Is my dog sick or depressed?

Question

My 5yr old German Sheperd has suddenly changed her behavior. She wants to sleep all day, lick her legs & isn't eating throughout the day like she used to. Then in the evening/night hours, she wants to eat, drink & prowl around all night. In & out of my bed, the chair and clicking her nails on the wood floor. If I put up a baby gate to keep her out of my room, she whines at the gate, which is totally out of character for her. She also opened a Christmas present early, which she has never done previous years. It was really cold, and I couldn't take her on a recent outing, when I came home, she pouted, and wouldn't get out of her chair, again, totally out of character for Annie.
I am pondering the issue of depression, b/c September 11th we had to have our Bichon Frise put to sleep do to health issues & old age, 15 yrs old.
She was a bit lethargic right after Georgie was gone, but it became worse, after I took her to the groomer for the first time w/o Georgie.

I am reluctant to visit the vet, b/c she may become even more stressed.

Annie has her own 'chair' (Have you seen doggie chairs? At Walmart & Petsmart?) And she is not allowed no the furniture, although, I think it is quite common for people to allow pets on furniture. (Repsonse to one of my answers!) Anyway, getting up & down, and in my own bed...again, out of character! Not sure why she is doing this stuff....that is why I am asking.

Answer 1

She misses her playmate... or she is trying to tell you she is sick. take her to the vet and if the vet finds nothing wrong with her then get another dog for her to play with.

Answer 2

Dogs go stir crazy too, the poor little thing, I'd report your neighbour to animal welfare. I've read some of your other questions and can tell you adore dogs, what does your heart tell you to do. I think your neighbour just wanted a new toy and got fed up with it - lets hope that it will go to a new and loving home. A puppy like that should be full of life, running around and wondering what everything is; but you know that don't you?

Answer 3

It may be b/c of the loss of the other dog. Dogs grieve, just as we do, and behavioral chanegs can be associated with grief.

Just keep an eye on her. Make sure she hasn't any wounds or irritations on her legs, and that she is eating (whether at night or day).

She may also have seen something unusual lately and is staying up at night to guard the family. I once had a mouse in the house and my dog acted very much how yours is.

Just keep an eye out, and watch to make sure her health doesn't suffer. Otherwise, just trust that she'll get back to normal with some love and time!

Answer 4

Truly sounds like your dog is "grieving" over her lost friend and family member. Dogs do this as much as people. Some years back we had two Collies instead of the one wehave now. When we had to put the male to sleep because of severe arthritis, the female was lethargic and depressed as well. We got another Collie that helped her spirits until she had to be put to sleep not long after as she was very old as well. She perked up though with the new dog and as long as we let her know that we still favored her over the new dog and that he wasn't a threat she did well. The new dog and the increased activity takes their mind off of their troubles and because they can once again do some of the "shared" activities that they used to do with the other deceased playmate it helps them emotionally. If you are able I would seriously consider another playmate for your dog, particularly since your dog is still young in age and shouldn't go long time that way. Also long walks or trips with you might help as well as German Shepherds like activity a lot. My condolences on the death of the other dog as that is always hard on the entire family.

Answer 5

Number 1, is your dog in heat? Number 2, why is your dog allowed on furniture? It sounds as if your dog has an emotional issue of some sort. And no, it is not the same as us humans having one. Dogs do not think in those terms. She may be down because the other dog is not around anymore or it may be a change in her environment that is causing this problem. Observe carefully and if it persists, call the vet.

Answer 6

Yes, I would say it is likely that your dog is depressed. They can really have intense feelings, just as we do.

I also think she may be acting out of character in order to get more attention. I would try giving her a little more attention, but if she doesn't snap out it within a month, I would take her to the vet to get a professional opinion. If he also feels she may be depressed, he can prescribe an antidepressant for her, which may help a lot!

Good luck to you!

Answer 7

She's depressed. I'm sorry to hear about your loss of your Bichon. Think of it like they were married....they are lost with out each other and stir-crazy, just like many humans act when they lose their significant other. I don't have much advice to give you other than have you considered getting another dog? Annie might feel motherly and important to this new dog and it may cure her depression. Good luck!!!

Answer 8

I would probably try calling the vet's office, talk to an assistant or someone who could better help you...explain your dogs behavior and see what they suggest. Sounds like maybe a combination of both...doesn't feel well and maybe somewhat lonely.....

Answer 9

I would recommend taking your dog to the vet for a complete exam. Good Luck.

Answer 10

i would say he is depressed... that happened to my dog... she got loose and we believe she got shot:( after that my other dog was very depressed

i would reccommend getting another dog because then your dog will have someone to play with and get her mind off the other dog.