Depression and Your Dog: Know the Signs and Symptoms

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Have you noticed that your dog just isn't himself? Has he taken to excessive napping, or does he just seem to mope about? Is he subsisting on the smallest amounts of water and refusing to eat his regular food? Has he lost interest in his favorite toys? If you answered yes to any of these, canine depression may be the culprit behind his behavior.

Factors that May Cause Canine Depression

Many factors can trigger a bout of depression in dogs. 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. They could grieve the loss of a dog that they lived with or had play dates with. Depression for dogs can start when one of their people have grown up and moved out on their own. It is not uncommon for a dog belonging to a person with depression to inadvertently copy his owner's feelings. And like humans, canine friends are capable of having chemical imbalances that can lead to depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Canine Depression

Your dog may be suffering from depression if he displays any of these signs:

• Sudden or gradual loss of appetite
• No longer enjoying things that previously brought happiness, such as playing with toys or being with humans
• Lying around the house, preferring sleep over play, and acting lethargic
• Relieving himself in the house, even if 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 physical reasons for your dog's symptoms, such as distemper, Canine Caronavirus or Parvovirus. Once your dog receives a clean bill of health, you can begin treating the depression.

Depression Treatments are Available

Once your dog has been diagnosed with depression, several inexpensive options can 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, encourage your dog to be more active. Go on long walks in a territory that is new to him. This is stimulating for his body as well as his mind. 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 that may subject your dog to adverse physical reactions and harmful side effects. As an alternative to prescription medications, look for an all-natural mood-boosting supplement that has no side effects. With your devoted attention and love, this may be the push your dog needs to feel like himself again.

Photo Credit: saxcubano