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DOES YOUR DOG HAVE THE WINTERTIME BLUES?

December 14, 2018 by Dan Washburn

Medically diagnosed cases of depression (clinical depression) in people are very real and affect over 3 million Americans each year. To add to this, we are heading into the shorter days of winter where SAD (Seasonal Depression Disorder) will affect another 1.5 million people in the U.S.

As with other illnesses, depression can be tackled if properly diagnosed and treated. But even though mental health care has improved by leaps and bounds over the last several decades, it can still be a touchy subject for some folks. Some cases of depression are even brushed off as someone just “having the blues”.

Campaigns such as DeconstructingStigma.org are working towards removing the stigma surrounding mental health. Removing negativity surrounding the issue would inevitably lead to more people receiving the help they deserve.
As we’ve talked about many times, our four-legged children are more like us than most people realize. And just like some humans suffer from depression, they can too.

We’re all about helping your dog live the happiest and healthiest life possible. So let’s not forget that your fur baby’s mental health is just as important as his physical health.

Depression in dogs is usually brought on by a major change or distressing event such as the loss of an owner or an animal companion. It could also be due to a change in routine or normalcy such as a child moving out of the house, a move to a new house or even just a change in your work schedule.

Depression can also be a sign of an underlying injury or illness, so it’s always best to check with your vet if you think your dog is dealing with depression.


SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN DOGS
  • Change in Appetite – Lack of appetite resulting in weight loss, or over-eating resulting in weight gain
  • Lethargy – Typically our dogs sleep while we’re not home and while we’re relaxing, when not much is happening. But is he always wanting to sleep regardless of the activity going on around him? Check for a physical ailment that could be causing this first. But if he’s physically fit and constant sleeping continues, it could be a sign of depression.
  • Indifference – Has your dog lost interest in things that would normally make him happy? Not wanting to play with toys, go to the park, or do other things he’d normally love to do could be a sign of depression.
  • Hiding – Animals generally hide due to illness or injury. If your dog is constantly hiding, avoiding all human contact and he’s not injured, it could be a sign of depression.

TREATMENT FOR DOGS WITH DEPRESSION
  • Stay Active and Healthy– Just as exercise and a healthy diet can help us with depression, it can do the same for our dogs. Keep a schedule of regular walks and playtime. If there’s an activity he especially likes, make sure to do that more often and offer praise when doing it. He’ll be more likely to respond if he associates having a good time with your praise. Make sure to feed your pup a diet that consists of the nutrients that he needs and craves.
  • Be Attentive – Show your dog more attention and praise him when he shows signs of happiness. As with any training, if you’re praising him when he’s happy, it will only serve to enforce the behavior. Petting, cuddling, and verbal praise can help raise your dog’s natural oxytocin levels and combat depression.
  • Be Social – If your dog is good in social situations, consider having a play date, taking him to the dog park or trying doggie day care. If depression is being caused by a feeling of loneliness, being in a social situation could help with his feelings.

Depression can be just as real for our furry friends as it can be for us. But with the right diagnosis and treatment it can be a thing of the past. As with any canine health issues, always consult with your veterinarian for a personalized treatment plan that’s as unique as your dog.

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Dan Washburn