Dogs, like humans, can suffer from stress and depression. This fact was highlighted by Professor Ronny Rachman Noor, an ecological genetics expert at IPB University.
In recent years, veterinarians have started paying closer attention to depression in dogs. Cases of stressed or depressed dogs have been rising for the past 20 years.
“If your dog loses its appetite, barks or whines excessively, cries, or even refuses to go to the bathroom, these could be signs of stress,” Prof Ronny said.
For example, dogs left briefly with caregivers they don’t know may try to escape. They see these caregivers as strangers, not family. “This behavior shows the dog is feeling stressed,” he added.
Dogs as True Companions
Prof Ronny explained that dogs and their owners share a strong emotional bond. This relationship is a form of mutual support called symbiosis. That’s why some universities in the U.S. and Europe have departments that study dogs and other pets as companion animals.
“Dogs today aren’t just pets for hobbies. They have become friends and important family members,” he said.
Hospitals even use dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and other animals in therapy. These companion animals help patients heal faster.
The Domestication and Stress of Dogs
Dogs have changed a lot since they were first domesticated from wolves 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. This likely began in Siberia and spread worldwide as humans migrated.
Today, dogs are bred for specific traits to meet human needs, resulting in many breeds from tiny to giant.
But this selective breeding has narrowed genetic diversity. As a result, each breed has a different ability to handle stress.
Certain breeds—like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Labradors, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—are more prone to stress. These breeds are smart and bond closely with their owners, making them anxious when left alone.
Rising Stress and Behavioral Problems
Domestic dogs depend heavily on humans for food, shelter, and care. Prof Ronny shared that in the U.S., behavioral issues in dogs increased ten times between 2010 and 2020. In Australia, more dogs are being prescribed antidepressants such as fluoxetine.
At animal clinics, more dogs show signs of aggression, anxiety, and other troubling behaviors. This rise is worrying because it only reflects dogs brought in for treatment. Many stressed dogs might never get help.
“This could be just the tip of the iceberg,” he warned. “We must pay attention to the risks of using antidepressants in dogs.”
How Can Owners Help?
Prof Ronny stressed that owners play the biggest role in reducing dog stress and depression.
“Dogs have different needs and desires, just like people,” he said. If owners don’t understand or meet these needs, dogs become frustrated.
When forced to live only by their owner’s rules, dogs feel stressed. Without proper care, this can turn into depression, harming their behavior and health.
“If owners don’t grasp the problem, they might just rely on vets to prescribe antidepressants. Instead, owners should learn what their dogs want and need,” Prof Ronny advised.
Ways to ease dog stress include more frequent walks, changing their environment, and training that makes them happier.
“The key is improving the bond between dog and owner, not just giving drugs. When owners understand their dog’s needs, the dog will be happier,” he concluded.
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