My dog is not eating or drinking, and sleeping a lot. Could he be depressed?

Question

I got him from the local humane society on Sunday, and they had informed me that he had been brought in the day before. So i know for a young dog that could be traumatic. So I was wondering if anyone could give any advice on what to do with a depressed dog if that's what it is. He is going to the vet tomorrow, but i wanted to hear other ideas also.

Answer 1

I would definately recommend that you have him examined by your vet. Generally if a dog is not eating or drinking and is quiet, he may not be feeling well. Good Luck.

Answer 2

First get him checked out, sounds like he might have a bug like a cold. If the vet says he's fine then maybe just work on encouraging play and bonding.

Also find out about the family that dropped him off, and see about emulating that environment as it is comfortable for him. Or find out if the shelter can call the family and get any toys or other things of his brought over so you can have them, this will help him understand that your place is home now.

Lastly, give it a bit of time, if it's depression he'll come around.

Oh one more thing, find out about his exercise levels, look online for the breed and find out if he's under-exercised which could lead to depression as well, because if he's genetically predisposed to doing a lot of exercise, not doing such doesn't produce the healthy brain chemicals to keep him happy.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

Probably just acute "Depression"/Sadness. He'll come out of it once acclamated to his new home and you and him develop a relationship and such. Nothing to worry about. The not eating or drinking is kind of normal, except, if he doesn't drink water at all, I'd be concerned of a medical condition underlying the profound changes in his life.

I wish you luck, and hope all goes well and you soon enjoy and can bond with each other and have a happy life together.

Answer 4

If it is depression, time and attention should cure it I would think, he just needs to settle, as you say, he's been through a lot of upheaval lately. Anyway you're doing the right thing taking him to the vet, hope he's OK and nice one on giving a home to a needy dog xxx

Chalice

Answer 5

I am surprised that a shelter would adopt out a dog they got just the day before.. Usually they do a better job of going over them and making sure that there aren't things that are likely to come up in a new home.
I would talk to the shelter.. See if they know anything about his background. Since they allowed him to go without much going over, they must know something about his previous situation.

Answer 6

He could just be missing his old family. and the time of year may factor into it. My little dog has been eating/drinking less because its spring and he is losing his winter poundage. If he is depressed just be with him. Dogs are very social animals and need love and attention just like people. if you had just lost your home and been taken in by a total stranger wouldn't you just want someone to make you feel better? once he gets to know you better he will get happier.

Answer 7

He is a dog...an animal. Watch the Dog Whisperer on Ntl Geographic.
Take him for walks, get him playing with other dogs. If you forget what he has been thru so will he!!
They have no concept of time.
Check out Caesar Milan's website!

Answer 8

take him to the vet, with the recent pet food recall and if you dont know what food he has been eating, lack of energy and decreased appetite are some of the symptoms listed for the recall of the foods

Answer 9

my lab wouldnt eat or drink. so i gave him some purple cornsyrup and then the next day she was back to normal.
try not to worry. your going to the vet soon.