Dogs are companion animals, and just like humans, they too can sometimes feel sad and depressed.

They can be down for several reasons including adapting to changes, not being fed enough, or not getting exercise and these reasons can make them depressed.

Depression and sadness in dogs can cause several changes in their behaviors and moods which are often very visible.

Here are 5 signs your dog might be unhappy and depressed:

Aggression
Sudden aggression is another sign that your dog is stressed. If your dog is normally a softie and suddenly starts growling at humans or other animals or starts tearing up your furniture and carpets then there has to be something that causes such behavior and usually, depression and or sadness is one of them.

Aggression can also be a sign of pain for your dog so might as well visit your veterinarian as soon as you notice such a change in the behavior.

Loss of appetite and weight loss
Just like humans, dogs lose their appetite too which then results in weight loss when they are going through depression and or anxiety. If you notice that your dog is suddenly not eating the food you’re serving or had a sudden weight loss, then your dog is going through something.

Not wanting to socialize
Your dogs can be scared for a lot of reasons but staying away from people, not wanting to socialize and hiding is other signs of depression and anxiety for your dogs. This can be due to physical pain or emotional trauma. Either way, it’s best to see your veterinarian help you understand what’s happening to your dog.

Inactive and sloppy
Dogs are normally playful and active so if you notice that they are not active anymore and are usually sloppy and always tired, there is surely something wrong with them. This can be either due to physical injury, depression, or emotional trauma. Hence, it’s best to have your dog checked by the vet.

Unusual sleeping pattern
Dogs love to sleep but noticing an unusual sleeping pattern like sleeping longer than usual or staying up all night is a sign that there is something wrong with your dog. If you notice that your dog experiences a change in its sleeping pattern, you might need to take them to your vet for a check.

All these signs can be an indicator of another serious condition of your dog and it’s always good to be proactive rather than sorry. As pet owners, it is your responsibility to make sure they are healthy and happy so make sure that when you notice these signs, you visit your veterinarian right away.