Here is the list of 5 practical advice to care for your depressed dog
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Do you feel like your dog has been going through a depressive episode? Or has the dog been too anxious and is exhibiting behaviors beyond its usual self? If so, a trip to the vet will help you identify if your dog is suffering from anxiety or depression.
How To Care For A Depressed Dog
After you have noticed signs of depression in your canine companion and the vet has given the confirmation of your dog’s mental illness, there are a few tips and tricks you can employ to help your companion. Here is a list of things that are proven to make a difference in helping your dogs through depression.
Keep Them Occupied
- Sitting around and doing nothing tends to lead your pets to depression and anxiety. This is why it is essential to tire them out regularly with the help of exercise before leaving them on their own. Additionally, leaving behind enough toys and things for the dogs to remain occupied while you’re away is vital and to keep them distracted. This will let them stay away from mischief and avoid feeling a sense of anxiety.
Socialize
- Similar to human beings, dogs are social creatures who strive better in the company of their kind. This doesn’t mean you need to take on additional responsibility and adopt another dog. However, you can take your dogs out to parks where they can socialize with other canines.
Additionally, focus groups and dog daycares focus primarily upon dogs going through depression and provide them with appropriate social exposure. You can also hire the services of a companion pet in case your dog is too anxious to leave the house. Keeping them in the company of other canines will help them cope and get out of depression more efficiently.
Offer Them Attention
- Among the ways of helping a depressed dog, one of the best is to ensure you provide them with enough attention. Empathize what your companion is going through and change your activities to accommodate the mood swings they might be experiencing. However, when showering your dog with additional attention, make sure not to overwhelm them.
This is because your canine companion requires enough space and time to deal with their feelings and emotions at their own pace.
Be Patient With Them
Every pet requires a certain level of love and patience on your end as they try to understand you and be comfortable with your life. However, a pet going through depression might be acting a little out of the ordinary and beyond its usual behavior. In this case, we urge pet owners to pay extra attention to their needs and be patient with them.
Treat them how you would treat a kid going through a depressive episode. A little patience can go a long way to providing your dog with a little more hope and more love for you.
Set Up A Schedule For Them
- Dogs can benefit from a predictable schedule if they are showing signs of depression. It helps normalize their daily routine and gives them something to look forward to. This is because your dog will start to expect these activities and start memorizing times and cues. It will help them stay occupied and feel excited about walks, food, and playtime.
At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide you with the best general wellness services that keep your pets healthy and happy. We offer our veterinary services in the city of Charlottesville, VA. To book an appointment contact us on our number 434-971-9800.
