Canine Depression - 10 Common Signs And 10 Simple Suggestions To Help Your Dog
Yes! Absolutely! Dogs can get depressed. There are a number of sources that can ebb the life out of your canine buddy.
1. Loneliness you may be too busy and or they may have Lost a dear human or animal friend.
2. Sudden changes in routines and schedules.
3. More than usual tension in the home. Your dog may be sensing YOUR mood changes.
4. Illness and yours or theirs.
5. Ageing. They can no longer physically do and what they were once capable of doing.
6. Dietary problems (wrong food).
10 Common Signs of Canine Depression
1. Weight loss/Lack of thirst
2. Regression in house training soiling inside
3. Lack of sociability
4. Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
5. Anxious
6. Impulsive aggression
7. Phobic
8. Nervous
9. Grief
10. Chemical imbalance
10 Simple Suggestions to Pump That Zest for Life and Back Into Your Dog
1. Have your veterinarian determine if there is a physical or chemical problem causing your dog's mood change.
2. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's diet. A simple change of diet may help.
3. Talk to your dog! Don't worry and no one is looking. Many owners rarely talk to their dogs other than to scold them. Your dog loves the sound of your voice be up beat. Praise them as many times a day as possible. They can never hear it enough.
4. As much as possible and stay ON a scheduled routine. It offers your dog a sense of security.
5. If your dog has Lost a human or animal friend and socialize them. Take them where they can interact with other dogs and preferably daily. Dogs need dogs.
6. Enroll in a positive reinforcement and punishment-free obedience dog training class. You will benefit by toning up your leadership skills, and your dog will benefit from the socialization with new people and dogs, not to mention the added bonus of spending quality time with his or her best friend and YOU! Make the commitment and you will both enjoy it and it works!
7. 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 and so they will be open for new challenges.
8. Walk him or her in a different neighborhood. Vary the pace of your walk. Make it interesting. The change may spark focus back into your friend.
9. Take your dog with you when possible. Include him or her in your activities outside the home. Take them to work with you if possible. Take them with you when you visit friends or run errands. Make it fun!
10. If the time is right for you and consider getting him or her a canine companion. Let your dog pick out their new friend! If you are not ready to assume the responsibilities of another dog don't do it!
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. Their lives are too short. Being a dog should be fun. It doesn't take much to make them happy!
Karen A. Soukiasian and GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING - Owner/Trainer and St. Augustine and Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite
