7 Causes of Border Collie Depression: Signs & Helpful Tips

Border collie depression poses a problem for some owners, although they are not prone to depression such as most other breeds of dogs.

I will be discussing some common signs of border collie depression, what can actually cause border collie depression, and common ways to prevent border collie depression.

So keep reading if that interests you…

Maltese Dog Depression

Border Collie depression is a mental or emotional ailment or state of mind that develops in a border collie as a result of multiple emotional incidents in the dog’s life or a significant shift in the dog’s surroundings.

When a border collie is depressed, they engage in undesirable behaviors such as biting, chewing possessions and barking excessively.

Border collie depression can be avoided when their owners understand depression and what leads to depression.

What causes depression in border collies

Some of the most prevalent reasons for depression in border collies are as follows:

1. Lack of mental stimulation

Border collies are smart dogs that were selectively bred for herding but made their way as pets.

This means that border collies are not the type of dog you just keep at home without any form of exercise or mental stimulation.

Border collie depression can be triggered by letting your border collie stay without any form of mental stimulation, that is why border collies are not for everyone.

When they are not motivated or mentally stimulated they become depressed and can show some border collie behavior issues.

2. The arrival of new pets

Border Collies are sometimes known to be jealous and seek the owner’s undivided attention and the arrival of a new pet can become an issue.

The addition of a new pet to your home might induce both despair and a traumatic experience for your border collie.

There are a variety of techniques to prepare your border collie to accept a new pet when introducing one.

If you don’t prepare your border collie, you should expect despair, jealousy, and trauma.

3. The addition of a new member

Your border collie is likely to get confused and depressed as a result of the arrival of a new family member.

Border collies thrive on consistency, so when things change abruptly, they might easily get depressed.

One way to avoid depression caused by the arrival of a baby or spouse is to properly socialize your border collie.

Again you should properly introduce your border collie to your new baby, spouse or visitors.

4. Change or death of the owner

Border Collies are known for their full commitment and devotion to their owners, and when tempered can lead to unnecessary depression.

When a border collie is isolated from its owner for an extended period of time, it might get depressing.

Border collies can be stressed by changing owners, which can lead to depression.

5. Changing daily routine constantly

This is a major cause of border collie depression as well as a form of stress and anxiety in border collies.

Border Collies are known to have a laydown habit, and frequent alterations to that normal may cause sadness.

For instance, you may change your meals whenever you want or move between different sorts of food.

When you keep changing your arrival time or time to walk your border collie, in short constantly changing your daily routine or activities can cause border collie depression.

6. Being neglected or abused

Border collies can become depressed as a result of abuse or neglect from their owners.

Shouting, hitting, or punishing your border collie in any way can create despair and unwanted behaviors.

Not caring about the emotional feelings of your border collie can also lead to unnecessary border collie depression.

7. Changing city or abandoning them

When a border collie is accustomed to a metropolitan environment or way of life, moving away from it might cause depression.

For example, suppose your border collie already has pals in your quiet area and you decide to relocate to a busy one.

Depression can be brought on by loneliness or being in a new situation.

Border collies may experience depression if they are left behind while moving to a new house or household.

Some abandoned border collies may become stray dogs, which can cause sadness when they are adopted by a new family.

Read more about the 9 Signs Of Border Collie Separation Anxiety (Causes & Prevention).

Signs of border collie depression

The following are some of the most prevalent depression symptoms in border collies:

1. Increase rate of self-isolation.
2. Clear changes in eating habits.
3. Changes in temperaments or personalities.
4. Increased destructive chewing or behavior.
5. Increased barking behavior.
6. They console themselves by licking their paws constantly.
7. Increased aggressive behaviors.
8. Change in normal demeanor.
9. Restlessness or an inability to get comfortable, in order to rest well.
10. Frequent potty accidents.

How to prevent border collie depression

Here are some alternative remedies to avoid border collies depression:

• Make your border collie’s environment safe and comfortable.
• Set up efficient crate training sessions.
• Allow for a decent view out the window of the outer world for your border collie.
• Turn on the television or radio before leaving.
• Create and keep to a regular routine for your border collie.
• To keep your border collie company, get a second pet.
• Make extra time to play with your border collie.
• Maintain a stress-free atmosphere for your border collie.
• Assist your border collie in settling into his new home.

How to resolve border collie depression

Here are some natural methods to help border collies that are depressed:

1. All types of loneliness must be eradicated

There should be no lonely periods when attempting to treat border collie depression since loneliness can promote depression in border collies.

Boredom may quickly develop into depression in under-stimulated border collies.

This is due to border collies’ inherent need to expend excess energy and excite their natural curiosity.

Adding a new toy or food puzzle to your border collie’s life will help her overcome her sadness.

2. Create a set exercise routine

Some border collies may show signs of distress after a major move or the addition of a new family member.

If your border collie is confused by changes in its usual routine, consider walking at specific times of the day to establish stability.

Increased physical activity can also boost endorphin production and help dogs avoid obesity, which can deplete energy and worsen sadness.

Play more fetch games and provide more time to get exercise with your border collie.

3. Make up new games or tricks

Teaching your border collie a set of new skills to improve their attention span is an excellent way to put their excess energy to good use.

The bonding time spent together is also useful. They will be able to eat snacks on a daily basis, which is one of the benefits.

Do you know that border collies enjoy learning new things? You may utilize this to help them overcome their sadness!

Provide more mental stimulation activities for your border collie.

4. Use supplements

Essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 have been shown to benefit everything from brain function to the immune system.

Their anti-inflammatory properties have also been found in tests to boost mood.

Because dogs cannot produce these on their own, look for an all-natural dog food that includes or supplements high-quality fish oil or an equivalent.

Probiotics are another type of pet supplement that has been linked to increased mood.

In the gut, there are billions of bacteria, including those that feed “happy” neurotransmitters like serotonin.

Discuss with your veterinarian before giving any supplements to your border collie!

5. Rewarding positive behavior

While using praise or healthy dog treats to cheer up your border collie might help, it’s important to only reward good behavior.

If your border collie associates treat and love with their gloomy attitude, it might backfire, so be cautious with incentives.

Simply said, wait until your dog is active and engaged before bringing out the pets or kibble.

You should be aware of when to praise positive conduct with treats.

Finally…

Treatment might be as simple as giving your border collie some loving attention, spending quality time with them, or simply going for frequent walks to get some fresh air.

Sitting with your border collie and gently rubbing his or her back and neck might help alleviate the ache of despair and loneliness.

There are a number of all-natural remedies available to revive your border collie’s herding enthusiasm.

Homeopathic and herbal medicines can help alleviate depression without the unpleasant side effects associated with pharmaceutical medications.

Always check with your veterinarian before adding any herbal supplements or essential oils to your herding breed dog’s food or body.

I hope you found value in this post in regard to your border collie depression!