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Just like people, australian shepherds handle being depressed in ways that are unique to them. It’s difficult to distinguish laziness from depression but there are a few key differences.
Is My Australian Shepherd Depressed:
The most common signs that your australian shepherd is depressed is if they are eating less and sleeping more. If they behave this way after a big life event like a loved one passing away or moving to a new home, there is a good chance your australian shepherd is depressed.
In this post you’ll discover:
- The most common causes for an australian shepherd to become depressed
- 7 indicators that your australian shepherd is depressed
- 4 tips to help lift your aussies spirits (Tip #1 is commonly forgotten about!)
- And much more
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
Potential Reasons Why Your Australian Shepherd Is Depressed
1) Recovering From An Injury
If your aussie has recently injured themselves or had surgery and is recovering, it can be hard on them.
Not only physically, but emotionally.
And oftentimes recovering from an injury is a slow process.
They aren’t able to do basic things that they’d normally do on a day-to-day basis which can cause them to slip into depression.
Being in pain all day as well as not being able to move around freely could be taking a toll on your pup.
Related Reading: Top 8 Best Beds For Australian Shepherds
2) Picking Up On Your Emotions
Odds are your aussie is much better at picking up on your emotions than you realize.
Not only can they smell your emotions but they also adjust how they feel based on your body language, facial expressions and tone of voice.
The reason they do this is because they see you as their pack leader, and if you’re feeling sad, they trust your judgment of the environment and replicate those feelings.
So if work or your social life has become a lot lately and it’s making you feel particularly blue, your pup might be picking up on it.
And it’s causing them to feel blue too.
Related Reading: 16 Things To Know About Australian Shepherds & Cuddling
3) Mourning a Loss
If you recently lost a family member, canine or human, it can definitely be the cause behind why your australian shepherd is depressed.
They may not eat or drink as much as they used to, stop playing and become more lethargic overall.
Some dogs will even start howling or whining excessively in an attempt to reach their deceased friend.
It’s important to be patient during this time and understand that they’re grieving just like you are.
A study done in New Zealand found that dogs can behave differently for up to 6 months after losing an animal companion.
4) Big Changes To Their Environment
If your aussie has always lived in the same house and suddenly you move, or there are big changes to their environment in general, it can be very unsettling for them.
Things like a new person living with you full time (new baby or boyfriend/girlfriend), if you go on vacation and have someone else taking care of them, or if you recently adopted them.
All of these things can be very overwhelming and stressful for your furry friend which can cause them to become depressed.
Related Reading: 7 Ways To Eliminate Your Dogs Anxiety, Shyness Or Fear
Top 7 Indicators Your Australian Shepherd Is Depressed
1) Disinterest
When you try to do things with your aussie that they normally love but are showing 0 interest in, this can be a sign that they’re depressed.
If throwing their favorite toy, saying the word “walk” or “treat” which usually gets them super excited doesn’t anymore, it’s typically a sign they’re upset about something.
2) Not Eating As Much
If your aussie has always been a big eater but suddenly starts leaving food in their bowl or eating less overall, this can be an indicator that something’s upsetting them.
This is especially true if they’re losing weight or don’t seem to have an appetite at all.
A study done in 2016 found that when a dog was mourning they would, on average, eat 35% less food and 31% slower.
They also found that 11% of depressed dogs refused to eat anything at all.
So if any of the things we discussed earlier have happened recently your australian shepherds loss of appetite could be a sign they’re depressed.
Related Reading: 9 Reasons Australian Shepherds Won’t Eat + 6 Helpful Tips
3) Lounging Around More
If your pup is noticeably lounging around more than usual then it’s likely they’re feeling down.
This could manifest itself as your aussie sleeping in more, taking longer naps or just generally being less active.
If it almost feels like your australian shepherd is going out of their way to be less active, they could be depressed.
Related Reading: 9 Reasons Why Australian Shepherds Are Lazy + Tips To Help
4) Distancing Themselves
One of the more heartbreaking things about a depressed aussie is that they’ll often distance themselves from their favorite person.
So if your pup used to love snuggling up with you on the couch or sleeping in your bed but now they’re spending more time alone in their crate or in another room, it’s a sign they might be depressed.
They may also stop wagging their tail as much or refuse to come when you call them.
All of these are signs that your furry friend is feeling down and needs some extra love.
5) Overly Clingy
On the other hand, some australian shepherds will become overly clingy when they’re depressed.
As opposed to wanting alone time, they want nothing to do with being alone since they’re feeling so upset.
If your pup is following you around everywhere you go or always wants to be near you even more than usual, it’s a sign that they might be feeling down.
They could also start whining more or pawing at you when you leave the room.
This is their way of trying to tell you that they need some extra love and attention right now.
Related Reading: 11 Reasons Why Australian Shepherds Are So Needy & Clingy
6) Excessive Behavior
Some aussie shepherds will start engaging in excessive behaviors like licking, chewing or scratching when they’re depressed.
This is their way of coping with the sadness and stress they’re feeling.
It’s a way for them to self-soothe.
While it may have started out as a simple way to take their mind off their feelings, it’s now become a bad habit that they do excessively.
Which can unfortunately end up in them unintentionally harming themselves.
Related Reading: Australian Shepherd Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes & Solutions
7) Sleeping More
The same study that found dogs eat slower and less when mourning the loss of a companion also found they slept more.
On average, 34% more.
So if your australian shepherd has been sleeping more than usual and it’s not because they’re sick, there’s a chance they could be depressed.
Related Reading: 8 Interesting Reasons Australian Shepherds Sleep So Much
4 Tips To Help Your Australian Shepherd Not Be So Sad/Depressed
1) Help Establish New Routine
Dogs thrive with structure and routine.
When their daily environment has a big change, it throws off the structure they’ve become so accustomed to.
Which is why if you can help your australian shepherd get some structure back and help them create a new routine in their new environment, it can help them not feel so depressed.
Even something as simple as going on a daily walk at the same time each day can help them feel more secure and not so lost.
Too much idle time isn’t good for a dog’s mental state which is why creating a routine of things to do can be very beneficial.
2) Increase Quality Time
Even if you can’t change the environment your aussie is in, you can always increase the amount of quality time you spend with them.
It’s also a good idea to do more things they normally love during these times.
Even if they don’t get as excited about doing them right now.
It could be daily car rides, more trips to the dog park, fun hikes or more/longer walks with you.
These different things can help take their mind off of what’s bothering them so much and help them get back to their normal, fun-loving self.
Plus, it’s just really nice for both of you to have some extra one-on-one time together.
*Sidenote: Your physical touch can actually make them feel better because of the bond you have with your aussie. So do your best to make more time for cuddles, pats and belly rubs.
3) Temporary Furry Friend Adoption
If your australian shepherd is really struggling in their new environment, you could consider temporarily adopting another furry friend for them to play with.
A dog mom at Pet WebMD did this to help pull her pup out of a slump after her other pup passed away.
After a week of having the foster dog at home with them her pup was back to normal.
All it took was another canine companion being around to help take her pup’s mind off of their terrible loss.
4) Speak With a Veterinarian
If you’ve tried all of the things mentioned above and your australian shepherd is still really struggling, it’s time to speak with a veterinarian.
There could be an underlying physical issue causing their depression that needs to be addressed.
Or they may prescribe medication to help your pup feel better.
FAQ
How To Tell If An Australian Shepherd Is Depressed Or Simply Lazy?
One of the best ways to tell if your australian shepherd is depressed or just being lazy is by observing their energy levels and activity levels.
If they’re normally very energized and playful but are now lethargic and not interested in doing anything, it’s a good sign they may be depressed.
How excited they get by things is typically a good indicator.
A lazy pup will still wag their tail and be excited about a new toy or getting their favorite treat.
Whereas a depressed aussie won’t get joy or excitement from these things.
Other posts you might find interesting:
12 Best Harnesses for Australian Shepherds
9 Reasons Australian Shepherds Are Always Hungry + Tips
9 Reasons Australian Shepherds Are Aggressive + What To Do
9 Reasons Australian Shepherds Won’t Eat + 6 Helpful Tips
Sources:
Owners’ Perceptions of Their Animal’s BehaviouralResponse to the Loss of an Animal Companion