Depression in Dogs

There is such a thing as depression in dogs. Dogs can get depressed just like we do. This page takes a look at the signs and symptoms indicating that a dog may be depressed, the possible of canine depression, and how to use natural remedies such as herbal and homeopathic remedies, and flower essences to treat this emotional problem in dogs.

Depression is a natural emotion, and it is undeniable that dogs have emotional ups and downs. A study by University of Portsmouth has found that emotions like pride, embarrassment, shame and jealousy have been observed in dogs and other domesticated animals (e.g. cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters). As depression is another natural emotion, we can quite safely assume that dogs can suffer from depression as well.

My family's old dog adored my brother, and when my brother left home to go to college, our dog was visibly depressed. Every day, he was moping around the house, sleeping most of the time in front of the door, and very often would not touch his food...

Luckily, most dogs can get out of depression after a while. However, if a dog cannot recover from depression, it can lead to physical ailments due to a weakened immune system, so if your dog seems depressed, monitor his behavior closely.

How do you know if your dog is depressed or not? Let's look at some signs and symptoms...

Symptoms of Depression in Dogs

When dogs are depressed, they usually look sad and mopey, they are withdrawn and sleep most of the time. They tend to lose interest in even their favorite toys, games, and - believe it or not - their treats!

They will probably show some of these signs as well:

Appetite loss
Stop drinking enough water
Lethargy
Hiding (self-isolation)
Constipation

Note, however, the fact that your dog is showing some of these signs does not automatically mean that he is depressed, since some health problems can also cause your dog to feel and look that way. It is therefore important to get your dog to the vet if the symptoms persist.

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Causes of Depression in Dogs

Changes in Environment

According to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM, a veterinarian at The Animal Clinic of Clifton, Va., change is almost always the cause of canine depression. Examples of changes in the dog's environment include:

Disappearance or loss of a good doggie or human friend (grief);
Addition of a new family member (jealousy);
Moving to a new home, new city, new country, and so on (anxiety).

Even seasonal or climate changes can trigger depressive emotions in dogs.

Physical Problems

Very often, physical problems in a dog can trigger symptoms of depression in dogs as well. If there is a sudden change in your dog's emotions or behavior but there has been no environmental changes, it may be that he has a health problem. Make sure that he is checked out by a veterinarian.

Boredom or Solitude

Sometimes dogs who are always left alone, or who have nothing to do and are not exercised or entertained enough will develop depression as well.

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Natural Remedies for Depression in Dogs

While depression in dogs can be treated using anti-depressants such as Prozac and Zoloft, there are also a host of natural remedies, such as herbs, flower essences, and homeopathy that are extremely effective in lifting the spirits of depressive dogs. They are safe and mild; therefore they do not have the side-effects of conventional anti-depressants. They calm, soothe, and help the dog feel better without making the animal "crash" or groggy.

Homeopathy

If your dog has become depressed due to grief (e.g. loss of a family member), try giving him the remedy Ignatia, which is very effective in helping dogs shake their grief. Dogs needing this remedy sleep a lot and may not eat. You can give one or two drops of this remedy (30C) to your dog for 2 to 3 days. If he does not feel any better, consult a holistic vet before going up to the next higher dose.

Herb

The herb St.-John's wort has been used for a long time with good results on people suffering from depression. It can also be used safely whenever your dog feels depressed, anxious or tense.

An Herbal-Homeopathic Blend for Depression in Dogs
PetAlive Grief and Pining Formula

This formula contains the "depression-herb" St.-John's Wort and the calming herb Chamomile. In addition, it contains the homeopathic remedies Ignatia (for grief), as well as Capsicum (for support of emotional stamina) and Kalium phosphate (for support of nervous system).

Flower Essences

Flower essences are also effective in lifting the spirits of depressive dogs. There are several choices of remedies to use, depending on the cause and symptoms of the dog.

Use Gentian if your dog has given up hope and shows no interest in food, especially after the loss of a companion.

Use Gorse when the symptoms are more extreme than those for which Gentian are appropriate.

Use Honeysuckle if your dog has become depressed after moving to a new home and is having difficulty in adjusting to new circumstances.

Use Star of Bethlehem for shock (mental, emotional, and physical), e.g. shock following accidents, traumatic events, and grief.

Finally, if your dog has become depressed for no apparent reason, try Mustard. It is good for dogs that are lethargic, with downcast eyes and ears.

A Flower Essence Blend for Depression in Dogs
Pet Essences Depression / Grieving Flower Essences

This flower essence blend combines the power of Honeysuckle, Mustard, as well as other natural flower essences and is effective for dogs experiencing feelings of sadness, melancholy, grief and depression.

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Other Ways to Deal with Depression in Dogs

Spend More Quality Time with the Dog

Perhaps the most important thing that we should do to help a depressed dog is to show him love and care. Spending more time playing with the dog, taking long walks together, and bonding with the dog can greatly help lift his spirit.

Get the Dog a New Playmate

If your dog is griefing the death of another dog in your family, consider replacing it with a new dog. If that is not possible, try to let your dog socialize with other dogs (at a park, or doggie day care, etc.).