Why does my dog look so sad?

Your relationship with your dog is incredibly special, it brings you happiness, well-being and companionship, and for some reason it always seems to be more attentive when you feel sad or sick. As its owner, you want to give that same sense of well-being to your beloved pet.

Why Does My Dog… Always Look Sad?

You may be wondering if you are humanizing your dog or if he really is sad when he looks at you with those big eyes and a frown. And more importantly, you may be wondering if those sad eyes are a sign of a physical or mental health issue. Read on for answers.

Why do dogs look sad?

Many researchers have tried to understand why dogs have this typical sad look. A study published by Scientific Reports showed that dogs change their facial expressions in response to human attention. The researchers looked at 24 family dogs of various ages and breeds and their reactions to four different scenarios: human care with food, human care without food, no human care but with food, and no human care or food. While the food did not influence the dogs' expressions, the researchers found that the dogs were more expressive when a human looked at them. In these situations, dogs used to raise the inner part of their eyebrow, making them look sad and childish.

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Additional research published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences delved deeper into canine facial expressions. The researchers showed that, during the more than 33,000 years of domestication of wolves into the lovable pets they are today, the facial muscles that allow dogs to make sad eyes became more pronounced as a result of human preference for this trait.

So if you're wondering why your dog seems sad, you'll be glad to know that that longing look in his eyes may not be sadness at all. Maybe it's just that they're trying to get your attention or convince you that you didn't give them dinner five minutes ago.

How can I tell if my dog is depressed?

That said, depression in dogs is a real thing. Although they can't tell us, studies clearly show that dogs are capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions, including negative emotions like fear and anxiety. If you perceive that your dog shows some of the following:

A change of appetite
Excessive licking, especially on the paws
Disinterest or loss of interest in walks, games, and other hobbies you used to love
Lack of sleep or altered sleep patterns
Excessive attachment to you or a family member
Sudden destructive behaviors
Changes in the way you relate to other people or pets at home

This could indicate that your dog is in pain, unwell, or experiencing negative emotions. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet. Some dogs display behaviors that suggest they are grieving when a person close to them dies or no longer spends time with them for some reason.

Dogs are highly attuned to human body language and our moods, and can pick up on our sadness after the loss of someone special. If your pet is able to sense your sadness, it may be an indicator that maybe it's time to take some time for yourself. To make sure you take the best possible care of your pet, you also need to take care of yourself.

Dogs can also feel stressed and depressed for other reasons, such as a significant change in their home or life situation. If you've recently taken on more responsibilities and have less time to exercise, play, or interact with them, this could cause them to become bored or frustrated.

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