10 Common Signs of Canine Depression
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
1. Eating Habits, decrease in eating and drinking.
2. Regression-.soiling inside the house
3. Lack of sociability or isolation, hide themselves under bed, kennel or somewhere unusual.
4. Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
5. Anxious; destructive chewing, pacing and other restless behavior
6. Impulsive aggression
7. Nervous
8. Grief; appears sad.
9. Lethargic; lack of interest in playing or other activity
10. Unusual shedding is a physical symptom of canine depression.
Pump That Zest for Life, Back Into Your Dog
First have your veterinarian determine if there is a physical or chemical problem causing your dog’s mood change. Talk to your dog! Other than to scold them. Your dog response to the up beat sound of your voice, give them some
praise as many times a day as possible. They can never hear it enough. As much as possible, stay on a scheduled routine. It offers your dog a sense of security.
Enroll in a fun class, trick training, frisbee, fly ball, dancing, if that’s not an option, do it at home, be creative. I have been know to take my couch cushions and line them up down the hall making jumps, while the other hall is set
up with couch cushions forming a tunnels, hey whatever works make it fun for the two of you. Have an adventure with your dog, do something fun and different. Challenge them, build up their self-esteem. Keep it short and keep it fun. Keep them interested, so they will be open for new challenges. Walk’em in a different neighborhood. Vary the pace of your walk. The change may spark focus back into your friend.
Take your dog with you when possible. Include them in your activities outside the home. Take them to work or to a friends house. I take mine on errands days, we drive all over and then at the end, we stop at Mickey D’s for some
chicken nuggets. Get them out of the house, Make it fun!
Exercise physical activity, stimulates the mind, body and mood. I treadmill with my gang, we all hop on and go. Other times I relay with my dogs, running from room to room.. The game involves physical and mental stimulation
by giving a command and whoever does it first gets the cookie, then we race to the next room and I give a different command. My dogs have a blast.
The most important thing you can do to help your dog over this bump in the road…let them know how much you love them. They need to see it in your eyes, hear it in your voice, and feel it through your actions. Our dogs add joy
into our lives so when their feeling blue, take a little time out of your day, being a dog should be fun. It doesn’t take much to make them happy.
Dogs 4 Life Training and Wellness
Canine Depression
Christine Johnson