How do you deal with a dog's depression?

Question

My dog a spaded female grew up with an old tomcat named Moustache. Last week i found Moustache dead since then my dog has been acting strange. I also had a younger tom cat but 2 days ago he has been missing. I think my dog is going through a depression as not acting herself. I let her run during the day but put her up at night. I noticed she always looks back looking for her buddy Old Moustache and i tell her he's gone .. Breaks my heart.THey would sleep together in her Dog house and eat together. Hubby and I buried Moustache in the back of the yard. and i cried.

Answer 1

I think the best thing you can do for her is let her know that you love her, and give her time. It's not easy for humans to lose a friend or loved one, so it's probably not easy for dogs either. Give her lots of attention, and care, and hopefully in time she'll adjust.

Answer 2

We may not notice it very often, but pets do grieve, and in some cases, especially concerning a violent death or even just a disappearance, dogs can grieve to a dangerous point, and it can be very hard to bring them out of it.

Slow deterioration and loss of initiative is a glaring clue that something is bothering your dog. If this is happening to your dog, you need to get right on it and start to make life fun again. Ask your vet about Anti-depressants available as well. Depression may not seem like it, but left too long and it could very well turn into a life-threatening physical condition.

Be sure to have all physical aspects of your dog's health checked out by a veterinarian first. While prescribing Prozac may perk your pet up a bit, it won't help one bit if it's Canine Coronavirus or Distemper that has your pooch in a slump. Those blood tests your vet mentioned could be crucial in determining the problem.

Once you and your vet have determined that depression is the cause, there are a few options. One is medicated therapy. That would be Prozac for dogs, or other veterinarian recommended anti-depressants. An increase in your activity level, or at least your dog's will also likely be called for. In cases of grief, playdates with other dogs or Doggy Daycare would definitely be worth looking into. If you are ready, you may even consider getting another dog.

Answer 3

Why not go to the ASPCA or your local animal shelter and adopt a friend for her. She probably is depressed, so show her extra attention, go for walks, play with her. What was the cause of the cat dying? What has driven the other cat away? Is there anything outside that the dog or cat could eat that would make it die? I hope things improve for you, good luck.

Answer 4

Get the dog a stuff animal cat to sleep with at night.
Get the dog some chew bones to comfort him.
Get another dog also to play with yours.

Answer 5

The dog will be lonely for a while because he misses his buddies. He will get over it faster than a human and be back to normal. Sorry

Answer 6

i don't believe in canines melancholy. i imagine that your canines would have stuck something from yet another canines on the kennel or dealing with a 2 week environmental replace would have also made her get an ailment. No fault of the human beings on the kennel basically something that occurs. i desire she receives better quickly!

Answer 7

Sorry for your loss. :( I hope the missing kitty finds his way home.

A little extra exercise and activity might help your dog take his mind off his longing. At the very least, he will be tired out and will sleep deeply.

Answer 8

your poor dog, try spending extra time with her and showing her extra attention. give her a few more treats each day and talk to her a lot. i wouldnt recommend a new cat or dog right away but you could try just to see how she acts with others animals. but like i said, extra attention and keep her very happy and very busy!

Answer 9

First of all you have to talk to him. I'm being serious. He will respond to this. Animals need help through depression just like people.