Why does my Yorkie look sad
How to Know if Your Dog is Depressed
Unlike humans, dogs cant verbalize what they are feeling. But even though dogs experience different emotions than we do, experts recognize that dogs can experience mental health problems similar to depression. But how do you know if your dog may be depressed?
How to Spot Signs of Depression in Dogs
Dog depression symptoms will vary, depending on the individual dog and how serious the problem is. There are some key things to look out for, however. Keep an eye out for changes in body language during their interactions with people and other pets, decreased appetite, and lethargic behavior.
Dr. Leslie Sinn runs Behavior Solutions and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) and a certified professional dog trainer. The main thing would be a change in normal demeanor, she says. What I hear from most of my clients is that their dog is not that willing to engage in activities that previously they seemed to really enjoy.
She gives the example of a dog who normally loves to play fetch. If a dog who usually loves fetch is now playing for one or two rounds and then loses interest, its clear their attitude has changed. You then might be wondering Is my dog depressed?
Dr. Sinn also lists other signs, including clingy, needy behavior, and, perhaps, a need to be closer to the owner in general. Some dogs, however, can go the other way, and they can become overly withdrawn.
Ruling Out Pain or an Underlying Medical Condition
The symptoms of dog depression are often commonly similar to those displayed by a dog suffering from an underlying medical condition or chronic pain. Sometimes, these issues can even be triggers for depression.
Dr. Sinn always encourages owners to have their dogs medically evaluated to rule out any medical problems. In general, if a dog is slowing down or is reluctant to engage, especially in the absence of some life-changing event, then I would bet huge amounts of money that it is medical or pain-related, she says.
Common Causes of Depression in Dogs
If you suspect your pet is suffering from dog depression, ask yourself what has changed in their life and environment. There are a variety of triggers for depression. Sometimes its an obvious thing, but it can also be more subtle changes or a combination of issues that have built up over time.
Depression, in animals anyway, is something that we tend to associate with a specific event, says Dr. Sinn. It could be the loss of an owner, the loss of a buddy that they have grown up with, or a huge lifestyle change a big move, or the addition or subtraction of key members of their social group. It tends to be context-specific.
She explains that people should look at their dogs basic environmental and social circumstances to understand what may have brought about the changes in their behavior.
Common triggers for dog depression may include:
Dr. Sinn explains that some of the most severe cases of dog depression shes seen have come from dogs coming out of just horrific rescue circumstances hoarding situations, meat farm dogs, that kind of thing.
Dr. Kelly Ballantyne is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the leader of Insight Animal Behavior Services. She says that serious behavioral issues can often result from a combination of genetics, early life experiences, physical and social environments, and ongoing learning processes. We regularly meet with experienced dog owners who provide appropriate amounts of exercise, enrichment, play, and training, and still have dogs that suffer from fear, anxiety, and depression.
You could have a very, very anxious dog that has a lot of behavioral suppression, adds Dr. Sinn. It really kind of freezes or shuts down and that whole process can lead to depression. The dog doesnt want to eat, doesnt want to move, doesnt want to do much of anything. It doesnt want to engage and, consequently, removes itself from social interaction. In these severe cases, treating the problem may not be straightforward.
How to Treat Depression in Dogs
As Dr. Sinn points out, dogs are amazingly resilient. If there is a significant event associated with their depression, often some simple environmental and social changes can make a huge difference. She suggests things like spending some extra time with them, taking them on extra fun walks, playing a little tug, or having a little grooming session. Usually, with a little time, extra attention, and enjoyable enrichment, your dog will move through their depression without any major difficulty.
For some dogs, their depression is a more permanent issue that can be more serious in the long term. This dog will need extra support. Dr. Sinn is keen to reiterate that these dogs have often had a particularly traumatic past, and it is not a surprise that they need extra help.
Often behavioral guidance from a professional is recommended, and, in some instances, you may want to discuss pharmacological support with your vet. We dont medicate out of convenience for the owner, says Dr. Sinn. But if the poor dog is unable to function the majority of the time, then something needs to be done to address the quality of life and welfare of that individual.
Dr. Ballantyne explains that medications are very helpful in cases where a dogs underlying emotional state is interfering with their ability to learn new behaviors or negatively affecting their quality of life. This is especially true when there are many different types of triggers for the dogs fear or anxiety, or when the triggers are unavoidable. She gives the example of a depressed dog who is terrified of storms and lives in an area where storms are frequent for months throughout the year.
I think its important to acknowledge that pharmaceutical options arent the only treatment for dogs suffering from mental illness, but rather just a part of the treatment plan, points out Dr. Ballantyne. She notes that the most effective treatment plans may include a combination of pharmaceuticals, managing your dogs environment, and behavior modification.
9 Common Yorkie Anxiety Symptoms & Fix
Yorkies are known to be prone to separation anxiety, but what are some common Yorkie anxiety symptoms you should know? Keep reading!
I will keep things very simple as much as possible in this post, I will highlight some common causes of anxiety in Yorkies.
I will also highlight some common ways to fix or prevent anxiety but first let me quickly discuss the most common Yorkie anxiety symptoms you should know.
Yorkie Anxiety Symptoms
You should be aware of the following frequent Yorkie anxiety symptoms:
1. Changes in personalities
This is one of the most common ways to identify Yorkies anxiety, as there will be changes in your pups temperaments.
You will notice your sweet pup staying away from things he loves and becoming more aggressive towards everything.
There will be increased barking and unwanted behaviors such as freezing, biting, scratching, and chewing valuables.
Adding changes in temperaments or personalities to other Yorkie anxiety symptoms in this list should give you a clear understanding that your Yorkie is suffering from anxiety.
2. Increased excessive barking behavior
Anxiety in Yorkies leads to increased excessive barking behavior, you should know that Yorkies on their own love barking.
So when stressed or suffering from anxiety you will always notice a high-pitched tone of unnecessary barking.
This type of barking differs from your usual type of barking that can be due to excitement or a stranger in your environment.
Even though barking is one of the Yorkies behavior problems, increased barking can be traced to anxiety.
3. Excessive licking behavior
Yorkies lick everything, but excessive lip licking is a common sign of nervousness in the breed.
Your dog may also try to relax by licking their lips or yawning, and these habits are significant symptoms that your dog is stressed.
Your Yorkie may lick her lips and yawn when she is nervous. When theyre savoring a nice reward, its usually a slower lick.
When your Yorkie is agitated, he may lick his lips and yawn. Its generally a slower lick than when theyre enjoying a tasty treat.
It can also seem like a flick, in which the tongue comes out and then returns without actually licking the lips.
4. Destructive chewing of things
Even though Yorkies are little, they chew objects as a sign of worry.
Chewing is a totally typical activity for dogs of all ages including Yorkies. It depends, though, on what theyre chewing and why theyre chewing.
Chewing for Yorkies is a fun way to pass the time while also relieving moderate tension and stress.
When your Yorkie starts eating objects that arent meant to be chewed, keep an eye on their anxiety level.
5. Increased whining and pacing
If your Yorkie is agitated or nervous, he may whine at any time.
The whining is generally followed by pacing if the stressor is something your Yorkie cant get away from, like as loud noises.
Otherwise, your Yorkie can be crying and sitting about for no apparent reason.
If your Yorkie isnt crying because he has to go outdoors or is in pain, its most likely stress.
When dogs are stressed, they frequently lose control of their whining, which is a natural response.
When your Yorkie begins to pace back and forth, it means something is disturbing them and they are unable to relax.
If your Yorkie shows this behavior on a regular basis, you might be able to figure out whats making them nervous.
6. Panting and cowering
Even if it is not hot outside, an anxious Yorkie will pant excessively, which is a significant signal of worry.
Make sure your Yorkie isnt overheated (even if its freezing outside and shes wearing a sweater!).
If she isnt panting because of the heat, she is agitated or concerned about something.
When a Yorkie is stressed, he or she will want to get away from the persons hands and find a safe spot to hide.
They may try to hide beneath furniture or crouch at your feet with their body stooped over, ears down, and tail tucked.
If they are being held, some Yorkies may even duck beneath their owners arm.
7. Increased aggressive behavior
Aggression is one of the most prevalent reasons Yorkie owners seek professional help for their dogs.
Its likely that your generally placid Yorkies are reacting to their worries by becoming aggressive or snippy.
Aggressive behavior in Yorkies is a serious issue that you should address immediately with your veterinarian.
8. Shivering or shaking
Many small dog breeds or pets, including Yorkies, shiver when they are scared, anxious, or feel cold.
This trembling is often accompanied by a tucked tail, cowering, and other stress-related actions, all of which are signs of worry.
If your Yorkie is shivering despite the fact that it isnt cold outdoors or indoors, it might be due to anxiousness.
Similarly, if any medical issues have been checked out, your Yorkie is most likely suffering from anxiety.
In Yorkies and other small dogs, shivering is a sign of fear or anxiety, although there are other reasons for Yorkies shaking.
9. Frequent potty accidents when left alone
Frequent potty accidents, when left alone or unattended, are one of the most common Yorkie anxiety symptoms you should keep in mind.
When you come home and notice your Yorkie is not doing his business in the usual place then you should be worried.
When Yorkies are stressed it leads to anxiety which can quickly turn to frustration causing your Yorkie to poop where he is not supposed to.
If things keep going on or repeat themselves, then you should look at your Yorkie anxiety level and fix it.
Find out more on what to do if you have to leave your Yorkie alone at home.
Causes of Yorkie anxiety
Here are some of the most common causes of anxiety in Yorkies you should know:
- Leaving Yorkies alone unattended for too long.
- Constant changing of daily routine.
- Fear of being home alone.
- Abandonment by owner.
- Loud noises.
- Frequent changes in mealtimes.
- A stressful or traumatic event.
- Being around strange people.
- Birth of a new child.
- Bringing in a new pet.
- Poor socialization
- Change of location.
- Too much stress.
Ways to fix Yorkie anxiety
Consult your veterinarian for the best treatment options for anxiety.
Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the sort of anxiety your Yorkie is experiencing, as well as the potential reasons and triggers.
Your veterinarian can also help you assess if your Yorkies nervousness is merely situational or has developed into a serious problem.
Veterinary professionals can also rule out any other medical disorders that may be causing your Yorkies symptoms.
Your veterinarian will assist you in developing a treatment strategy.
Because a multitude of variables can create excessive anxiety, the best method to manage it is typically through a mix of training, preventive tactics, and, in some circumstances, drugs.
Here are some common ways to help fix or prevent Yorkie anxiety:
1. Create a stress-free environment for Yorkies
Create a relaxing environment for your Yorkie to help them overcome anxiety.
Ideally, you should carry the same bed, blanket, or mat with you whenever you visit a potentially stressful region.
Reward relaxing activities on the mat on a frequent basis, even when stress levels are low, to help your Yorkie link the mat with relaxation.
This gives them a safe place to go when they leave the house, go to the vet, or are confronted with anxiety triggers.
2. Establish a daily routine for Yorkies
Create a walking, gaming, and eating routine. Your Yorkie will be more at ease since he will always know what to expect.
This means your Yorkie will never be bored since he will always have something to do.
3. Counter-conditioning of Yorkie
Teaching your Yorkie to regard triggers or pressures as positive rather than negative is known as counter-conditioning.
When the trigger happens, give your Yorkie something enjoyable to do so that they look forward to it rather than fear it.
The goal of counter-conditioning is to modify your Yorkies response to the anxiety-inducing stimuli by substituting a more desired behavior, like sitting or focusing on the owner, for the anxious or aggressive behavior.
The owner gradually introduces the cause of fear to the dog, preferably in little doses and at a lower intensity.
Exposure to fear on a regular basis and rewarding positive conduct can go a long way toward reducing anxiety.
4. Invest in some antianxiety products
Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the sort of anxiety your dog is experiencing, as well as the potential reasons and triggers.
Your veterinarian can also help you assess if your dogs nervousness is merely situational or has developed into a serious problem.
You may always invest in anti-anxiety products to assist your Yorkie cope with anxiety.
Here are a few examples of common anti-anxiety medications:
- Using CBD Oil for Dog Anxiety.
- Antianxiety beds
- Dog anxiety jacket
- Dog-calming collar.
5. Exercise and play with Yorkie more
The brain of your Yorkie is kept engaged by providing diverse stimuli, releasing energy, and interacting with other dogs.
Participate in sports with your Yorkie if they are naturally enthusiastic, like agility training.
Youll strengthen your ties while also benefiting your and their health.
However, be cautious when playing with your Yorkies since they might overheat and have respiratory problems.
I hope with the information provided on this page your question about Yorkie anxiety symptoms was answered.
