Can a dog suffer from depression? The truth is that yes and in this article of Animal Expert we will talk about the symptoms, the causes and, of course, the treatment of a dog that suffers from depression, if you notice changes in the behavior of your partner and you think it looks sad, you can suffer from depression, you should always go to the vet, because the signs that you notice are very nonspecific, that is to say , may correspond to both depression and physical illness, it is important to know that both situations can be treated.
Although symptoms of canine depression can vary from dog to dog, the following symptoms are most commonly detected:
- In addition.
- Depression is classified as endogenous and exogenous.
- Depending on whether the cause is internal or external.
- Although in breeds such as chihuahua.
- Pug.
- Poodle or husky is referred to canine depression.
- There is no genetic predisposition of these breeds to depression.
- That is.
- Endogenous biological depression could occur in any breed or breed of dog.
- Exogenous is more common.
- A consequence of the environment and/or different causes.
Depressive symptoms in older dogs may be related to so-called cognitive dysfunction syndrome, it is an aging process in the brain that could be related to Alzheimer’s disease that affects humans, the dog will experience a deterioration of his mental faculties, with symptoms such as disorientation, evacuation inside the house, repetitive behaviors, a diminished relationship with other members of the house Etc.
This condition may also correspond to certain pathologies such as kidney disease, so the dog must always be taken to the veterinarian to perform the tests necessary to rule out any physical disorder.The age of the dog should not be an obstacle to starting treatment.
If cognitive dysfunction is confirmed, we can take steps to modify the behavior, if any, and the environment, always in consultation with canine behavior professionals.It is also possible to resort to medication.
There are different situations that can cause canine depression, such as:
This is a common circumstance in which the dog will develop depressive, disruptive and destructive behaviors when alone at home.
Like humans, dogs can cry after the death of a canine companion, but also of another species, because what they feel is the loss of the bond.
A sudden change in routine can have negative consequences for the dog, who will need a period of adjustment and adequate stimuli to restore attachment, at this stage new members can be added to the family, whether human or animal.
Home conflicts, fights with other animals or illnesses can lead to depression that should be treated according to this trigger.
Dogs that were earlier separated from their mothers and siblings or who have been abused may have behavioral problems, including depression.Check out our article on how old you can separate dogs from their mother.
In unstrated dogs, after these, a hormonal cascade may be triggered as if the dog were in a child, even without fertilization, will develop a maternal instinct and changes in her behavior, including depression.There’s no postpartum depression in dogs, and if after giving birth you see your depressed bitch, you should go to your vet because she may be sick.
As we have already said, any indication of those mentioned above is a reason for veterinary consultation because, first of all, it is necessary to exclude that the dog suffers from any physical illness, if the diagnosis is depression, it is important to know what triggered it and, on this basis, to take measures to improve the mood of your dog.We’ll look at these measures in the next section.
Professionals such as ethologists or behavioral veterinarians can help us change behavior and environment, if necessary.In the case of puppies in more serious situations, the veterinarian may prescribe medicines.
Whatever the cause of your puppy’s depression, you can take a number of steps to help you regain your spirit:
See also our YouTube video about a dog suffering from depression: what to do?
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis, we suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read articles similar to Dog suffering from depression: symptoms, causes and treatment, we recommend that you visit our Mental Problems section.