Why do dogs get depression?

Dogs get depression mainly due to factors such as natural timidity, sensitivity, environmental changes, lack of trace elements, long-term illness, grief from losing their owner or friends, and the owner's attitude towards the dog. Additionally, if the dog's owner is indifferent and unsupportive, or the home atmosphere is tense, it can make the dog feel lonely and anxious, leading to depression.

Natural timidity and sensitivity

The personality of a dog plays a significant role in whether or not it develops depression. If the dog is naturally timid and sensitive, it will feel afraid when stimulated or encountering excitement, making it more prone to depression.

Environmental changes

Changes in the environment often prompt stress responses in dogs, especially in those who are naturally timid. For example, if a dog suddenly moves to a new place, its owner moves to a new house, or a new member joins the family, the dog may become tense and unhappy due to these changes. Over time, this can develop into depression. Generally, once the dog adapts to the new environment, its depression disappears.

Lack of trace elements and long-term illness

If a dog is not healthy, lacks trace elements, or has a long-term illness, it will feel uncomfortable in its body, resulting in a lack of desire to move. Over time, this may develop into depression.

Grief from losing an owner or friend

Losing an owner or friend is a common cause of depression in dogs. Although dogs cannot comprehend the meaning of death, they do feel sadness when they lose their owner or friends. Many owners overlook depression because they think dogs don't experience such emotions.

Owner's indifference and tense home atmosphere

Dogs are social animals who value companionship and interaction. If the owner is indifferent or uncaring, the dog may become depressed due to prolonged loneliness. Furthermore, if a dog lives in a tense home atmosphere for an extended period, it may develop not only depression but also autism or躁狂症.

Note: If an owner notices symptoms of depression in their dog, it's best to take it to a pet hospital first to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing the depression, preventing the dog's condition from worsening.