A famous dog named Hachiko would meet his master every day at the train station in Tokyo, until his master died. For the next 10 years, Hachiko would go to the train station daily looking for his owner, until Hachiko died. The famous story of Hachiko illustrates that dogs are creatures of habit and form close bonds. Canine depression occurs for a variety of reasons: change, lack of attention or exercise, the death of an owner or another pet, abandonment, moving or divorce. When your four-legged friend no longer wags his tail, plays with his favorite toy or devours a treat, he may be depressed. If your dog is acting unusual, immediately take him to the veterinarian.
Instructions
Instructions
Observe your dog. Symptoms of depression can range from unusual behavior, sluggishness, inactivity, lack of interest in his favorite toy or treat, agitation, aggression, nervousness, sleeplessness, excessive shedding, sadness, health problems, loss of appetite, drinking less water, constipation or hiding. Tell the veterinarian of the symptoms your dog is exhibiting.
Take your dog to a veterinarian to determine if he has any medical problems. Dogs that are in pain, suffer from a chemical imbalance or have health problems, may act depressed.
Determine the cause of your dog's depression. Dogs who are abused, mistreated, abandoned or are adapting to a new home often feel sadness. Separation anxiety occurs when owners spend less time with their dog. According to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, a change in a dog's daily life can cause depression. Lack of exercise or inattention may cause your dog to feel melancholy.
Treat the depression. According to Vetinfo, canine depression can be treated by administering herbal remedies, prozac, valium, tramadol or phenobarbital. According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, St John's Wort treats depression. Mustard treats lethargy. Capsicum increases emotional stamina. When a dog changes her environment, try honeysuckle. Grief is treated with ignacia, gentian, gorse (for severe symptoms) and the star of Bethlehem. For anxiety, try chamomile or kalium phosphate.
Allow your dog to grieve. Dogs grieve when their master or another pet dies. Give the dog an item that has the scent of the dog or the person who has passed away. This can be a sweater or a chew toy. Let the dog smell it. The scent may help him heal.
Spend quality time with your pet. Combat depression with stimulation, exercise, socialization and bonding. Take your dog to a dog beach or a dog park. Set up play dates with other dogs, or leave her at a doggie daycare. Give your dog lots of love and attention. Play catch with your dog. Let her watch animal television shows, or play a movie for her about dogs. When weather makes exercise hard, try placing your dog on a pet treadmill.
Think about adopting a new companion for your dog. Your local animal shelter has many fury friends who would love to be adopted.