Are Dogs Sad If They Sleep All Day?
Are Dogs Sad If They Sleep All Day?
If your dog sleeps a lot, doesn’t want to play or eat as much and loses interest in everything they used to enjoy, they may be depressed.
Like humans, dogs are also very perceptive of their owners’ moods and can feel your pain if you’re struggling to deal with your own sadness. Thankfully, you can help your pup by learning to identify their own signals for depression and giving them extra attention when they need it.
They’re bored
There’s no doubt that dogs can get bored if they’re not getting enough exercise, mental stimulation or interaction. Dogs are highly intelligent creatures that need to have things to do to keep their minds stimulated.
When they’re bored, dogs tend to act out in a variety of ways that we don’t like. They’ll chew, wreak havoc on your property, dig up flower pots and shred pillows — all because they’re looking for something to do.
You can try playing games with your dog or buying them a few new toys that will help prevent boredom. But just remember, if your dog’s behavior only gets worse when you’re not home, it could be separation anxiety instead of boredom.
It’s a good idea to schedule some dog walks or doggy daycare a few times a week so that your pup has plenty of physical activity. That will also keep your dog occupied and relieve him of some of his pent-up energy.
They’re depressed
Most dogs love playing and going out for walks, but when they get depressed, they’re not as excited about these activities as they once were. They may also be less interested in getting treats — or even their favorite toys.
Dog depression can be triggered by a loss of a loved one, a major change in the dog’s lifestyle (such as moving), or chronic pain or trauma. If your dog suddenly seems unhappy, it’s important to take them to the vet right away to make sure they don’t have a physical health problem.
If your dog is sleepy all day, it can be a sign that they’re depressed. They might not want to exercise, or might not be eating as much as they used to.
They’re stressed
Dogs sleep a lot, and it’s perfectly normal for them to do so. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs spend around half their day asleep, 30 percent awake but relaxing and 20 percent active.
The amount of sleep a dog needs depends on their age, breed and activity levels. Larger dogs tend to require more sleep than small or petite ones.
If your pet isn’t getting enough rest, they may show signs of stress like moping in their dog bed or sluggish behavior. This could also lead to depression.
A depressed dog might become withdrawn and show little interest in people or activities that normally interest them, such as walking or playing with other dogs. They might also start pacing and becoming destructive with their toys.
They’re sick
Dogs sleep an average of 12 hours a day, but if your dog isn’t sleeping as much or sleeping for more than usual, that could be a sign they’re feeling down.
When they’re sad, dogs can be lethargic and sluggish, so you may notice that they don’t respond to your commands or play with their toys as they usually do. They also might be less interested in their food, so they may lose weight.
It’s also possible that your dog is just having a bad day, but it’s always best to talk with your vet if you think your pet’s behavior is a sign of illness. They can diagnose the cause of the problem and help your dog get back to their normal routine.
