Depression is a dog is a serious matter. A four-legged dog that loses interest in walking and playing does not want to be stroked and preferably sleeps all day is probably suffering from severe stress, which prevents it from enjoying life. However, reasons for stress such as moving house, the death of a beloved family member or separation anxiety are often unavoidable … How do you cheer up a sad dog and improve his mood?
How do you cheer up a sad dog?
It is not only stress that can cause depression in dogs. Sudden changes in your dog’s behaviour also occur when it becomes ill. Refusing to eat, play or avoid contact with its owner may indicate that the dog feels pain or discomfort. That’s why, if our pet starts to behave unusually, we should always take it to the vet first and examine it thoroughly. Only if the vet decides that the dog is fully healthy, we can take care of its psyche by home methods. Here they are!
1. A long, leisurely walk
A stroll in a quiet place is the best way to de-stress a sad dog. It’s a good idea to go for a calming walk in a secluded spot where your dog can sniff around, walk at its own pace and won’t be bothered by strange dogs or people.
2. Shared activities
Spending extra time with your beloved human will improve the mood of any pet. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s an extra walk during the day, a longer stroking session, a loose repetition of the simplest tricks or simply lying on the sofa together. Contact with a loved one is a great way to fight depression!
3. New experiences
The opportunity to explore unfamiliar territory can distract him from the stress he is experiencing. That’s why it’s a good idea to take your sad dog to new, unfamiliar places. However, he should feel safe there and be supported by his owner. Therefore, it is better to choose a forest, a lake or a deserted beach for such interesting expeditions instead of a crowded dog run or a dog-friendly café. An expedition into the unknown can give your dog so many impressions that after returning home he will fall asleep tired… but happy!
