Is your dog suddenly very "well-behaved"? Not tearing up the house, not making a fuss, and quiet as an angel? You might think it's being good, but it could actually be a sign of depression. The calmness that seems so convenient might be hiding its unhappiness.

Dogs can't speak, so they express their feelings through behavior. Here are some seemingly normal behaviors that might actually indicate depression in dogs.

Unusually "Well-Behaved"

If your dog suddenly becomes very quiet and doesn't cause trouble, like not tearing up the house or making noise, it might seem like they're being good. But this could be a sign of depression. Dogs that are depressed might act calm and quiet because they're not feeling well inside.

Loss of Appetite

Dogs usually get excited about mealtime and eat eagerly. But if your dog starts to lose interest in food, even their favorite treats, and doesn't eat much, this could be a problem. Depression can make dogs lose their appetite, just like it can in humans. Changes in the home, like less time spent with their owner, can cause this.

Increased Quietness

If your dog used to be active and playful but now just sits around and doesn't want to play, even with their favorite toys, they might be depressed. Dogs might become quiet because they feel lonely or anxious and can't tell us how they feel.

Excessive Grooming or Chewing

If your dog is constantly licking their fur or chewing on their body, sometimes to the point of damaging their skin, this is a red flag. While dogs normally groom themselves, doing it too much can be a sign of depression. They might do this to feel better when they're anxious.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

If your dog's sleep habits change, such as sleeping a lot during the day and being restless at night, or waking up often, this could be a sign of depression. Poor sleep can make depression worse, creating a cycle that's hard to break.

Avoiding Social Interaction

Dogs that used to enjoy meeting other dogs and people but now avoid them might be depressed. They might seem annoyed or scared when other dogs approach or less friendly to people they know. This shows they've lost interest in their surroundings.

If you notice these signs, spend more time with your dog. Play with them, give them attention, and make them feel safe. Your love and care can help them feel better and overcome their depression.