Can pets get depression? The simple answer is ‘maybe’, but not like humans. Depression in humans is a complex mix of emotions including hopelessness, anguish, worthlessness, shame and even feelings of suicide – these are largely beyond what canines and felines appear capable of. It would, however, be a disservice to our four-legged friends to completely absolve them of any complex emotions.

Any owner will recognize the joy as Fido rushes to greet them when they return home, or the unbridled pleasure of a purring Felix being fussed whilst sitting on one’s lap. They will also see signs of fear or anxiety towards negative stimuli – loud noises, raised voices or random inanimate objects! Often owners claim their pets are capable of remorse or guilt having been caught in a scene of destruction or caught short inside and many cat owners receive the ‘evil eye’ of disgust when they let down their feline house guests.

Defining depression in dogs and cats
However, we risk humanising animal behaviour when the explanation may be more simple. A dog’s ability to feel guilt or shame has largely been discredited in scientific studies. When it looks guilty, it is likely to be simply reacting to the owner’s anger or unhappiness.

We must also be careful when defining depression in dogs and cats. Significant events can upset pets, such as a house move, loss of a family member or another pet, or someone being upset or unwell. They may show signs of depression, such as reduced interaction, sleeping more, being more withdrawn, and reluctance to go for walks or play. In many cases there will be an obvious trigger and after a while, they will return to normal levels of interaction and activity.

There may be underlying health issues
Crucially, we must not miss underlying health issues that might be contributing to these apparent symptoms. Is Fido reluctant to go for walks or get off his bed because he is becoming arthritic? Cats are particularly good at hiding illnesses by becoming withdrawn and sleeping more. Diabetes or an under-active thyroid are common hormonal problems that may present with similar symptoms of lethargy and fatigue. Has your dog stopped playing with his toys because he has dental disease and it is too painful to chew on them? Is he reluctant to go for walks because his vision is failing?

Genuine depressive disorders are rare in pets. It is more likely if a pet is exhibiting long-standing symptoms of depression, that other health problems may be contributing to the behaviour. If you believe your pet is depressed, talk to your vet about what tests or treatment is appropriate. Mild cases may simply require patience, increased fussing and interacting, stimulus in the form of walks, and the maintenance of consistent, active daily routines.