How to Tell if Your Dog is Depressed... And What to Do About It

How to Tell if Your Dog is Depressed... And What to Do About It


Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the most difficult moments you can have.

Then you go home to explain it to your other dog. Only he doesn’t understand what you’re saying or why the tears are streaming down your face.

Then he gets it…

You left with Minnie, but you came back alone.

Days go by. Then it’s weeks. Milo can’t be left alone for an hour without howling.

Your dog is seriously depressed.

If you’re anything like me, your dog’s wellbeing is one of the most important things in your life.

Can dogs get depressed or have depression? Yes, depression can hit your dog at any time. It doesn’t have to be the result of a devastating loss.

So what do you do when your dog is down in the dumps?

If you are wondering "Is my dog depressed?, I’m going to cover some signs to help pinpoint when your dog is depressed, but you should always trust your instincts.

No one knows your dog like you do. No one.

 

Dog Depression Symptoms - What Does a Depressed Dog Look Like?

In a word: Sad. Especially if you know the dog well, you may be able to tell whether your dog is depressed based on a facial expression alone. If you miss this sign and notice others, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad owner or out of touch with your pet. Dogs are individuals and some are more likely to show emotion than others.

 

What Does a Depressed Dog Do?

Here is how to tell if your dog is depressed, you will be able to see some changes in his mood, appetite, sleep, or other behavior such as hiding and paw licking.

 

Changes in Behavior And Mood

In order to tell if your dog is depressed, pay close attention to how he acts. Any sudden changes in behavior or mood could be a sign that there’s something wrong. But there are specific things you can look for in your dog’s behavior that almost definitely indicate depression. And if it’s not depression, it’s still a problem that must be addressed.

You can be especially sure that there’s a problem if your dog is showing three or more of these signs.

Appetite changes 

A depressed dog may stop eating or eat like her life depended on it. It all depends on the dog. Again, in this situation, it’s always best to look for sudden and/or extreme changes in appetite.

 

Sleeping often

The average adult dog sleeps about 12 to 14 hours in a 24-hour day. Puppies sleep 18 to 20 hours, so it would be difficult to notice an increase here. However, if your adult dog starts sleeping like a puppy, he may be depressed.

Paw licking

That incessant licking may be a sign that your dog is down in the dumps. Keep in mind that there are also physiological reasons for your dog to chomp at her paws too, including bacterial infections, eczema, joint pain and dry skin. However, if your dog is licking at his paws and exhibiting other signs on this list, it may be due to depression.

Hiding

If your dog never seems to be around the family anymore, this may be a sign of depression. Dogs are pack animals, so family is important. When they retreat and begin spending more time alone, it is never a good sign.

 

 

Why Do Dogs Get Depressed?

Dog personalities are as individual as human personalities, so their reasons for feeling upset or depressed may vary. But dogs can get de depressed. However, there are some common triggers that may or may not lead to depression in your dog. If your dog is dealing with any of these changes and exhibiting the signs listed above, depression is the likely culprit. Here is some causes of dog depression and why your dog look sad these days.

A physical move

Like so many of us, dogs are creatures of habit. Even if you move to a bigger house with an even bigger yard, your dog may long for her old bone hiding places. If this is the cause of your dog’s depression, you should take comfort in knowing that it’s not likely to last long.

Loss of a loved one

Dogs can grieve just like the rest of us. If a dog’s owner or a close companion pet passes away, you may notice signs of depression in your dog. But if you don’t see these signs after a major loss, don’t worry. Not all dogs grieve in the same way. One dog may roam the house crying while another may give you more doggie kisses to help you feel better.

New family member

If you bring home a new spouse, roommate or baby, you may notice a change in your pooch. Your pup may be jealous of the time you spend with this new person and become withdrawn. This type of depression should be temporary as your dog forms a relationship with this new person.

New pet

Just like when you bring home a new family member, bringing home a four-legged family member can have an impact on your dog’s mood. Your pup may get depressed about any time you spend with the new pet. In this situation, again, it may be temporary. Your dog will likely form a relationship with the new pet and this will improve his mood.

Change in your schedule

Accepting a job with drastically different hours can affect more than just your sleep. Going from the day shift to the night shift also means that your dog won’t get her regular 6 a.m. walk. Even if she’s still going out at the same regular intervals, timing shifts mean new and new friends. The same exact route at a drastically different time can mean big change for a dog!

New Ownership or Temporary Home

There are those tragic moments when pet parents have to find new homes for their furry kids. And there are times when it’s only a temporary situation, like vacation. The thing is, your dog doesn’t know the difference. If you leave your pooch for an hour, five days or forever, it feels the same in the moment. Your dog is likely to become withdrawn in his new environment until he gets more comfortable or you return.

 

Your Own Depression

This last one doesn’t even occur to many pet owners, but dogs can feel our pain. They are actually empathetic beings. Dogs pick up on our sadness and depression and may mimic our sentiment. A joint Sao Paulo and Lincoln University found that most dogs were able to match a person’s tone of voice with the mood displayed in their picture. They know what it looks like when we’re angry, sad or happy – and they’ll change their mood to suit ours.

 

What to Do When There’s a Problem

If you’ve been nodding your head along to the list of symptoms above, you may be surprised to learn that it’s not time to diagnose your dog’s depression yet. Here is where we come to a fork in the road…

Because our dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong, the symptoms you’re seeing could be from depression or a physical problem.

So what do you do about it?

After identifying a problem, some pet owners jump into action taking measures to alleviate things that may be causing depression.

Others will first rule out any health issues that could be causing similar symptoms.

The path you choose is a personal one and will depend on your gut feeling. If you’re sure your dog is depressed because someone just passed away or you brought a new baby into the home, it’s a safe assumption.

However, if the cause of depression-like symptoms isn’t as obvious, a physical ailment may be more likely.

 

What to Do When Your Dog’s Symptoms Aren’t Really Depression

There are a few things you can do if you think your dog’s symptoms may be the result of a physical ailment.

One option is to take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup. Your vet will do a thorough examination and take your dog’s vital signs. From here, he or she should be able to give you some indication of whether your dog may be dealing with a physical issue.

Another option is to take the natural route.

We’ll cover the specifics on how to treat your dog’s depression naturally soon, but homeopathic remedies, tonics and probiotics can also work to bring your pet back to an overall state of wellness.

Give us a call to discuss your pet’s condition and we will recommend a treatment plan that addresses his or her specific condition.

 

How to Comfort a Depressed Dog

For the first time ever, you walk through the front door after a long day of work and your dog doesn’t greet you. Your heart sinks.

Could she be hurt? Or worse?

No, that’s right. She’s still depressed.

You thought it would pass, but it’s only getting worse. You know this isn’t going away on its own, but what do you do?

Anyone who has ever had a depressed dog has struggled with this question.

Fortunately, there are good answers. Although they do have emotions, dogs are not complicated beings. Their needs are simple, and it’s usually not too difficult to turn their mood around. Usually.

Try one or all of these four things to help your depressed dog feel better.

 

Increase Cuddle Time

You don’t have to be a canine behavioral therapist to know that your dog craves your attention. If possible, give your dog more positive feedback and relaxed cuddle time.

But whatever you do, don’t overdo it! Your dog needs space too.

Dogs are cursorial animals. This is a fancy term to say, “baby, they are born to run!” The feeling of being held down can cause anxiety, which is the exact opposite of your desired reaction. A hug may make you feel better, but it will surely make your dog feel worse.

A few pats on the head and scratches behind the ear will go a long way.

 

Up the Entertainment Value

When you’re feeling down, it may help to get your endorphins up by going for a jog or a bike ride. The same holds true for your dog – he just can’t reach the peddles.

A Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science study found that dogs who played games with their owners were less likely to experience separation anxiety than those who didn’t. The study suggests that playing with your dog may increase your bond, which can help your dog through a difficult time. It’s the closest thing you’re going to get to a heart-to-heart with your pooch.

 

Rock Out to Some Reggae

Good news… information from the Scottish SPCA indicates that dogs may really like music! Results from a study found that dogs respond differently when exposed to certain types of music. Their responses indicate that dogs taste in music may vary as much as ours, but they seem more likely to enjoy reggae and soft rock over other types of music. So throw on some Bob Marley and spend some quality time rocking out with your pooch.

 

Fill the Void

If your dog is depressed about losing a companion animal, you may be able to help fill the void by getting another companion animal. Of course, you should only do this if it makes sense for your personal situation. And a companion animal will never replace the one you lost, not even for your dog. However, it may provide a distraction, and eventually, a new bond that can help make your dog feel better.

 

 

Is there a  treatment for dog depression of home remedies?

Online Homeopathic Consultation for Dog Depression

 

Our Online Homeopathic Consultation is just what you need if you want to take care of your dog's seizures naturally.

 

Zumalka provides a personalized solution to target the root of your pet's problem, instead of just the symptoms. And all of this done in the comfort of your own home!

 

Instead of struggling through in-person appointments and waiting rooms, our consultations are 100% online via email and video call.

 

It's a real conversation with a real Homeopath about your pet — without all the hassle and miscommunication.


 

Prescription Medications for Dog Depression

Some people prefer to go the traditional treatment route and opt for prescription medication for dog depression. Studies have shown that the following medications are relatively safe and effective, but be aware that they may have unwanted side effects.

Amitriptyline

Vets will often prescribe this medication to treat anxiety in pets. It works by adjusting serotonin and norepinephrine levels in an effort to restore balance.

Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, decreased urination, increased heart rate, constipation, vomiting and hyperexcitability.

 

Doxepin

Doxepin is used to treat depression, certain phobias and OCD behavior in dogs and other pets. It can also be used as an antihistamine to treat allergies.

Common side effects: Drowsiness, lack of energy, vomiting and hyperexcitability.

 

Fluoxetine

Your vet may prescribe fluoxetine to treat depression, OCD or panic disorders. This is a generic alternative to Prozac.

Common side effects: Sedation, anorexia, GI upset, anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity and insomnia

 

Getting a Depressed Dog Happy

Turning your dog’s mood around isn’t always as easy as waving the ball around, but with a little investigation and time, you can treat your pet’s depression.

This time for you and your dog is a season in life. Once you solve the underlying issues, you can get back to those sunshiney days of worry-free romping around the park.

 

 

Denyse Lessard
Denyse Lessard

42 Responses

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

September 13, 2021

Hi Diane, Thank. you for reaching out to us and I am so sorry to hear about your poor beloved dog being so sad. We will for sure do everything we can to help your puppy feel much better as soon as possible. We are reaching out to you via personal email to get all the details from you so we can be of the best assistance possible.
Regards, HOMEOANIMAL

diane bub
diane bub

September 13, 2021

my puppy becomes depressed after coming home from best friends she has dogs for him to play with he hates it here. i beleive someone may have hurt him here?? he wont eat stays up at night crying the imute we go to her house omg totally happy should i consider giving him to her its so heart breaking to see him this way ive been thinking of myself cant hadle him so sad please answer

maddy
maddy

May 10, 2021

hi my name is maddy and i am 13 years old. i have a dog named millie and she is 14 but she ushle does not asct like it. she killed one giant wood chuck when she was 10 and bigger chickens when she was 13 and she loves walks. but resently she has sad i think. she has been waging he tail lowly and never seen it up anymore. as well as behaivor changes and she always licks her paws know. she also looks like the sad dogs in the pictors. i dont no if it is age but the vet said she was very healthy and is one of the best older dogs she has seen. i am trying to cheer her up but nothing is really working. please somone let me know becouse i want to see my dog happy befor it is to late.
maddy

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

July 27, 2020

Hi Sue,

Thank you for your comment and sharing this with us.

First of all let me share our deepest sympathize for you and your family for your very sad loss. Times like these are hard on all family members….including the furry ones.

We are here to help in any way we can! We have sent you a private email so we can grasp the situation better and so we can help this dog in these difficult times as well.

We look forward to helping you both more.

Regards,
Homeoanimal

Sue
Sue

July 27, 2020

Hi, I have a maltese shitzu which l brought for my father when he was a puppy, he lived with my father for 10 years and l went there every day and walked him. My father has recently passed away and l now have my boy. He seems to have settled in ok but always seems sad, he follows me everywhere and just sits and stares at me. He wont go to bed until l do, which drives me nuts because l always like to keep busy . I spend a lot of time cuddling him and walking him but then l need my time but l dont get any. It’s like his scared l’m going to leave him as well. I adore my little man `to the point l have to move as l’m not allowed dogs where l am. How can l get him to relax and not follow me everywhere….

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

May 25, 2020

Hi Victoria,

Thank you for your comment. I’m so sorry to hear about your dog current situation. I have scheduled a call for you from one Health Advisors to see how best we can help!

Warm regards,
The Homeoanimal team

Victoria
Victoria

May 25, 2020

I’ve had my dog since she was a baby and she’s 13 years old the doctor talked me into giving her and anal remover and ever since then she does not want to play she doesn’t want to go to sleep unless I go to sleep so eat and go to sleep she won’t even go for walks anymore and it also gave her a heart murmur so I’m constantly paying for heart medicine on top of the payment which I only get 825 a month and I have to pay a hundred and twenty-five a month believe it or not and the medicine costs me $156 a month I can never seem to get ahead my phone number is 206-607-7528 I don’t mind giving you my phone or my name is Victoria and I really need to talk to somebody I hate texting and I hate doing on the internet I’d rather talk on the phone thank you

I’ve had my dog since she was a baby canal 13 years old 2 years ago she had to have an anal exam removed and ever since then she ended up with a heart murmur after that it cost me a lots of money and I only get 8:25 a month I’ve been struggling trying to just make the payments of 150 a month and then I have to buy her medicine every month she quit playing with her toy she doesn’t like going out walking she just doesn’t want to do anything with me please call me I hate doing this stuff on the internet my name is Victoria and my phone number is 206-607-7528 thank you please call me

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

May 11, 2020

Hi Joel,

Thank you for sharing such a touching story with us. I’m sure your dog feels so blessed to have been rescued by such a loving pet parent. As for the change you speak of, we have sent you a private email to work with you personally to help you with this new change in your pet.

We look forward to helping you both.

Regards,
Homeoanimal team

Joel Newton
Joel Newton

May 11, 2020

I have a pittbull. He was mistreated terribly by previous owners . He was fought and locked in a bedroom with no contact with others . And they shot him in the face with a shotgun and he lost his left eye because of it . As I heard of this I immediately had this poor dog brought to my home in Georgia. On first arrival and me and the dog met it was wonderful . We got alone great . But his guard stayed up. He wouldn’t jump up on me or do the things a dog usually does. But I could tell he was happy living with me away from the abuse. Over time he became more and more at ease. Now over 2 years gone by and he jumps and plays . He loves to play with me . He is nothing of the dog he once was . I’ve failed to mention that he is also deaf . But he will do anything I ask if its possible. He will only respond to me yet he wasn’t taught this . He chooses to only respond to me . Makes my wife so mad . Lol. We talk with no voice commands that only him and myself know. I love him so much. But I’ve noticed something different about him .?.?. I think some reason he’s gotten down in the dumps. I honestly think it separation issues. I walk in at the end of the day and I love all over him . He is so happy to see me . He usually gives me love even before eating . .
He always looking at me and I mean always . And he has to be touching me no matter what . He will even lay down and put 1 paw on my leg . I move it and he puts it back . He has to touch me . And the most loving and hugging dog I’ve ever seen. Lol

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

April 30, 2020

Hi Stef,

Thank you for leaving us a comment and for reading our blog. I know it is very hard and stressful to see a beloved pet change and not know the reason why. We want to do all we can to help your dog feel better as soon as possible so we have sent you a private email in order to find out more so we can give the best possible advice for you.

We look forward to working with you for your dog.

Warm regards,
Homeoanimal.com

Stef
Stef

April 30, 2020

Hi, I have a almost 6 year old pit mix who is the best dog, friendly, loving, happy, and fun. Since the recent Pandemic, I noticed he was lethargic, throwing, and just not himself. I have taken him to two vets (had a second opinion), had 3 sets of bloodwork done, x-rays, ultrasound, and a Bariatric procedure, to ensure there was nothing foreign in his stomach or intestine. It has been 3.5 weeks, and he is worsening, I don’t know what to do, and am afraid he is going to die. The vets suggest an MRI next, I cannot do this, even if this showed something, I cannot have brain surgery performed on him. He rallies when his favorite people come over, or when I take him to the vet office, so they are not really seeing the really bad and lethargic Sam, but do notice he is different, I am at a loss, I don’t know what to do. If you have any suggestions or can refer, I would appreciate this, thank you in advance, Stef

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

April 20, 2020

Hi there Anonymous post,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. For sure it is not easy for all dogs to get used to new furry family members. But we are here to help!! We have sent you a private email to help your dog in the most personalized way possible. We will do all we can to find the best solution for her.

Regards,
Homeoanimal

Anonymous PLZ DON"T JUDGE
Anonymous PLZ DON"T JUDGE

April 20, 2020

DON"T JUDGE I’ve had my dog for about 6 years. We got her(sorry I don’t think I should say her name as if spys would use it agents mejk) when she was 4 from another family. She was very happy, protective, and she loved to be in the spotlight. But about a year ago, we got this dog another dog to play with. She was very jealous of him. The new dog was very behaved and shy. He acted as though everyone was about to punch him, But after a year, he had warmed up to everyone in the family. The girl dog became more jealous overtime, she did things like lick his armpits and steal his toys. He was grateful of everything. The girl dog used to be so happy, now I watch her whine at me for attention, as I walk to my bed. Almost every night I lean beside my dogs as warm tears spill down my face. I scream but I make no sound. My guy dog notices and he licks my face. I always seem to cry over everything my dogs do. In PE I almost balled because of talking through my feeling with one of my friends. Yesterday my brother left his dinner plate on the table and my girl dog jumped on the table and ate a whole chicken wing. Not the tiny Wing Stop wings but a big fat piece with lots of bones. She threw them up the the couch the next day, and on my brothers bed in the afternoon. I don’t know if that’s all the bones. So that worries me. I don’t know what to do with her weird jelly-sadness. I tried everything I could find on the internet. Calm dog music, lavender, dog calming chews, blankets, extra toys, cuddles. She also has a problem with licking her paws. She bites her nails a lot. All I have to do is think "she’s not happy here " and the waterworks flood in. I love her too much to let her lie there depressed looking. I feel like she’s going to lie in her unhappy home and die depressed. I NEED to know what to do so that she can live with her self and so can I!!!!!!! Thank you.

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

January 06, 2020

Hi Mary, Thank you so much for your comment! I’m so sorry to hear about your poor dog. For sure with new pets introduced in the home there is an adaptation period and each dog will react differently to new situations they are not too happy with. But to make sure we give her the best possible help in this confusing time for her, we have sent you a private email with a few questions so we can get a clearer idea of the best targeted help possible for her. We look forward to hear back from you soon!

Mary
Mary

January 06, 2020

I have a 3 year old dog. She was always so happy and played so much with me, until we got a new dog. Now she’s not eating or drinking at all. Doesn’t play with her toys. Just sleeps. I think she is depressed and I’m scared that she can die because of hunger and unhappiness.. Vets in our county are super expensive, so my parents don’t let me take my dog to them. What do I do!?

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

November 18, 2019

Hi Dan, I’m so sorry to hear that your happy dog is feeling more and more run down. We have sent you a personal email to do our very best to help him feel better as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Dan
Dan

November 18, 2019

My dog is pushing 16 years old. He always had the greatest energy and always smiled, always happy, the best disposition for a dog. A few years ago he started losing most of his hearing and he has some arthritis. I don’t even recognize this dog anymore. He is miserable, always sad, never happy, just miserable. I bring him to the vet, he gets checked out and they say he is fine. Vet is holistic and she refuses to put him on an anti depressant saying the side effects will make him worse. He also has chronic bronchitis where he is on Baytrol a lot. It breaks my heart watching the once happy dog act so sad and down. He cannot exercise like he used to because he hacks a lot and warm and cold weather impact it….he was very active all his life. I don’t know what to do.

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

October 24, 2019

Hi Brenda, Thank you so much for your comment and I can see what a special relationship you and Jax have. We have sent you an email to do our best to help you and Jax in the best most personalized way possible.

Brenda Jackson
Brenda Jackson

October 24, 2019

I am with my dog jax every day since he was six weeks old. I need to go to hospital for 10 days and very worried jaxx wont do well at all.he will be staying at home with my son but he prefers me over anyone or everyone. Will he get to the point of not eating or drinking anything?

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

October 07, 2019

Hi Eric, Thank you for sharing your story and concerns for your beloved pet. We will be sure to contact you directly to help in the very best way possible.

Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia

October 07, 2019

I recently adopted an adorable little king charles cavalier, to be my emotional support animal. However I feel that role may be a bit much for poor Bailey. My state of mental health has been at best in the recent years on the side of crazy. I am an individual suffers from Bipolar I type disorder, and I also hear a voices that range from playful to outright demonic. Ive noticed in the week that I have owned her that she sometimes becomes withdrawn, quiet, inactive, and wont eat. She becomes difficult to walk, and doesnt listen to my commands, but does the opposite instead. I feel responsible for this, and I feel that it is unfair to her. Ive even heard a neighbor or two make comments behind my back that they feel sorry for the dog and that she deserves better. I love this dog very much and I spoil her rotten with treats, belly rubs, and pretty much the run of the house. I have been unsucsessful in hiding my emotions. My dog even seems to pick up on my vibe even when i dont. What if anything can I do to make my emotional support companion feel less stressed. The last thing I want to do is drive her into drugs, and rebellion where she inadvertently becomes a hooker and starts selling crack to the neighbors cat. Help me please.

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

September 24, 2019

Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for your comment and I’m so sorry to hear about your breast cancer!! I’m sure this is very hard on you and your dog. We would love to help you both with this difficult situation so have a look at your inbox for our email today!!

Stephanie Smith
Stephanie Smith

September 24, 2019

I recently got diagnosed with breast cancer and am undergoing chemo treatment, I have a 4 yr old pug and he is my everything he is my baby since the day I brought him home at 6 weeks old. I have recently noticed a major shift in his behavior the past couple weeks. He has become depressed, he sleeps when I sleep which is a lot lately, does not leave my side, has become increasingly aggressive around other people that come around me. I need suggestions on how to help him. Thank you!

platinumk9
platinumk9

August 30, 2019

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Simi
Simi

August 30, 2019

My Pug Miracle is five months old very naughty energetic and playful. Since I had to leave city for twenty days I left Miracle of with one gal who has one four year old pug bitch n one black labor dog.

After 20 days I can’t recognize my Miracle as his playfulness has vanished and he looked terrified n hides behind curtains and hardly eats . Not the Miracle I left . Am shattered. My heart is torn apart to see him like this. Please help

HOMEOANIMAL
HOMEOANIMAL

July 26, 2019

Dear Daniel, Erika, Amy and Connie,

Thank you for reading our article and for your comments. We understand how hard it is to see a beloved pet suffer from depression. We hope that this article was able to give you some helpful information on this problem. And in the hopes to help you more we have contacted each of you individually by email to help target your pets needs in the best possible way.

I also want to share with you a GREAT new remedy we have to help target behavioural issues like depression:
SERENEPET Remedy

Homeopathic remedy to help restore emotional and behavioural balance:
- Balances behaviour
- Regulates emotions and mood
- Calms fear, anxiety, nervousness,irritability, anger (Helps with post-trauma stress)
- Helps with depression by improving the mood
- Help psychosomatic disorders
- Improves quality of sleep
- Improves respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular system
- Re-balances appetite
https://www.homeoanimal.com/products/serenepet-natural-remedy-for-pets

Hope this helps! We are also available by email, chat or phone for any other needs your pets should have.

connie l brown
connie l brown

July 19, 2019

Our newest family member is Thunder pitbull/terrier rescue he is already 2yrs old. He looks sad and he whins often. I’m not sure if its because my son is in the process of moving out Thunder, can see that his room is empty when he goes to the door and the bed he usually gets on and nap is no longer there. I have been off work with him all day everyday since May 16 and i went back to work on July 11. My daughter’s younger sister is here visiting for the summer and this has changed his routine of going to bed with my daughter. I work nights and im not here for him to get in bed with me. Im not sure if theres too many changes in his routine and considering he is a rescue and i really feel like he came from an abusive household because any loud noises aruging yelling just terrifies him to the point of him shaking all over. oh and we recently started giving him table food like chicken bones, a hot dog when we go to the store this was in an effort to get him comfortable with getting in the car and going for a ride i also started giving him benadryl for his rough paws which was suggested by the groomer at petsmart and i would crush the benadryl and put it on a slice of bolonga. he is very smart and he has a sweet demenor. Im afraid something is going on with him. i hope i am making sense to you. any suggestions? he use to whin when my daughter leave the house. Now he whins constantly and looks so sad.

Amy
Amy

July 19, 2019

Hi, we looked after my partners dog for nearly a year and she was so excited, loveable full of energy. We had got her eating regular but we have given her back because they have moved somewhere they can have her again and now she seems to not be interested in anything, not eating not excitable and just down. We keep going around to see her but she doesn’t seem to be improving what can we do to help her.

Erika Burnell
Erika Burnell

July 19, 2019

We have a 6year old German Shepherd,she is our Best.We bought her at 8 Weeks old,she has been with us every Day,we never go anywhere without her.She never was out of our site.A few Weeks ago for the first time ever she didn’t want to go for a ride,so we left her at home,but a friend was there.When we got home he told us she was crying very loud.She has been kind of aloof,goes up to Bed not waiting for us.We just came up to our Camp and all she does is squeez herself in the corner by the Bed and wants to be left alone.We love her and are so worried,what can we do to help her and us?

Daniel
Daniel

July 19, 2019

Hi.
I have a lovely golden retreiver girl who has been more then unlucky during her short life. She is now 19 months old and has been through 3 operations in her left hindleg. She has been a very happy dog through this entire ordeal but lately she is spending a lot of time just lying in our entrance to our apartment. When we are outside walking or just being out for the sake of being outside she seems happy. She is not very active but happy when anyone want to greet her. I can’t help but worry though, she used to allways be by my side or at least within viewing distance but now she is spending most of her time in the entrance while we are inside. She will greet us and show happiness when we go past her or pet her but she dosn’t seek attention on her own lately.
Going though the points on the list this is the only sign she is showing of depression but it is heartbreaking to see her like this. Sadly we are not able to do much to activate her since she is somewhat disabled and can’t walk very far. I’m at a loss for what to do. I just want my baby to be happy again.

Alex - HomeoAnimal
Alex - HomeoAnimal

June 24, 2019

Hello David.

I just transfered your comment to one of our health advisor. She will contact you shortly to answer your question.

Have a nice day!

David Duncan
David Duncan

June 24, 2019

our 7yr old mini poodle seems to be so sad and anxiuos, shes still eating well, and still wags her tail, we also have a large cat and they play sometimes, we are home most days as we are retired, we have a large garden where she can run around, so what can the problem be, she also barks a lot at nothing??? what can we do?

Jacky Robertson
Jacky Robertson

June 21, 2019

My Tilly is 3 had 7 pups Dec 18, 2 died I have kept one. She is happy in the morning and after work to see me but then seems really low, doesn’t play as much. I am worried about her. She has become very greedy with food as well. Any advice would be great

Alex - HomeoAnimal
Alex - HomeoAnimal

June 10, 2019

Hello Charity,
I am sad to hear about your cat.
Our support team and health advisor will contact you shortly to answer your question.
Have a nice day

Charity
Charity

June 10, 2019

I have a black lab named Jack. He is depressed … Doesn’t want to play he is 2 ..No appetite and. Never wags his tail. He hates bath time 1every 2 weeks bc I’m not strong enough to bath him alone. Im 60 and he is alot to handle. We live where there is a leash law. He escaped every single chance he gets..
Longest he has been gone is overnight and then only came back bc of grandsons friends found him..
I am getting him neutered this week. Please let me know if I shouldn’t. Im concerned and treat him like my child. I take him on short trips to store and back. . I can’t walk him anymore bc he jerks me and has gotten away.. I buy him every toy and treat there is… I love my Jack dog..

Alex
Alex

April 26, 2019

Hello Ginamarie,

I am Alex from HomeoAnimal. I will trasnfert your comment to one of or health advisor. They will be glad to help you and your dog ;)

Ginamarie
Ginamarie

April 26, 2019

Same symptoms as Donna on March 29,2019. Any follow up from Donna???

Gabriel
Gabriel

March 29, 2019

Great explanation

Donna
Donna

March 29, 2019

my 11 year old dog lost his older brother about 6 months ago. now my dog is totally different. he sleeps alot, drinks alot of water, pees alot, wont play, doesnt get excited about going for walks, not really excited when i come home and im retired so i home most of the time. doesnt wag his tail much. pulls away from my affection alot. ears are back alot. eyes look sad. hides under covers. excessive hunger. begging when i eat and hes never done this. hes been to the vet and had so many test done for his health and there all normal. help ive tried everything. changing his feeding scheduale, changing his bed location, taking him in the car for rides to park and pet store. giving more affection. bought new toys. hes getting worse every day. wont play at all. i live with my mom for 7 years and shes got a chihuah female thats home with him but theres not a bond between them. ive had my dog since he was 5 weeks old. the dog that had to be put asleep was 15 and that dog raised him. they did everything together. my dog slept on top of him all the time. i dont know what to do. my heart aches for hi. he was ok for a little while then he had to have a tooth extracted and then he got sick from the after care. things started going down hill from there. i dont want to give him meds as hes extremely sensitive to them. most of them cause him to have vomiting and diarreah. please please help. ive heard of dogs getting so sick from the depression they die. he also is afraid of every little noise now like if i drop something on the floor and its not even that loud. i miss his happy go lucky, goofy , jumping up on me, talking to me personality and playing with me.

Shannon
Shannon

March 29, 2019

Symptoms are sleeping all the time not really eating and rapid weight loss

susan stone
susan stone

April 04, 2019

we have taken on an 8 year old dog 5 months ago , just before we had her she lost her best friend that she had been with since she was a pup, she seemed to settle in quite well but when we went away for christmas and was reunited with her previous owner for a week, but since she has been back with us has been a bit shaky, acting strange and hiding away,

Jeff Newman
Jeff Newman

April 04, 2019

Can a dog get depressed a year after the death of his brother. When his brother died last year,he just acted like nothing happened. And now one day last week and today he just lays around and does nothing. Take him outside and he just lays down in the yard.

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