Is Your Dog Stressed – or Depressed?

Dogs are as prone to stress, anxiety and depression as we are. Knowing how and why these issues manifest, and the differences between them, will help you better understand your dog’s behavior.

Stress, anxiety and depression are common mental health problems among humans. They can also affect our dogs. When it comes to our canine companions, however, it can be challenging to know exactly how they are feeling, and what their behavior might be signaling. Because your dog can’t tell you he’s stressed, anxious or depressed, you have to rely on other means to figure out what’s going on. For example, does a stressed or anxious dog behave the same way as a depressed dog? How do you tell the difference? Read on to see what Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, DACVA, DACVB, and CEO of the non-profit Center for Canine Behavior Studies, has to say on this topic.

Q: CAN DOGS EXPERIENCE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION THE WAY HUMANS DO?

A: A 2019 study entitled “Demographics and Comorbidity of Behavior Problems in Dogs” involved 4,114 dogs, 85% of which were exhibiting behavior problems. Almost half of those dogs (44%) were considered by their families to be fearful or anxious.

The contexts in which dogs express anxiety are similar to those that elicit anxiety in people, and may be related to animate, inanimate, or situational cues.

Signs of anxiety in dogs include panting, pacing, vocalizing, salivating, hiding, acting out, and autonomic nervous system signs such as dilated pupils, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and inappropriate elimination.

Depression is a distinct condition, but may be triggered by anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or separation anxiety. Depression can occur in dogs that find themselves in an unresolvable situation, such as bereavement following the loss of a closely-bonded human or canine friend, or the inability to avoid some inescapable ongoing pernicious experience. The latter is often termed “learned helplessness.”

Q: CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE CHEMISTRY OF A DOG’S NERVOUS SYSTEM IN A STATE OF ANXIETY?

A: Anxiety occurs when the emotional brain overpowers the cognitive brain, so instead of being able to reason their way out of a disturbing situation, dogs find themselves in an uncontrollable feedback loop of negative feelings and sensations.

The emotional brain is the more primitive region of the brain, and is located in the temporal lobe, specifically the limbic system. The amygdala is part of the limbic system, and is instrumental in promoting feelings of anxiety.

Several neurotransmitters play a role in modulating anxiety, including norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Q: ARE DEPRESSION AND STRESS LINKED IN DOGS, AND CAN DOGS EXPERIENCE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME? HOW DO THEY DIFFER WHEN IT COMES TO SYMPTOMS?

A: The effects of stress and depression are similar in both humans and dogs. There are several levels of stress, ranging from mild to severe, and the results are various degrees of nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and even repetitive, self- soothing behaviors.

The effects of chronic or long-term stress may lead to depression, a mood disorder that makes dogs appear sad and disinterested in things they would normally enjoy. Depression also affects appetite and sleep habits, and causes a lack of energy, enthusiasm, and motivation.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF SITUATIONS TRIGGER THESE PROBLEMS?

A: Stress can be triggered by a number of different events and circumstances. It may be short-lived or ongoing, depending on the cause. A change in family (“pack”) structure or a geographic move may cause stress in sensitive dogs. Certain individuals seem more prone to stressful situations while others are more resilient.

Other causes of stress include loud noises (e.g. weather events or a nearby shooting range), inconsistent interactions from the dog’s human, and separation from loved ones. Extremely sensitive dogs with separation-induced stress may lapse into depression and become withdrawn, inactive, and totally inappetant — another example of learned helplessness.

Q: WHAT BEHAVIORAL TREATMENTS CAN COMBAT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN DOGS?

A: Eliminating the source of anxiety is key, and may include not leaving the dog alone for extended periods, or removing them from the anxiety-inducing situation. In the case of depression, changing a sad circumstances can be helpful — for example, getting a new puppy as a friend for a dog depressed by bereavement.

General background measures that are likely to quell both stress and anxiety as well as depression include increased exercise (which generates mood-stabilizing serotonin), arranging for pleasurable distractions, and giving the dog consistent care and support.

Q: HOW DO PLAY AND CANINE FRIENDS AT THE DOG PARK AFFECT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION?

A: Playing with another canine encourages anxious or depressed dogs to come out of their shells, and is generally beneficial, if the depressed dog can be induced to play.

However, dog parks are a mixed bag when it comes to reducing anxiety and depression. Some anxious dogs that previously loved spending time with canine friends at the dog park may find the experience helpful. On the other hand, some don’t enjoy the rowdiness of dog parks and may slink off to the side or even hide under a bench. In this case, especially if anxiety is somehow linked to experiences at the dog park, it is better to arrange play with a trusted canine friend at home in the yard, or some other relatively secluded location.

Q: WHY IS EDUCATION KEY TO LIVING IN HARMONY WITH OUR DOGS?

A: While dogs and humans are separate species with somewhat different biological agendas, we have shared emotions, and there is considerable overlap in much of our mutual understanding of the world around us. Claiming that “dogs are people” is a step too far; on the other hand, assuming dogs are emotionless automatons is a mistake in the opposite direction. This means learning how our dogs think, and what they are or aren’t capable of, is invaluable.

For the overly anthropomorphic, realizing that dogs are dogs and not furry people can help adjust their expectations and behavior in a dog-centric way. For people with less appreciation for canine emotions and sentience, education will improve the way they perceive their canine companions, and thus improve their interactions and behavior toward their four-legged friends.

Q: WHERE SHOULD PEOPLE SEEK HELP FOR DOGS WITH STRESS OR DEPRESSION?

A: Help is available in the form of trainers, non-veterinary behaviorists, and veterinary behaviorists. Trainers are equivalent to human family counsellors; non-veterinary behaviorists are the canine psychologists; and veterinary behaviorists are the dog psychiatrists, who can diagnose and medically treat really serious behavior problems.

Specialists who are qualified in these areas, as opposed to being self-professed, are clearly a cut above. If a trainer or non-veterinary behaviorist cannot fix a problem, then a local vet should be the next port of call because 15% of dogs with intractable behavior problems have been shown to have some contributory or causative medical issue. Veterinary behaviorists can be more challenging to access because there aren’t as many of them, and they’re geographically remote from many dog parents.

Q: WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF STRESS, AND WHAT HAPPENS IF IT’S NOT TREATED?

A: Long-term stress is associated with a number of physical issues, many mediated by elevated blood levels of the steroid hormone, cortisol. Chronic cortisol elevation depresses immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections and cancer.

Catecholamines such as epinephrine (adrenaline) are also chronically elevated by stress, raising blood pressure and causing negative effects such as increased susceptibility to stroke and deteriorating heart function. Digestive issues are also common because of alterations in the blood-gut axis. If untreated, chronic stress can shorten a dog’s life due to any of the above conditions.

Q: HOW CAN WE REDUCE STRESS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION IN OUR DOGS? WHAT ABOUT SHELTER DOGS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO UNFAVORABLE ENVIRONMENTS?

A: Socialization with people and other dogs is the most important thing a new puppy parent can do. Socialization in early life prevents the development of serious issues such as fear aggression, and equips a dog to be more confident and well-balanced as an adult.

Exposure to sights and sounds is also important to prevent negative reactions to events they will experience as adult dogs. The most sensitive period for such learning is the first three to four months of a puppy’s life.

Of course, this is not possible with shelter dogs adopted later in life. Their early experiences are something of a black box and may have been either good or deficient. All one can do under these circumstances is to work with any shortcomings that become evident, with professional help if necessary. For adult dogs, daily exercise and an enriched environment for mental stimulation are essential for continued health and well-being, and to prevent the stress of loneliness and boredom.

Educating yourself on how and why stress, anxiety and depression manifest in dogs will deepen your understanding of your canine companion while strengthening your bond. It also puts you in a much better position to help him when his behavior suggests his mental/emotional health isn’t up to par.

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