating habits
Gradually your puppy will start eating less, and depression may hit a point where the fur baby may refuse the meals altogether. While this can happen in some cases, in other cases, puppies who were eating lightly before can become voracious eaters after developing this issue. Too much or too little eating may mean something is terribly wrong with your pooch.
3. Disorientation
A puppy that aimlessly roams around or appears lost could be showing a sign of depression. If your puppy doesn’t greet the guests anymore, looks confused in social situations, or even otherwise forgets places, and other things at home, then it most likely needs help.
4. Changes in sleep cycles
Excessive sleeping, insomnia, staring into space for hours, and being awake during the dead of night can point to depression.
5. Frequent accidents inside home
If your house-trained pup has begun to pee and poop indoors, it is probably feeling anxious about something. Stress and anxiety can be due to real or imaginary reasons and need to be addressed by puppy parents.
6. Destructive behaviors
A puppy acting out often, chewing and biting your prized possessions inside the home, attacking people, pets, or kids aggressively may be suffering from within.
The above symptoms can indicate that a canine fur baby is suffering from depression or other physical health conditions silently. Meet your vet for diagnosis and treatment. If a treatable physical issue is causing your pet much pain and discomfort, then there may be little to worry about.
Cheap pet insurance covers a puppy’s basic medical care during distressing physical health situations and emergencies. Contemplate purchasing dog insurance, so your fur companion gets the medical assistance it deserves for covered health conditions, with minor financial struggles at your end.
