Every dog owner knows that these amazing creatures have incredible range of emotions. While it is easy for us to know when they are happy or excited, it is not that easy when they are sad or depressed. Still, it is every dog owner's responsibility to learn about the causes of doggie depression, and the treatment tips that can be easily followed, and at the same time, be helpful for the happiness and mental health of our precious canine friends.
According to
The Telegraph, a study on Britain's dogs concluded that of each four dogs, one suffers from depression! Fortunately, there are some helpful ways for dog owners to detect and treat doggie depression, and they are quite easy to learn just as the
ways to treat canine arthritis.
Scroll through to learn about the causes and treatments of canine depression!
Do not forget to
tell us in comments below about the way your pup uses when trying to tell you that they are sad.
Six Causes Of Doggie Depression
Cause #1: Medical Problems Or Pain
While our pets cannot tell us by words when they feel something wrong, their behavior can tell it all. That is why every pet owner has to pay attention to the change in their pup's behavior. It is the only way to monitor the health of our precious pets, besides the periodical checkup at your vet's of course.
According to
Lovetoknow.com,
"when canines have something physically wrong, they may show depression symptoms"
Generally, most medical problems can cause behavioral change. Therefore, you should keep an eye on your pet's behavior, and bring them to the vet whenever you notice an unusual change in their attitude.
Cause #2: Recent Major Changes
Dogs are addicted to the daily routine, and they just love to stick to the plan. They became more susceptible to depression whenever their daily routine is changed.
According to
WebMD, "
dogs are affected negatively with major changes in their routine, such as moving into a new place, or having a new spouse or baby in the household"
Moreover, dogs can get down after a change in their schedule, such as when their owner who used to stay at home takes a job.
Cause #3: Loss Of A Companion
By nature, dogs are creatures with large capacity for love.
They attach so strongly to their closed ones, and that is why
losing someone hits them so hard.
WebMD writes, "Regarding dogs, there are two most common reasons of severe depression, which are the loss of their owner, and the loss of an animal friend"
Cause #4: A Depressed Owner
When a dog owner is depressed, their canine friend may try to make it up to them. Nevertheless, if you feel so bad so that they could not cheer you up, the expected possibilities are either your pet would adopt the same emotional state of you, or you would not take care of them properly, which eventually causes your dog to depress as well.
Mental Health Daily writes,
"When you are going through depression, it could "infect" your pet"
Cause #5: Weather Or Seasonal Changes
According to
Vetinfo.com, "The mood of your dog can be affected by the weather sometimes. If your dog is having depression symptoms while the weather has recently changed, it could be the reason"
Just like how some people feel down during rainy or colder days, seasonal changes can have an emotional effect on your dog. However, this is a temporary depression, and
when the weather gets good, your pup's mood would just follow!
Cause #6: Old Age
When humans grow older, they become more aware of their mortality. Dogs are alike with humans in this point of view.
They could sense that they are at the tail of their lives.
Dogsaholic.com writes, "Some dogs can feel when their time is coming soon. So when an old dog is depressed, the most possible reason is because they grow that old!"
Keep scrolling down to learn six simple powerful techniques for treating doggie depression.
These following tips will help you keeping your canine friend a happier and healthier life!
Six Treatments For Doggie Depression
Treatment #1: More Exercise
During exercising, endorphins are released. No substance is magical as this neurochemical in improving the mood of both humans and canines.
Dogs Naturally magazine writes, "Just like humans, motion activates the canines' lymph system. That is why exercise is not only good for beating depression; it also boosts your dog's immune system"
Because that your pup's physical health is your own responsibility, deal with it as one of your main priorities.
Take them to the park periodically, and whenever it is possible!
Treatment #2: Reward Them For Showing Happiness
It is well known that rewarding is the most successful ways to make you pup build great habits. You can make use of this advantage when dealing with your depressed dog
rewarding them when they show signs of happiness.
According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Bonnie Beaver, "Car rides can always make your pup's tail wags. Take them for short rides every day, give them rewards and praise them and you will love how happier they become"
In the contrary, do not give your pup treats when they show negative behaviors as a trial of making them happy, as this can prolong their depression.
Treatment #3: A New Companion
Bringing home a new companion is very helpful with a pup who suffers depression after losing a companion.
According to animal behaviorist Dr. John Ciribassi, "Sometimes,
getting a new pet can help treating the pup depressed after the loss of a companion. But you have to be sure to give priority to fulfilling of the depressed dog's needs, otherwise this can make their depression even worse"
Treatment #4: Social Interaction
The companionship of other dogs during the endorphin release boosting through exercising is a great way to beat doggie depression.
According to Mental Health Daily, "
Taking your pup to the dog park and allowing them to be with other dogs is very much helpful to overcome their depression"
Putting your pup with other playful and positive dogs is a good reminder of them about how being positive feels much better.
Treatment #5: Extra Love And Attention
While an owner of a depressed pup have to be careful not to show praise for a negative behavior,
lot of love is the best cure for a pup suffering from depression. Undoubtedly, showing all the care can be very helpful pulling the depressed pup out of the funk.
According to Dogsaholic.com, "Showing your depressed pup a little extra attention can be magical treatment.
Spend much time with them to let them know that you support and care for them all the time."
Think of it this way, "One day while you at your work, your pup was alone throughout a tough time, and this is the root of their depression."
Treatment #6: A Trip To The Vet
As your pup's depression can relate to a health issue, it is crucial to get them medically checked if their depress behavior persists.
According to Dogtime.com," If your pup's negative mood persists, and they are losing weight or do not respond to play activities, take them for a trip to the vet who can check them properly for any underlying medical reason for their depression"
Learning how to recognize and treat doggie depression can truly help your pup to beat this negative mood faster, and to return to the happy mood eventually.
What are the signals your pup uses to let you know when he feels sad?
Please tell us in comments.
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