So your dog is depressed? Searching for a solution to this problem? But how do you know that your dog is really suffering from depression? Are you aware that dog depression symptoms mimic other illness as well? If your dog don't have the appetite to eat, sleeps too much, have no interest in playing or showing aggressive behavior, this does not mean that he's depressed.
There are many other reasons why your pet is displaying such behaviors.
The thing that makes diagnosing if your pet is suffering from depression is that dogs' communication abilities are very limited.
They can only bark and cry how they feel.
And we all know that also whining, barking and crying could suggest other dog related problems, such as anxiety and fear.
Below are the steps you can do to determine if your dog is really depressed.
3 Easy Steps To Determine If Dog Is Depressed Step number one.
Rule out pain or health problem.
You can do this by taking a closer look at your dog.
Examine his body for any abrasion or splinter.
Check his vital signs.
See if he is not limping when he's walking.
Do you know that thyroid problem as well as diabetes has similar symptoms with dog depression? If he's not suffering from any of these, he might be really suffering from depression.
Step number two.
Take your dog to a new place.
Okay this time, bring your dog to an exciting place where you have never brought him before.
You need to do this to know if your pet is depressed or just bored.
Since, boredom could be easily mistaken as depression.
So when you get to that new place, a park you have never been to for example, spend time playing with your pet.
If you see little or no reaction from him at all, then sad to say he might be depressed.
But mind you, you need to be patient.
This process should be repeated three to four times more.
You should see some improvements after a week; otherwise your dog needs help from depression.
Step number three.
Check his food.
So what has food got to do with depression? Well, a lot.
Surprised? I was shocked myself when I first learned that dog foods that I thought were free from preservatives are actually harming my dog's health! You may want to change his food and see if your dog has improved after 2 weeks.
If after doing these steps in determining if dog is depressed and your dog still haven't improved, then it is time to consult with a veterinarian.