Why does the dog look sad

A beloved pet brings joy to the owner, gives comfort and fills life with communication. In some incredible way, he always knows when his person is sad or bad. Family members want to give their beloved friend the same sense of security and comfort and feel his condition. Therefore, the owner’s heart sometimes breaks when the dog lies with his head between his paws and looks up at him with wide eyes.

Sadness in the dog’s eyes or just a look?

Some people say that the sad eyes of a dog are nothing more than a subjective perception, others believe that the reason lies in evolution, and still others claim that the dog is really sad. Desperately wanting the pet to be happy, the owner may become worried that he has health problems or that he is reacting so emotionally to changes in the house.

Can a sad looking dog be caused by a health problem, or is it just an emotional reaction?

Why does the dog look sad

Scientists have long been trying to figure out why dogs get that famous sad puppy look. Research published Scientific Reports, showed that a dog’s facial expression can change in response to human attention. Scientists observed 24 domestic dogs of different ages and breeds and their responses to four different scenarios: human attention with food, human attention without food, lack of attention from humans but with food, and lack of attention from humans without food. . They found that if the food did not affect the expression of the pet’s face at all, then when interacting with a person, four-legged pets showed their emotions more clearly. In such situations, they often made their eyebrows look like a house, because of which they began to look like a sad child.

In an additional study published by the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the causes of various forms of facial expressions in dogs have been analyzed in more depth. The authors of the study suggested that over 33 years of evolution from wolves to the cute pets that dogs are today, they have highly developed eyebrow muscles that allow them to make those sad puppy eyes. Scientists claim that this evolutionary change occurred in response to the tenderness experienced by people when looking at a pet with such an expression on its face.

So, if a dog has sad eyes, this does not mean at all that it is sad. Perhaps she is just trying to establish contact or attract the attention of the owner.

Can a dog be depressed?

Depression in dogs is a very real problem. Signs of this condition in pets are similar to those in humans. Symptoms of depression in dogs can include:

• decreased appetite;
• excessive licking, especially paws;
• lack or loss of interest in walking, playing or other once-loved activities;
• sleep problems or disturbed sleep patterns;
• obsessive attachment to you or another family member;
• sudden destructive behavior;
• urination and defecation in the house.

Signs like these could indicate that the dog is in pain, having health problems, or deep sadness. In case of any such manifestations that persist for a long time, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian. It will help eliminate pain and disease in the dog, as well as find solutions that will return her to a good mood.

Dogs are indeed capable of experiencing emotional pain, including grief. American Kennel Club. They can even pick up people’s moods, which means that their sadness can be a reflection of the emotions of the owner or another family member. It is necessary to pay special attention to this. 

If your pet picks up on their person’s sadness, it may be time to deal with their own issues first. It must be remembered that in order to take good care of your pet, you must first take care of yourself.

Depression in dogs can also develop for other reasons, such as the loss of another pet or family member, or major changes in the home. If the owner has had a lot of new things to do lately and, consequently, there is less time to play with the dog, it may feel neglected. Pets can also experience jealousy, such as when a new person or pet enters the house. Or maybe he’s just bored.

Why is the dog sad and is there any reason for this

Looking into the big puppy eyes of the dog, one would like to ask why she looks so sad. But scientists believe that the dog’s classic sad look has more to do with evolutionary reasons, a form of communication, and a desire to connect than with the dog’s emotional health.

On the other hand, dogs have depression, but its manifestations are usually less pronounced. Any lasting changes in your pet’s behavior should be monitored and possible reasons why they may not feel as good as usual should be considered.

One of the most important factors in a dog’s emotional health is its bond with its owner. You can choose activities that both your pet and family members enjoy and make time for them each day. By allocating enough time for play, exercise, and petting, you can be sure that your four-legged friend gets his fair share of happiness. To learn more about depression in dogs, it is best to consult with a veterinarian or behavioral specialist.