Many of us may think that feelings are a purely human characteristic. But you'd be wrong in assuming so as your pet has plenty of them too. In fact, according to Dr. Rachel Barrack of NYC's Animal Acupuncture explained: "animals experience a full range of emotions, ranging from happiness to sadness, and even depression."
So, believe it or not, your pet has the ability to feel a whole spectrum of emotions, and this includes misery. The only difference is, an animal can't verbally communicate when something is wrong. This means it's on you to keep an eye out. If you are worried about how your pet is feeling, here are some telltale signs your cat or dog might be suffering from pet depression.
When vacationing, your dog may be feeling down in the dumps in the strange environment, particularly if you notice their absence during dinner. Just as we humans do, dogs will exhibit decreased appetites when they are preoccupied with their own stress and anxiety.
If your once cuddly cat or dog is now nipping at you whenever you try to pet them, do not take it personally. This is just your furry friend's way of letting you know that they aren't feeling like themselves. In one Spanish study, it was analyzed that 'aggressive' dogs, compared to nonaggressive canines all had lower levels of the hormone serotonin, which is linked to depression and anxiety.
When a pet becomes depressed you'll likely notice their sleeping habits can change. Insomnia and excess sleep can be signs of a miserable dog or cat, so don't hesitate to make an appointment with the vet should your pet exhibit a shift in their sleeping patterns.
If you notice your dog or cat is nowhere to be found for the better part of the day, and you know that this is unusual for them, then it is time to consider that they are likely hiding from you because they are sad.
While most people are not aware, excessive licking or chewing can be a way of self-soothing. So if you notice this sign, call your vet and schedule a check-up.
Puppies and kittens destroy shoes and sofas, but adult dogs and cats don't tend to rough up the furniture unless they are acting out. Cats, in particular, like to break out their claws when they feel lonely or downcast. But, instead of getting angry at your feline friend, be sympathetic to their feelings and seek treatment.
If your usually good boy is suddenly refusing to sit, stay, or go out for a walk then it is possible that their depression is manifesting as disobedience. Dogs are especially susceptible to environmental and habitual changes and this is one of the many ways that their anxiety and agitation can present itself.
Every cat or dog is going to bark or meow from time to time but excessive amounts of vocalization are a cause for concern as they could indicate that your pet is sad and stressed.
If you notice any changes in your dog's normal behavior this can indicate a problem. A shift in behavior can be your dog's way of letting you know that he or she is feeling depressed, so never ignore a sudden bout of clinginess.
Just like humans, depression manifests similarly in cats and dogs. You will likely notice that your miserable pet is increasingly lethargic and unusually uninterested in the physical activities that once excited them.
If You Get Migraines Your Doctor Will Want to Know This
If you suffer from migraines often, this is what you need to let your doctor know.
Solve Your Everyday Problems with These Time Saving Tips
This handy list of hacks will make your life easier and is budget-friendly. You'll be surprised to discover what you can do with these everyday objects.
Animal Advice: How to Make Any Cat Like You
How to charm any cat you meet into liking you.
In Case of an Emergency, Keep These 14 Things In Mind
These are essential items for your family emergency kid recommended by the American Red Cross and FEMA which will help protect yourself and your family during an emergency.
The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining or Renewing a US Passport
Obtaining or renewing a US passport is not the most straightforward affair. Thankfully, this detailed guide is here to help!
Running Out of Storage Space? Keep These 20 Tips in Mind
Running out of storage ideas? Here are 20 space saving ideas to bear in mind.
GUIDE: How to Turn a Towel into a Monkey, Swan or Snake!
If you think you know how to fold towels, you're wrong! This is how you do it. Now you'll see what an art form it really is. These towel animals are ace!
Guide: How to Clean Your Car's Side Mirrors so They Shine
This article provides a detailed guide as to how to best clean your car's side mirrors.
Maintain Your Brain: 15 Methods to Improve Brain Function
Like our muscles, the brain can also be strengthened and maintained in excellent condition, with proper practice. Learn 15 simple ways to train your brain today!
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower: 9 Tips
Is the water pressure really slow in your shower? Here’s what you should do to improve it.
Using These 7 Words Will Add Positivity to Your Life!
Adding these positive words to your daily vocabulary will make a huge difference in your attitude towards life.
7 Easy, Low-Carb and Guilt-Free Pasta Recipes
Pasta is one of the most popular dishes in the world, and rightfully so – it’s easy to make, delicious, and the sauce options are numerous. Enjoy these 7 recipes that will make your cuisine dreams a reality.
Your Saucepan is More Useful Than You Thought...
If only I had known these priceless kitchen hacks sooner!
All About Women: 24 Facts About the Fairer Sex
These fascinating facts will probably surprise even our female readers. We gathered 24 facts that we best you've never heard about, and each of them will make you understand yourself and women a bit better.
Make Cleaning Windows Less Tedious with This DIY Recipe
There is a quicker and more effective way to clean the windows in your house. Take a look at these two methods.
Got a Scratch on Your Car? We Are Here to Help…
Got a scratch on your car? Here’s how you can repair it at home…
This Common Item is More Helpful Than You Ever Guessed
Binder clips are a very common item at every office and in most houses. But did you know how many functions this simple-looking tool is capable of?
Cool a Drink In Under Two Minutes With This Easy Technique
A simple tip for the summer that will take a warm drink and make it ice cold in just a minute or two.
These 7 Cheat Sheets Will Make You a Master in the Kitchen
When it comes to our culinary skills, there's always more to learn, and this is evidenced by the 7 kitchen cheat sheets you're about to see.
I Lost My Double-Chin After I Learned This Great Tip..
Get rid of double chins and neck fat with this simple daily exercise.
A Simple, Easy Guide for Writing Your Living Will
It's not something you want to think about, but writing your will is sure to lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here's a simple guide.
9 Genius Ideas For Keeping Your Food Fresh For Longer
These great and simple storage tips will help you keep your food fresher for longer, and save you some extra trips to the grocery store!
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
Video Tutorial: How to Speak More Clearly
In this video, we will learn how to speak clearly and so we are easily understood.
7 Tips to Ensure You Never Buy a Bad Watermelon Again!
Watermelons are delicious, but before you buy one heed these 7 traits that indicate that the watermelon that you’re about to buy is bad.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep a Bar Soap for More Than 2 Years
The following 10 personal hygiene products all expire sooner than you’d think and you must replace them regularly
Cola Has Many Surprising Uses Other Than Drinking It
Cola may be a popular drink, but here are 19 other ways you can use it.
Guide: How to Effectively Deal with a Dog Attack
These 15 tips will help protect you before, during and after a dog attack.
These Cuts of Meat Aren't Popular, But They're Tasty!
Instead of tossing away all those meat parts that aren’t specifically called for in the recipe you’re following, save yourself some money and cook them up!
Say Goodbye to Dreaded Wrinkles with These Fantastic Tips
Nobody, and we mean nobody, likes wrinkles. To prevent and treat wrinkles, follow these tips.
Cucumbers Are Incredibly Versatile: 7 Ways to Use Them
Cucumbers may be nutritious, but they are incredibly versatile too! Here's how you can use cucumbers outside of your salad.
Gordon Ramsay Teaches Us How to Cook the Perfect Steak!
One of the world's most famous chefs is going to show you how to cook a steak to utter, mouth-watering perfection.
14 Genius Cooking Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!
Try these awesome cooking hacks today to make your life easier.
Stop Making These Common Storage Mistakes
Find out how to store a whole range of common things including different kinds of food, clothing and much more...
8 Terrific Additional Uses For Rubbing Alcohol!
Unsure about what you're meant to use rubbing alcohol for? Wonder no longer, as we've listed 8 brilliant uses of rubbing alcohol in this article.
8 Everyday Activities That are Damaging Your Spine
Here's a list of everyday activities that harm your spine.
Why You Should Start Using BAKING SODA in Your Laundry
Here’s why we should all start keeping a jar of baking soda in the laundry room and how to use it to wash clothing and even deep clean the washing machine.
Collection: 12 Full Guides to Pet Care!
What can't we feed them? How do we know they're sick? What does their behavior mean? All this and more you'll find in these guides.
13 Mistakes You’re Making in the Shower!
Do you take a shower every day? If so, you're already making one of the 13 shower mistakes most people aren't aware of. Discover them all in the next article.
Is Perfectionism Running Your Life? Here's What to Do
Are you a perfectionist, and do you feel like it is ruining your life? Here's what to do about it.
How to Develop a Green Thumb For Home Plants
The following houseplant cheat sheet summarizes the essentials you need to know about growing your own houseplants.
Discover 7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Great
Check out these seven wonderful ways to keep your home smelling clean and fresh without breaking the bank!
Discover the Most Spoken Languages in One Incredible Map!
This map is simply amazing, both informative and a work of art!
Are Your Houseplants Leaking Water? This Is What It Means
Is it good if your indoor plants are emitting droplets of water? Every houseplant owner ought to know the answer to this one...
Make Your Own Laundry Soap for Just $1 a Gallon!
Making your own, much cheaper, liquid laundry soap is straightforward and can save you a lot of money. The best bit is that it only requires you buying 3 very cheap ingredients.
7 AARP Benefits Every Senior Should Take Advantage Of
Have an AAARP membership? You may not know of these little-known benefits.
A Better Way to Tie Your Gym Shorts or any Drawstring
Here's a nice new knot for you to try that is both incredibly strong and easy to do.