Depression & Your Dog: Know The Signs & Symptoms
Have you noticed that your dog just isn’t himself? Has he taken to napping excessively, or does he just seem to mope about? Is he subsisting on the smallest amounts of water? If you answered yes, Canine Depression may be the culprit.
Factors That May Cause Depression
There are many factors that could trigger a bout of depression in a canine. Separation Anxiety as well as feeling lonely and isolated may be too much for your dog to handle emotionally. Dogs can also grieve for the loss of a loved one. This may be another dog that they lived with or had play dates with. It could be that one of ‘his people’ have grown up and moved out on their own. It is also not uncommon for a dog belonging to a person with depression to inadvertently copy his owner’s feelings. Like humans, their canine friends are capable of having chemical imbalances that can lead to depression.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden or gradual loss of appetite
- No longer enjoying things that previously brought happiness.This would include playing with toys or being with humans.
- Laying around the house more, preferring to sleep, lethargic
- Begins relieving himself in the house, even though he is house trained
- Being excessively vocal and/or displaying destructive behavior
If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, a trip to your veterinarian may be extremely helpful. Your vet can assist you by ruling out any possible physical reason for your dogs symptoms, such as distemper, Canine Caronavirus or Parvovirus. Once the dog receives a clean bill of health, you can begin treating the depression.
Treatments are Available
Once your dog has been diagnosed as depressed there are several, inexpensive, things that you can do to help him recover. The first step is to give your dog more quality attention and loving affection. If he is normally left alone for long periods of time, try seeking out a pet-sitter or doggie daycare that can fill in while you’re away. Next, try encouraging your dog to be more active. Go on long walks in a territory that is new to him. This is stimulating for his mind as well as his body.
If your dog is suffering from an intense depression, your vet may suggest an antidepressant. Please be cautious and do as much research as possible before beginning any treatment where your dog may be subject to adverse physical reactions. He is already dealing with so much.
For more information on treating your dog naturally, please read my article “Treat Dog Depression, Dog Whining, and Separation Anxiety in Dogs Naturally.”