Can pets really get depressed? The short answer is that pets can experience emotional difficulties that may look similar to depression.
According to veterinarian Ashley Heymans of Manorswood Veterinary Clinic in Gallo Manor, and Dotsure vet of the month, “pets can experience stress, anxiety and grief, with some changes resembling depression. Our pets may not be able to tell us when something is wrong, but changes in behaviour can speak volumes.”
What are the signs of depression in pets?
“Signs of depression in pets include withdrawing from people, losing interest in play or walks, eating less, sleeping more, irritability and simply not being themselves,” Heymans advises.
So, how to tell if your pet is depressed? Look for changes from their individual normal behaviour. “If a dog or cat withdraws from their people and doesn’t want to eat their favourite treats or play as they normally would, and it lasts more than a day, it certainly warrants a visit to the vet,” says Heymans.
Stress and anxiety in pets can have many causes
In the words of our vet, “stress and anxiety in pets can be triggered by moving home, being rehomed, losing a companion, changes in household routines or reduced activity.” Heymans recalls her childhood dog going on a “hunger strike” when the children returned to boarding school. “She was missing her playmates!”
“However, behavioural changes should never automatically be labelled depression. Illness, pain, arthritis, dental disease and other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms. Seasonal changes can also affect behaviour. A dog that normally enjoys daily summer walks may become more subdued when winter reduces its activity. This is why knowing when to take your pet to the vet matters,” says Heymans.
Is my pet depressed or just bored?
Pets can have an occasional quiet day. However, duration, severity and persistence matter.
Boredom can also play a role. Some breeds were bred for activities such as herding, hunting or retrieving. Without enough stimulation, they may become restless, destructive or withdrawn.
For pet parents wondering how to keep your dog mentally stimulated, this is Dr Heymans’s advice: “activities for bored dogs can include sniffing walks, scent games, food puzzles, snuffle mats, retrieving, training, hiking and appropriate social interaction. For cats, climbing spaces, scratching posts, hiding places and interactive toys can provide valuable enrichment activities. Physical exercise is important, but mental stimulation can be just as valuable.”
How can you help a pet feel better?
The first step is to make sure there isn't an underlying medical problem,” says Heymans. “Routine can provide security, particularly after a major change. Pet parents should also monitor changes in a pet’s appetite, energy, social behaviour and interest in everyday activities.”
If symptoms are persistent, severe or worsening, veterinary advice is important. Treatment will depend on the cause and may include enrichment, behavioural modification or, where appropriate, medication.
Ultimately, responsible pet parenting means paying attention when something feels different. Sometimes the best way to show a pet love is simply to notice, investigate and get them the help they need. As Heymans puts it: “Medication is one tool in the toolbox, rather than a replacement for addressing the underlying problem.”
To ensure your companion receives the best care during unexpected health shifts, explore wholehearted pet insurance options by Dotsure.
Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023-2026 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, City Press and Rekord.