Saturday, April 6, 2013

10 Tips For Dealing with Your Dog's Depression



As a Dog owner, it’s possible  that Your Furry Friend has an fabulous Range of Emotion.
In fact, a fearful dog's brain is very good at being anxious, horrified and startled. If you exposed the same symptoms that are seen by many of these dogs, you would be considered depressed.

Knowing how to cure for your dog's depression is many times as difficult as treating your own depression. The fact that your dog is not able to communicate to you makes it even more hard to determine the cause of his unhappiness. This makes it difficult to help him through it.

Tips to Determinate the Cause of Your Dog's Depression

The most common cause that dogs become depressed is because of a quick change in their lives. These changes can be due to the loss of a human family member or another dog for example, an addition to the family or a move. Some dogs get depressed when the weather changes.

5 Different Ways that Depression Can Manifest Itself:

  • Whining
  • Personality changes
  • General sleepiness
  • separation anxiety
  • Loss of appetite and quick weight loss

If your dog is depressed, there are things that you can do to give him a better expectation on his life. You need to find out what makes him feel good and provide him with those things.

10 Tips  that May Help Your Dog to feel Better
  1. One of the best treatments is to pay more attention to your dog  and show him more affection.
  2. Find him some new toys.
  3. Play with him.
  4. walk with him.
  5. Take him for a car ride.
  6. Play with him at his level by sitting on the floor. This helps him feel like you are giving him your full attention.
  7. Take your dog to the park.
  8. If you think his depression is due to the loss of another pet, considering acquiring another one. If you are unable to do this, try and set up times for your dog to interact with other dogs.
  9. If your dog in home alone all day, consider a sitter or doggie daycare.
  10. Give him his preferred food and/or use food search toys.
  11. Depression & Food

Many of us reach for good nutrients in our times of need; your dog may find relief from the same. There are numerous healthy bones and chews on the pet-markets. One of the least expensive and most various treats is a food-dispensing toy. If properly treated, these toys can last for years. Fill it with peanut butter or cream cheese and your furry friend will be well on his way to happiness!

Make Him Think ...

A lot of toys available also offer more interaction that requires your dog to think about ways to get the food. These plays may have parts that are moving and making noise while rolling around on the floor. This kind of toy helps dogs who are easily startled by sound and movement.

Even Dogs on Low-Fat Diets can Have Treats

If your dog gets on a low fat diet, he can have yogurt, canned pumpkin, cottage cheese and baby food. Consider adding different textures by dropping in crunchy treats like kibble, apple pieces, training treats and biscuits.

It is significant to be patient and give him time to come around. If you think there may be something else wrong or he does not begin acting like himself, you should consider calling his vet. He could have an underlying medical issue and your vet will be able to offer you advice. Your vet may refer you to a specialist who will help you and your furry friend through this difficult time in his life.