Dog depression is quite similar to how we humans experience it. There are many ways to identify people who are depressed. Some may suddenly stop eating – others may eat all the time. They cry more often, and that too, unexpectedly. Depressed people also withdraw from life in general. And that’s precisely how dogs behave when they are depressed.
Though they cannot express how they are feeling, they can exhibit some warning signs including:
- ▪ Changes in eating habits
- ▪ Sleeping too much
- ▪ Resistance to outdoor activities
- ▪ Excessive paw licking
Depression in dogs is a serious concern as it can interfere with dog training. Fortunately, it is often a short-lived condition that can be improved with love, attention, and sometimes professional care. Here are a few things which you can try when dealing with depression in dogs.
Spend Time Outdoor
Sometimes we are so preoccupied with our lives that we forget about our precious pooch who naturally enjoys the outdoors. One of the potential causes of depression in dogs can be related to limited outdoor exposure. So if your dog is depressed, plan your day where you and your pet get more opportunities for an outdoor walk and some play-time in the grass.
Find Friends for Your Dog
If you have recently lost another pet, it is one of the likely causes of depression in dogs. So a good idea to deal with this situation is to find friends for your dog. A trip to the Dog Park or a play-date with a friend who has a pet dog is a great way to lift your depressed pet’s mood. You can also bring a new pet in the house, and in no time, you will notice a significant improvement in your dog’s depression symptoms.
Be Patient
Sometimes dogs are recovering from a loss – in some cases, it is a loss of a companion or an old master. In that case, you will need to be patient and give your dog sometimes. And no one can guarantee how long your dog will take to recover. Sometimes it could be a matter of a few days, but in other cases, it could last for a few months. You can only help your dog deal with this challenging situation in life by being patient.
Extra Cuddles
We all need some extra love and cuddles when we are low. And dogs are not an exception. A little extra attention, care, and cuddles can help your struggling dog recover quickly from ts depression. Ad added advantage is that these extra cuddles may work as a positive reinforcement when training your dogs.
Enroll in a Training Program
If all the extra time and attention are not improving the condition of your dog, it is a good idea to enroll your dog in a training program. With other dogs around, likely, the symptoms of your dog will significantly improve. Also, it will allow your dog to make new friends.
If you want to enroll your dog in a training program, contact KC Dawgz. We offer a variety of training programs, including board and train programs, where your dog can stay with us and learn to control itself. To know more about our programs or to book a slot for your pup, call now at (913) 217-7288.
