{"id":10543,"date":"2023-03-06T11:50:55","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T19:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=10543"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:37:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:37:36","slug":"do-pets-get-depressed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/do-pets-get-depressed","title":{"rendered":"Do Pets Get Depressed?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever thought about how your <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-sense-emotions.html\">pets process emotions<\/a>? Or what you can do for their mental health? While dogs and cats do not express themselves exactly as we do, they do experience a lot of the same feelings that pet parents go through\u2014in their own ways. Yes, even dogs and cats can experience periods of depression. It\u2019s important to find out the causes and know the symptoms to let our furry friends know we are here to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/abc7chicago.com\/dog-depression-smartphones-and-dogs-smartphone-overuse-can-get-depressed\/4376022\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a> from the United Kingdom even suggests that dogs can become depressed from their owners using their smartphones too often. Founder of VetUK and veterinary surgeon, Iain Booth, told Metro that \u201cthis gadget dependence is jeopardizing the important relationships we have with our pets, particularly dogs and to a lesser extent house cats.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever noticed your companion animal pining for your affection or being more vocal when you are scrolling through social media? Pets want to please us and need our attention or else they may feel neglected, similar to children. Disconnecting with a smartphone can potentially harm that bond, causing depression-like behavioral issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-symptoms-of-depression-in-pets\">Symptoms of Depression in Pets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/behavior\/can-dogs-get-depressed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Signs of depression<\/a> in dogs and cats include the following behavioral changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sleeping more than usual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lack of appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loss of interest in their favorite activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whining\/whimpering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hiding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>appearing generally withdrawn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a pet owner, it\u2019s important to recognize these common signs of depression. Reach out to your vet if you are ever unsure of the cause, as these signs of animal behavior can also be indications of physical health issues not related to emotional distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-my-dog-depressed\">Why Is My Dog Depressed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest differences between pet sadness and human sadness is that animals, particularly dogs, are affected more by instant changes in their surroundings, while we experience depression more deeply and emotionally over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a number of reasons why your pet may be sad, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>loss of a family member<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a major change in routine (new pet, new work schedule, less enrichment etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>environmental changes (<a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/traveling-with-dogs-in-car-long-distance.html\">moving<\/a> to a new home, weather, a new baby, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a negative experience at home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>illness or injury<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>separation anxiety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk to your vet or veterinary behaviorist to determine if this is indeed depression or another health condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cat-depression\">Cat Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/top-health-concerns-for-cats.html\">Cats<\/a> can be a bit different, as they are not pack animals, like your pooch, and don\u2019t rely on us as intensely. But that doesn\u2019t mean that they don\u2019t feel depression as well. Oftentimes owners don\u2019t recognize cats as being sad, as many cats keep to themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many depression signs can mimic health problems common in cats such as pancreatitis and renal failure. If your cat is experiencing prolonged depression signs, visit your local vet for a check up. This will give you peace of mind and rule out any serious medical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you don\u2019t have an affectionate cat, be sure to give them your attention every day to let them know they are loved, whether it be by spoken acknowledgment, pets, or playing with toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-do-about-a-depressed-dog-or-cat\">What to Do About a Depressed Dog or Cat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similar to human depression solutions, there are many things you can do to help ease your pet\u2019s blues. For dog depression, encouraging <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/how-to-exercise-your-dog.html\">exercise<\/a>, rewarding with special or new foods or treats, or even offering them a trip outside to see their dog friends could get them out of that rut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our animals take on a lot of our emotions as well, so being positive around them, especially when they are feeling sad, can raise their spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figuring out the source of your dog\u2019s behavior change can help you determine what course of action to take, whether it be adjusting a behavior at home or reaching out to veterinary professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-on-pet-depression\">Final Thoughts on Pet Depression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pet parenting can sometimes be a full-time job with unexpected hurdles, but we\u2019re sure many of you would agree it\u2019s one of the best jobs out there! No matter what emotions our cats and dogs get, we want what\u2019s best for their well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also important to note that every pet is an individual, just like us, so what they need will depend on their unique situations. Always consult with your DVM for diagnoses and advice when it comes to your four-legged friend since, besides you, they know them best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em>This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and\/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and\/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever thought about how your pets process emotions? Or what you can do for their mental health? While dogs and cats do not express themselves exactly as we do, they do experience a lot of the same feelings that pet parents go through\u2014in their own ways. Yes, even dogs and cats can experience [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":13608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[294],"class_list":["post-10543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Do Pets Get Depressed? | JustFoodforDogs Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand how to recognize and address depression in pets. 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Dr. Chavez is a veterinarian and business executive with a progressive career founded upon a solid commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles. Dr. Chavez graduated in 2006 from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and started his career with Banfield, the world\u2019s largest veterinary practice, where he became Chief of Staff. In 2009, he joined the faculty of the Animal and Veterinary Science department at\u00a0California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, he was Director of the Animal Health Science veterinary technician program from 2010 \u2013 2013, and remains an adjunct faculty and researcher, and professor of veterinary clinical nutrition. Additionally, he served as a member of the Multidisciplinary Committee and the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee for the California State Veterinary Medical Board. In 2012, Dr. Chavez completed a Master\u2019s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California at Irvine. As Director of Canine Clinical Nutrition, he brings not only a deep technical expertise in researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole food diets at Cal Poly Pomona, but a true love for dogs that all of us here share. His own Golden Retriever, Rey, was a successful case study for our food. Rey\u2019s kidney disease was successfully managed with our Renal Moderate Protein vet-directed diet, which made Dr. Chavez\u2019s involvement even that much more personal to him. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, Dr. Chavez is a licensed practicing veterinarian who has focused on clinical nutrition since graduating vet school. Dr. Chavez notes, \u201cIt all starts with nutrition. You are what you eat, and practically any health issue can be addressed through a higher-quality diet. We are in a unique time for veterinary medicine where people are seeking whole food diets using real USDA ingredients over commercial kibble or cans that use feed grade ingredients. I\u2019m excited of the possibilities we have in further increasing the health of our dogs with this trend. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diets and help bring a simple, fast and affordable solution to as many pet parents and their dogs as possible.","user_url":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-oscar-chavez-realtor","instagram":"","x":"","facebook":"","description":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA, is a veterinarian and business executive who previously served as Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs, leading its Canine Nutrition Team. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, he has focused on clinical nutrition since vet school \u2014 researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole-food diets during his years at Cal Poly Pomona. His commitment to nutrition is personal as well as professional: his own Golden Retriever, Rey, had kidney disease successfully managed on a vet-directed renal diet. Dr. Chavez's career is founded on a deep commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10543","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10543"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10543\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10543"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=10543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}