by





Can dogs get depressed? What do you think? Just like us, humans, your pekingese do suffer episodes of depression. They become lethargic, mopey and don’t drink and eat, inactive and even lose lots of weight.

So what causes their depression? Change of scenery, grief, illness, chemical imbalance and they even need treatment in order to correct it. Your health and the weather can affect the mood of your dog.

So, how do you fight that invisible antagonist as a pet owner? Recognize it. Once you have taken the trip to the vet and physical causes are ruled out, start taking a closer look at the mental causes.

Has he lost a close friend? Perhaps a community friend went on a vacation or passed away? Losing a playmate, especially the one he shares his home with has a great impact on dogs and would often lead to depression. We may not even notice it but our pets do grieve, and sometimes up to a very dangerous point where it would be very hard to bring him back.

Loss of initiative and slow response is a big sign that something is wrong with your pekingese. If you notice this one, then do your best to make his every day life fun again. Go to your vet and ask for anti-depressants. Be well aware that depression is life-threatening if left untreated.

Can Dogs Get Depressed

Maybe you’ve just moved, or you’ve brought home a new baby. Out of the blue, your usually energetic pooch is withdrawn and listless. Could your dog be depressed? Yes, say experts. And, depression in dogs isn’t so different from depression in people. Dog depression symptoms are very similar to those in people, said John Ciribassi, DVM, past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. “Dogs will become withdrawn. They become inactive. Their eating and sleeping habits often change. They don’t participate in the things they once enjoyed.” Source: Web MD, http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/depression-in-dogs by Sandy Eckstein

Treating Dog Depression

First identify the symptoms of your dog’s depression. Take note of he is becoming withdrawn, eating pattern changes, changed sleeping habits and not enjoying the things he used to love. Spend more time with him. Do your best to get him out of his depression. Spend more and longer times playing with him and doing things that he loves the most, like riding the car, walking, going to the park or beach, etc… Also take the time to cuddle and pet him. Give him rewards for positive response. When he tries his best to be happy, give him his fave treat and pet him. Do not ever give him treats when he is sad. He may associate it with his depression thinking that his behavior would earn him treats. This would encourage him more to be depressed. Go to the vet. Seek medical help if you think you cannot handle the situation any longer. He may need medications already so that he can be normal again.

I sure hope this post clarified the issue if can dogs get depressed. Just like any creature with feelings, they too are prone to depression. They may not talk but they are very affectionate and has high emotional quotient that is why we should also try to understand them. You may overlook his feelings when you transfer places or if you bring him to a different place where he doesn’t know anybody. Before doing any major adjustments, take into consideration how your dog would feel.

Have you experienced doggy depression yet? I hope not. Tell us about more about it by leaving your story behind for us to read.