Just like humans, dogs can also experience stress and depression. This was stated by Prof Ronny Rachman Noor, an expert in ecological genetics at IPB University.
Depression in dogs is now beginning to attract serious attention from veterinary practitioners. This is because cases have been increasing over the past 20 years.
“If a pet dog appears to have no appetite, barks, whines, cries, and sometimes refuses to defecate, we must be alert because there is a possibility that it is experiencing stress,” said Prof Ronny.
For example, when left with a caregiver for a short period, dogs often try to escape because they perceive the caregiver as not being part of their family. “This behavioral change can be interpreted as one form of stress experienced by the animal,” explained Prof Ronny.
Companion Animal
According to Prof Ronny, the emotional bond between a dog and its owner, which is a form of mutualistic symbiosis, is the key to their happiness. Therefore, it is no surprise that some universities in America and Europe now have specialized departments studying dogs and other pets as companion animals.
“In this context, dogs and other companion animals are not merely kept as pets to fulfill their owners’ hobbies. Today, they have become friends and an integral part of their owners’ families,” he said.
In various hospitals, he continued, dogs and other companion animals such as cats, horses, rabbits, and even others are used as part of patient therapy to accelerate the healing process.
Dog Domestication
Prof Ronny explained that domestic dogs, which are now widely kept, have undergone genetic and behavioral changes compared to wild dogs. It is estimated that dogs were first domesticated by humans around 20.000–40.000 years ago from wolves.
“The initial domestication of dogs is believed to have occurred in the Siberian region and subsequently spread across the globe as humans migrated,” he said.
In modern times, dogs are intentionally bred for specific purposes aligned with human needs and preferences. As a result, various dog breeds with diverse sizes have emerged, ranging from miniature to very large.
“The negative impact is that human selection has increasingly narrowed genetic diversity. As a result, each domesticated and selected dog breed has varying levels of stress tolerance,” he explained.
In everyday life, certain dog breeds are more prone to stress, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
“These dog breeds are intelligent and have a strong bond with their owners. Therefore, they are more prone to stress when left alone compared to other dog breeds,” he explained.
Behaviorally, they are also very different. Domestic dogs kept today rely heavily on humans for their livelihood, including food, water, shelter, medical care, and more.
Prof Ronny revealed that studies in the United States show that dog behavioral issues have increased tenfold between 2010 and 2020. In Australia, the use of antidepressants like fluoxetine for dogs has also increased, indicating that more dogs are experiencing depression.
Empirical data also shows that over time, more dogs are experiencing behavioral issues such as becoming aggressive, anxious, and exhibiting other deviant behaviors detected at various animal clinics.
“The increase in the number of dogs with behavioral issues is concerning because the data only comes from dogs brought to veterinary clinics. Therefore, it is not unlikely that stress in dogs is an iceberg phenomenon. For this reason, it requires serious attention, including the negative effects of antidepressant use in dogs,” he said.
How can this be addressed?
According to Prof Ronny, the key to addressing stress and depression in dogs lies with their owners. Dogs, like humans, naturally have different desires and needs. If their desires and needs are not understood or met by their owners, dogs will experience frustration.
If forced to adapt to the owner’s desires and lifestyle, dogs will experience stress. If not addressed properly, this stress can lead to depression, which affects their behavior, health, and quality of life.
“If the owner does not understand the root of the problem, they may ask the veterinary clinic to prescribe antidepressants for their dog. To address this, the owner must understand the dog’s desires and needs,” said Prof Ronny.
There are various ways to reduce stress in pet dogs, such as taking them for walks more often, changing their living environment, and providing training that makes them happier.
“The key is to prioritize improving the relationship between the owner and their dog over prescribing antidepressants. If the owner can understand and meet their pet dog’s ‘orientation goals,’ then the dog will be happy,” concluded Prof Ronny. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
