As a Dog Owner, You are Well Aware that Your Furry Friend has an Incredible Range of Emotion

In fact, a fearful dog's brain is very good at being anxious, afraid and startled. If you exhibited the same symptoms that are seen by many of these dogs, you would be considered depressed.

Knowing how to treat your dog's depression is many times as difficult as treating your own depression. The fact that your dog is unable to talk to you makes it even more difficult to determine the cause of his sadness. This makes it hard to help him through it.

Tips for Determining the Cause of Your Dog's Depression

The most common reason that dogs become depressed is because of a sudden change in their lives. These changes can be due to the loss of a human family member or another pet, physical trauma, an addition to the family or a move. Some dogs will even experience depression when the weather changes.

Five Different Ways that Depression Can Manifest Itself:

1. Whining
2. Personality changes
3. Loss of appetite/rapid weight loss
4. General sleepiness/lethargy
5. Clinginess/separation anxiety

If you have a fearful/depressed dog, there are things that you can do to give him a better outlook on his life. You need to find out what makes him feel good and provide him with those opportunities/things.

10 Activities that May Help Him Feel Better:

1. One of the best treatments for your dog is to pay more attention to him and show him more affection.
2. Find him some new toys.
3. Play together.
4. Go for a walk.
5. Take him for a car ride.
6. Play with your dog at his level by sitting on the floor. This helps him feel like you are giving him your full attention.
7. Take him to the park.
8. If you think his depression is due to the loss of another pet, considering getting another one. If you are unable to do this, try and set up times for your dog to interact with other dogs.
9. If your dog is left home alone all day, consider a sitter or doggie daycare.
10. Give him his favorite food and/or use food search toys.

Depression & Food

Many of us reach for comfort foods in our times of need; your dog may find relief from the same. There are numerous healthy bones and chews on the market. One of the least expensive and most versatile treats is a food-dispensing toy. If properly cared for, these toys can last for years. Fill it with peanut butter or cream cheese and voila, your furry friend will be well on his way to happiness!

Make Him Think

Some of the toys available also offer more interaction that requires your dog to think about ways to get the food. These toys may have parts that are moving and making noise while rolling around on the floor. This kind of toy helps dogs who are easily startled by sound and movement.

Even Dogs on Low-Fat Diets can Have Treats

If your dog is on a low fat diet, he can have yogurt, canned pumpkin, cottage cheese and baby food. Consider adding different textures by dropping in crunchy treats like kibble, apple pieces, training treats and biscuits.

It is important to remain patient and give him time to come around. If you think there may be something else wrong or he does not begin acting like himself, you should consider visiting his vet. He could have an underlying medical issue and your vet will be able to offer you advice. Your vet may refer you to a specialist who will help you and your furry friend through this difficult time in his life.