MillenniumPost
Insight

Warning signs of a depressed dog!

Most dogs bounce back from depression within a few days to a few months with just a little extra affection

Are dogs prone to depression?
Dog depression symptoms are very similar to those in people. Dogs will become withdrawn. They become inactive. Their eating and sleeping habits often change. They don't participate in the things they once enjoyed. But this could also mean that a dog has a medical problem. So the first course of action should always be a full checkup by a veterinarian. A pet that mopes around and no longer wants to go for walks could simply have pain from arthritis.
Reasons for depression could be a major change like moving into a new home, a new spouse or baby in the household, or adding another pet. Even a change in the dog's schedule, for instance a stay-at-home owner who takes a job. The two most common triggers of severe dog depression are the loss of a companion animal or the loss of an owner.
Most dogs bounce back from depression within a few days to a few months with just a little extra affection, Keep them engaged, do more of the things they like to do, get them a little more exercise and they should be fine. Reward them when they show signs of happiness. If the only thing that still gets a little tail wag out of your dog is a car ride, then take him for a series of short rides each day, praising and rewarding him when he appears happier.
Medications for depressed dogs are the same as those used by depressed humans – Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. Clomicalm is sometimes used for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs. But I would not recommend drugs as these can often cause kidney failure. Depression affects different dogs in different ways.
Here are common indicators:
Being down in mood and body. A lack of joy or interest in what the dog used to look forward to. This is usually displayed by lethargy, inactivity and moping. A hanging head, tail down or between the legs, or usually perky ears appearing to be droopy or "pulled back." Change in eating habits. Most depressed dogs eat less; some refuse food.
Oversleeping. Although dogs average about 14 hours of sleep per 24-hour cycle in a series of naps, some depressed dogs may find it hard to get out of bed. If you leave your dog for work and he continues to sleep after you get home, barely reacting to your presence, something is probably wrong. Destructive and/or aggressive behavior. Usually affecting normally calmer dogs, this usually suggests the pet isn't getting enough exercise.
Seeming "lost" at home. Particularly following the loss of a family member, some depressed dogs pace room-to-room looking for that individual. Others no longer engage in normal "greeting behaviors" when family members come home. These behaviors may be accompanied with whining or sighing.
Paw licking. Excessive licking or chewing may be rooted in physiological or psychological issues. Depressed dogs will often lick or chew their paws to soothe themselves.
Avoidance and hiding.This kind of behavior typically means one of two things: illness or injury (with depression falling under the "illness" category). Dogs that suddenly hide or want to be left alone behave that way because something is bothering them. If it's not physical, it's likely emotional.
What is the punishment for stoning animals?
As per Section 11 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, stoning, beating, kicking, over-riding, overloading, over-driving, torturing or otherwise treating any animals so as to subject it to unnecessary pain amounts to cruelty on animals.
And whoever indulges in an act of cruelty to animals makes himself liable for action under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
(Views expressed and information provided are personal; Send your questions to manekaanimallove@gmail.com)

Next Story
Share it