Is my dog depressed?

Question

I have a 2 and a half year old pedigree black labrador and he is gorgeous and gentle and very protective. My husband works away from home for long lengths of time - normally about 6 weeks and our dog seems to be depressed when he is away. He just lies in his bed and looks miserable all the time. When I feed him, walk him and play catch with him he seems to brighten up but then once all the attention stops he becomes somewhat 'sad' again. He also tends to run away a lot. What can I do to help him?

Answer 1

He could be or he could suffer seperation anxiety when your husband is away. Maybe he just misses the chatter and stuff when you are both there. Have you tried talking to your dog all the time as if he's a person (sounds mad but it works for my dogs). xx

Answer 2

I also had this problem. My little one would go off into bed and stay there all day unless you specifically called her or went and gave her attention.
On Wed evening we got another dog. She is a sweet little thing and has perked the other one up no end. Now No 1 is never in her bed but running and playing full time.
Getting No 2 was the best thing we ever did.
When you hubby is around there is probably loads of chatting and activity but when he is away the house is wound down some what.

Answer 3

The best thing you can do for his depression is to get another dog for him to play with. Dogs are direct descendants of wolves, who always travel in packs - their genes are geared towards always having company. That is why a lone wolf is always crazy. All dogs get slightly depressed if no one is around.
Getting another dog, however, is a huge committment, but it is almost certainly helpful.

Answer 4

This happens to me all the time it might have been that your husband give so much love to him thet he might as well get depressed.But try this if your husband goes to work more length of time try to ask advice to him of how much he gives attention to the dog (that works).

Answer 5

Try this website: http://www.petstyle.com/dog/training_article.aspx?id=417§ion=trainingArticles
Follow that advice and the dog may be less likley to have seperation anxiety.

Answer 6

my dog gets depressed whenever I am gone too/just talk to him alot and play wiyh him as often as can.not much else u can do/sorry I couldn't be more help

Answer 7

your dog is sad bcuse your husband is not there and he runs away beacuse he looking for your husband

Answer 8

Maybe you should take him to the "Psychologue" and your dog will talk about his problems.
He will say :" Je méne une chinne de vie"
"Il fais un temps de chien"
"It rains cats and dogs!"
Thats all can i say.
Hope it will help your dog.
Passe lui le bonjour de ma part ;-)

Answer 9

keep playing catch - Don't ever stop !