Health: Depression

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If there's one thing dog lovers recognize, it's that our best animal friends--while very different from us--are strikingly similar to people in many ways. A case of the blues, and even outright depression, is but one more malady we share. As humans, we can rationalize our feelings, try to understand them, and seek a way out. Our dogs aren't so lucky. They often need our help, and our love and involvement, to break out of the cycle.

Causes

Dogs live extraordinarily emotional lives. You can see this demonstrated in many ways, from good and bad behavior to affectionate play to the "Velcro dog" syndrome, in which your pet will not leave your side, so attached is she to your presence.

When pets experience a sudden change, it upsets the balance in their lives, just as it does in ours. The loss of another dog (whether it's a "sister" dog in the house, or the dog next door who moves away) or of a beloved human (your son or daughter who has grown and left home) can be a large emotional hurdle for a dog. Experiencing a trauma, such as an injury or an attack by another dog, can also be a trigger.

Even a change in the weather can set off a mild bout of the blues, especially for a dog who loves to play outside. The severity of the depression can vary greatly, depending on the dog and her ability to cope. Just like us, right?

Symptoms

Every dog has lazy or bored days--and friends and family may be convinced that nothing more serious than that is at issue. But you can tell when your own best friend is showing signs of a deeper problem.

Signs of depression include:

Lethargy
Excessive sleep
Clinginess
Loss of appetite
Change in personality
Whining
Weight loss

Dealing with depression at home

It sounds trite, but usually what [Continued]

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If you've got a trip planned and your dog is depressed, you've got a tough choice. Dogs like familiar surroundings, but they also miss us when we're gone. Consider a pet sitter who will stay at your home so your dog can remain where she's comfortable. Of course, being with you likely trumps being in a familiar place. Can you take her with you? Dogs can use a vacation, too!

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Comments

“My dog is currently going through all the symptoms of depression. Her appetite has gone to hell in a handbasket, although she has no problems scarfing down "junk food." Normally pretty independent, she now follows me around like a shadow. She is sleeping more than usual or just lying around. But sometimes she forgets herself and starts acting "normal"--which for her is bouncing off the walls! Why would she be depressed? Well, let's see. She hates thunderstorms and we seem to be in a pattern with a minimum of two very loud stormy days a week. The city recently decided to whack down several street trees so that racket is going nonstop while I'm off at work. And as if my dog's nerves weren't already shot, she was involved in a dog fight...no serious injuries...about a week ago. So yeah, she's major league bumming right now!!! I'm keeping an eye on her in case there might be a physical ailment going on too but I'd be willing to bet that it's all psychological. ” — pcarpenter, Apr 07 2008

“Rose, the TV/radio might help. (Just make sure it's tuned to a soothing human voice, not loud music or angry talk show hosts, for instance.) You might also consider hiring a dog walker or trustworthy neighbor to come by midday and give her a walk and some attention. You can try feeding her her meals in hollow chewtoys that she gets when you leave, to distract her from missing everyone. And, some quality time on the weekends might help. Good luck!” — Grace, Mar 10 2008

“ I started a new job and work all day M-F, plus now both of the kids are gone away @ college, this has made our 8 year old Springer act very weepy. She was ok @ first, but between Christmas break and Spring break.. she just can not seem to handle it anymore. Would leving the radio or TVon while my hubby and I are @ work help @ al? Pleas any advise would be wonderful !
Rose” — bergers4, Mar 10 2008

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