Doggie Depression?
Posted By Erika on June 25, 2010
Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that they go through mood changes just like humans do. One day they may be full of energy and playful while the next is spent in a lethargic state of inactivity. It is not uncommon for dogs to suffer bouts of depression, which in many cases can be even more serious than the condition in humans.
When looking for signs that your dog may be depressed, you can often use the same warning signs that humans display. Is he or she spending too much time in his or her dog bed? Among the most common indications of depression are loss of appetite, low energy levels and general lack of enthusiasm for anything. Since your dog can’t come to you and speak honestly about the condition, you have to be on the lookout for the problem.
The reasons for depression in dogs can be numerous and sometimes hard to pin down. If there is a change in the household such as a child moving away, this can often bring on the condition. The loss of another pet is also a frequent cause. Also, like in humans, the depression may have no trigger whatsoever other than a chemical imbalance in the brain.
If your pet is showing signs of serious depression you must act quickly to avoid the situation becoming worse. Try to spend as much time as possible with the dog. Engage him in activities that he enjoys whether it be chasing a ball or simply walking through the park. If your dog spends a lot of time alone while you are working, consider hiring a walker or putting the dog into a kennel a few days a week to give him some companionship. Being alone is one of the greatest causes of depression in dogs.
Don’t expect a single day spent with your dog to instantly cure the problem. It could take days or even weeks to get them out of their sullen mood. Be patient and caring and eventually your dog should be fine.
If you are doing everything possible and after a few weeks things haven’t improved, you should get the animal checked by a vet. There may be a more serious underlying health condition affecting your dog. In cases of severe depression, the vet might even prescribe an anti depressant to help with a chemically caused condition.
Remember that dogs often mimic the moods of their owners. If you are depressed your dog will easily sense it and will be affected. If you notice your dog acting differently, don’t forget to consider your own actions. Perhaps you have been experiencing a mood change that you haven’t noticed yourself, but is very obvious to a sensitive dog. By livening up your own outlook, it may take care of any problem your pet is experiencing and you will both be better for it.