Whenever changes happen in people’s lives, people undergo emotional stress and try to adapt to the change. In some cases, some people get depressed and would undergo some sort of therapy to overcome this state.
Similar to people, dogs too get depressed; often triggered by a change which they are unable to cope with emotionally. Depression could also be an indicator of the existence of a medical condition. Many pet owners, however, do not know how to recognise the warning signs of dog depression. Read on to learn how to recognise these signs and help your dog cope up with it.
The most obvious symptoms of dog depression include:
Typically, a depressed dog will display reduced interaction with other dogs in the home as well as his companions and people he regards as special.
The dog will show significantly reduced enthusiasm to take part in outdoor activities such as park walks or jogs. The dog may also show slower movements and tend to sleep more.
The dog may eat more and begin to gain weight or lose his appetite thus eating less and experience weight loss.
Other symptoms include clinginess, excessive whining, and lethargy.
The Most Common Trigger of Depression in Dogs, are changes in the physical environment. This is where the dog experiences a significant change in his physical environment over a prolonged period.
These changes can be occasioned by the loss of a family member or a neighbouring pet who could have moved to a different address or perhaps died but their physical absence is noticeable. Dogs also tend to get depressed when schools get back in session and the play and excitement they experienced with the kids while schools were on recess are no more.
Depression can also be triggered by prolonged ailment or separation anxiety.
Caring for your best friend also entails emotional support. Once you have recognised the warning signs of depression in your dog and have identified what triggered it, you are better equipped to help your dog cope with the situation. However, if the symptoms persist for a prolonged period, it is advisable that you visit the vet.
