Most healthy, happy dogs are highly sociable creatures. If your dog is not greeting you as excitedly when you come home – less of a tail wag, less energy and movement – or loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, they may be depressed.  Instead of running to the door to greet visitors, a depressed dog  may slink away and find an out-of-the-way corner to curl up and go to sleep. Be particularly concerned if your dog hides from you. Dogs that hide are usually injured, sick, or depressed.  On the other hand, depressed dogs sometimes follow their owners around everywhere they go, yet show no desire to interact. Happy dogs have seemingly endless energy. For every mile you walk, he goes four – out-and-back, and out-and-back again. They nag you to throw the ball repeatedly, and your arm grows tired before their enthusiasm runs out.  However, when depressed, your dog no longer pricks their ears up when you get their lead, and instead of charging off across the park, they trudge head-down at your heel. When you stop to talk to friends, they may sit, or even lie down. This change from active and energetic to inactive and lethargic may indicate depression. If your dog wanders from room to room and can’t find a place to settle down, they may be depressed. All dogs sleep a lot, particularly when their owners are gone. However, you should be concerned if your dog continues sleeping when you get home, or if they stay curled up instead of coming to the window or door for things that once attracted them, like the mailman or a passing dog. Most dogs will eat less and lose weight when depressed. On the other hand, just like humans, some dogs may eat more as a form of comfort. Watch for:  Refusing treats that they once loved. Weight gain or weight loss. Tearing up shoes or chewing on walls, books, furniture, or pillows are often signs of lack of exercise, which may lead to depression. Depressed dogs may also be more prone to have accidents in the house. Try not to be angry. Take them out more to ensure they have plenty of time to pee or poop outdoors. If your dog begins to growl, snap, or otherwise act aggressively when you try to interact with them, this may be a sign of depression.
فكّر فيما إذا كان كلبك يعاني من الانسحاب. تحقق من التحوّل من النشاط إلى الخمول. انتبه للمشي بخطى سريعة. راقب أي تغيرات في نمط نوم كلبك. لاحظ تغيرات في حمية كلبك. فكّر فيما إذا كان السلوك التدميري أو قضاء الحاجة داخل المنزل يحدث نتيجةً للاكتئاب. احترس من السلوك العدواني.