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My doggie seems like he's been really depressed. He's dropped weight (nearly 20% of his body weight), he's not eating, he has no energy, and he's just not his happy boy self.

We did take him to the vet as he looked really sickly--though blood work we found that everything is working normally and though he has bad teeth, a teeth cleaning revealed nothing of concern. The last thing we can think of is depression. The most major thing that happened was the birth of our son, but that was 16 months ago (and he LOVES the dog--walks him, pets him, etc)...help!

2007-01-18 10:29:11 · 12 answers · asked by Jen-Jen 6 in Pets Dogs

He is a nearing 9 yo purebred Papillon named Phantom....we miss our happy boy puppy and want him back!

2007-01-18 10:29:58 · update #1

He has not lost any friend whatsoever...in fact we bring him over to see my moms dog (his "girlfriend") regularly, and though it cheers him slightly, after five minutes curls back into a ball and mopes.

2007-01-18 10:35:41 · update #2

He is currently being boarded at a doggie hospital (his teeth were cleaned & examined today). He's been through babies before (we have a six year old as well). I will ask the vet tomorrow when I pick 'pooper' up.

2007-01-18 10:42:39 · update #3

Thyroid, Liver, white blood, red blood all came back in normal levels. His blood sugar was slightly high though (he had some cheerios from the baby's high chair droppings though)...leukemia and valley fever were negative.

2007-01-18 10:45:53 · update #4

12 answers

Dogs can go through depression but it doesn't sound like anything's happened in your boy's life to cause it. When you pick him up why not ask your vet what he thinks about prescribing the antidepressant, Clomicalm (it's used to treat separation anxiety), at least as a temporary measure. He's lost too much weight for such a tiny dog! Another way to go (rather than drugs) might be to take him to a holistic vet for a check-up. Tell them what's gone on with him - I have a lot of faith in what they can do for dogs that regular vets can't - they've helped one of mine tremendously.

2007-01-18 11:41:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2 1

Like humans, dogs do occasionally suffer from bouts of depression. They get mopey, lethargic, stop eating, and drink only minimal amounts of water, stop wanting to play, and even lose drastic amounts of weight.

What can cause this in pets?

Grief, change of scenery, or sometimes it is a chemical imbalance, needing medication to correct it. Even the weather can adversely affect a normally happy dog. Or your health.

As a pet owner, how do you fight an invisible, inner enemy? The first step is recognizing the problem. You've ruled out all the possible physical causes with help from your veterinarian, now it is time to start looking at the mental causes.

Has your pet recently lost a friend? Perhaps a neighbourhood dog he played with is gone, be it on vacation, or gone over the Rainbow Bridge, but gone nonetheless? Or perhaps his child grew up and moved out?

Losing a playmate, especially an in-home playmate is often a reason for canine depression.

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.

2007-01-18 10:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by mistresscris 5 · 2 4

Did the blood work also screen his thyroid? That is the first thing that comes to my mind. This often isn't done with routine bloodwork.

I'm sure it's not b/c of the birth of your son and I can bet it's not depression! Call the vet and ask if his thyroid levels were checked. Anytime a pet acts out of the ordinary, there is cause for concern.

`*`*`

2007-01-18 10:43:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1 3

Dogs can be depressed. Do you spend a lot of time playing with him? Also, dogs need to be walked to be happy. Even 1 hour a day will help. Finally, try doggie vitamins. He might not be getting enough .

2007-01-18 10:34:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3 3

Dogs do not suffer from depression in the way we think of as people suffering from depression.
Dogs are NOT small people.
It is never in a healthy dogs nature to starve. Your little guy is not feeling well, and there is reason. I strongly recommend that you do not seek answers from those of us who cannot tell you. Please see your vet again. There is more diagnostic testing required. Additional bloodwork, xrays, etc.
I hope your poor little pup feels better.

2007-01-18 10:40:34 · answer #5 · answered by tmrvt 4 · 1 3

I am not sure, because dogs may seem smart but they arent exactly like humans. Im sure that he could just be lonely. Have YOU been paying less attention to him lately? New job, new baby, or some new lover maybe that you spend more time with than him. I hope that helps...

2007-01-18 10:39:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2 3

Yes dogs can develop depression , i would take him to a vet , if he is okay then i would tell the vet , he may need medication
There was a dog owner , who had to have his dog put on prozac.

2007-01-18 10:37:03 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 2 3

I am NO veterianian.....but i would think dogs could get depressed....people do ...BUT, i would ask the Vet just in case...but i do know something is bothering him!! good luck with that!!

2007-01-18 10:33:18 · answer #8 · answered by sweet 4 · 2 3

He could be suffering from depression. Did he lose a close doggie companion or something?

2007-01-18 10:31:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1 4

dogs can definatly get depressed. maybe you don't pay as much attention to him now with your baby? try giving him more love and walks and attention and treats.

2007-01-18 10:38:33 · answer #10 · answered by Eowyn 5 · 1 3

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