You might think they're just being obedient, but it could actually be a smokescreen for depression. What you consider "low maintenance" might actually be draining your dog's happiness.

Significant decrease in appetite

Previously, when mealtime came around, your dog would wag their tail, waiting by their bowl, wolfing down their food.

But recently, even when you place their favorite dog food or treats in front of them, they just lazily sniff it and then lose interest.

Sometimes they barely eat anything all day, and their weight starts to gradually decrease. Many pet owners might think their dog just has a temporary loss of appetite that will resolve in a few days, not realizing this could be a sign of depression.

Like humans, dogs also lose interest in food when they're feeling down. Long-term mental stress, such as sudden changes in the home environment or reduced time with their owner, can cause dogs to fall into depression, affecting their appetite.

Becoming unusually quiet

A dog that normally loves running around and gets excited whenever they go outside suddenly becomes quiet. They no longer actively seek you out to play, no longer circle around you, and even when you try to entice them with their favorite toy, they barely respond before retreating back to their bed.

Don't assume your dog has just matured and become better behaved; it's very likely their mind is shrouded in depressive emotions.

They might be feeling lonely or anxious for certain reasons but have no way to tell us, so they can only express their unhappiness through this quiet behavior.

Excessive licking or biting their body

If you notice your dog constantly licking their fur or biting certain parts of their body—to the point where the fur is gone and the skin is damaged—you should take it seriously.

Normally, dogs lick their fur to clean themselves, but excessive licking and biting are likely external manifestations of psychological issues.

When dogs experience prolonged depression, they use this behavior to alleviate their internal anxiety and discomfort, just like how humans might unconsciously shake their legs or bite their nails when nervous.

Changes in sleep patterns

Sudden changes in your dog's sleep patterns are also a dangerous signal. Their previously regular routine gets disrupted—they're drowsy all day but unusually alert at night, or they wake up frequently.

Some dogs even whimper softly in the middle of the night, as if having nightmares. Sleep problems not only affect a dog's physical health but can further worsen their depressive mood, creating a vicious cycle.

Avoiding social interaction

A dog that used to run excitedly to greet other dogs and play happily with their friends now avoids social interaction.

When you take them for a walk, they deliberately avoid other dogs, and even when other dogs approach them, they show impatience or fear.

They're no longer as friendly as before, even with familiar neighbors and friends. This social withdrawal behavior is likely a manifestation of your dog's internal depression—they've lost interest in everything around them and just want to isolate themselves.

Dogs can't speak, so they can only communicate their feelings through behavior.When we notice these seemingly normal but potentially crisis-hiding behaviors in our dogs, we must spend more time with them, play and interact with them, and give them enough love and security.

If the situation is severe, it's best to take your dog to a professional veterinarian for more effective help.