In a previous article we have already talked about the fact that even a dog can be sad, and what are the main causes of this particular state.

Now let’s explain what are the possible signals that the dog sends us when it is sad and what actions to put into practice in order to intervene.

In the meantime, let’s start by saying that for a good owner it should be easy to recognize and identify any significant changes in their dog’s behavior. It is precisely these changes, in fact, that act as an alarm bell.

For example: if a dog is usually lively and playful and instead becomes dull and apathetic, if from cheerful and sociable it becomes passive and closed in on itself: these differences with respect to the usual nature of the animal must be interpreted as signs of malaise.

But be careful: sometimes these factors can also be symptoms of illness and health problems. Before we think the dog is sad, let’s try to exclude the causes related to physical discomfort , by consulting your trusted veterinarian.

HERE ARE THE MOST COMMON SIGNS OF SADNESS IN DOGS

  1. The dog doesn’t run to meet us to party like he usually does.
  2. Refuse food , even your favorite one.
  3. He sleeps much longer than usual.
  4. He hides in some corner of the house and he didn’t usually do that.
  5. He lies down emitting moans and groans .
  6. He often takes a dull, monotonous and sad look .
  7. He is apathetic and shows little energy .
  8. His favorite games no longer interest him.
  9. His eyes seem smaller and he tends to keep them narrowed.
  10. Also refuse walks .
  11. When he moves he seems disoriented and confused .

These listed above are certainly not all the signs that could arise.

Each owner knows their dog better than anyone else, and this is certainly a huge advantage to notice other changes in his behavior, which could arouse suspicion.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE DOG IS SAD

The best thing to do when your dog is sad is to offer him all our closeness and affection. Just like he does for us when we come home after a difficult day.

Here are some things we could do to overcome sadness in our dog:

  1. Take him for a walk to awaken him from his physical and inner numbness, even just with a walk around the house or in the garden.
  2. Pamper him both physically and with compliments and sweetly spoken words.
  3. Offer him his favorite game and play with him .
  4. Try to shake him by offering him a special and never tried food ( like one of Life’s delicious and healthy Snacks ).
  5. Take him to the park to play with other dogs if that’s an activity he usually enjoys.
  6. Take him to the sea or to the mountains , if we know he loves running on the beach and in the waves or climbing paths.
  7. Proposing anything else we know could make him happy …

The dog cannot express his sadness or other feelings in words, as we humans can. At the same time, however, if we know observe his behavior well , this speaks to us unequivocally of his state of mind.

Sadness in dogs is a source of suffering which could then also generate physical discomfort, depending on the cause that triggered it. It is therefore up to us to make sure that the animal is better off as soon as possible .

The good news is that even if the dog becomes sad, this state usually never lasts very long!