Beyond Loneliness: Veterinarians Explain Why Your Pet Is Gloomy (and How to Help)

Even though cats and dogs can’t talk, they can still use a set of specific signs to let us know there’s something wrong with them or, rather, they’re just happy and comfortable by their owner’s side.

However, many have been wondering whether it’s normal for their pet to look pretty sad and apathetic, with cases like this happening more and more frequently. According to animal experts, cats and dogs can in fact suffer some kind of mild depression, and there’s only one reason they’re doing so.

Why Does Your Pet Look Sad or Depressed?

If you have already offered your cat or dog the best food and the most comfortable space to live in, also surrounding it with all kinds of toys, the pet’s depressive state can only signal the lack of the owner’s attention.

Oftentimes, the hectic pace of modern life means people leave their houses for the entire day, thus leaving their pets who have to figure out what to do throughout the whole day. Eventually, rare walks outside or lack of plays together leads to the pet’s emotional hunger and affects their mood.

Apart from that, cats and dogs can also feel sad when they see their owner going through some rough patch.

What to Do If Your Pet is Depressed?

As many animal experts claim, the only way you can improve the situation is to start spending as much time with your pet as possible. You can make walks with your dog longer than usual or choose another route that you can explore together rather than opting for the same path you walk every day.

With cats, it can be some new toy or an interactive feeder that will imitate your presence while you’re away from home.

Finally, experts suggest you constantly keep an eye on your pet’s behavior: if it becomes aggressive and doesn’t eat enough, consider consulting a specialist.