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Step 1
Enroll your sociable dog in doggie daycare or hire a dog walker/pet sitter for your dog who prefers people, if being left alone causes separation anxiety. If you’re planning a vacation, consider boarding your sociable dog at a kennel with cage-free daycare so that he can interact with other dogs, or hire an overnight pet sitter for your people-oriented dog. If at all possible, how about taking him along for the trip?
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Step 2
Give extra love and attention to the dog who is depressed from the loss of a dog companion or guardian. Visits to the off-leash dog park, playdates, rides in the car, and just being around humans and other animals can help.
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Step 3
Consider getting another dog if your dog’s depression appears to be from the loss of a canine companion or from simply being left alone.
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Step 4
Take your dog for an examination and blood test if the above remedies don’t seem to work. Once physical causes are ruled out, your veterinarian might prescribe an anti-depressant such as Prozac.
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Step 5
Check with a veterinarian who is familiar with your dog’s medical history about treating his grief and depression with a herbal or holistic formula. Mainstream vets are normally reluctant to green light these types of remedies, but if you explain that it’s something you really want to try, they might be more open to discussing it. There are also holistic veterinarians that you can consult with.
Comments
diggitydogg said
on 8/4/2009 Chances are it will just be a matter of time and your dog will adjust to the loss of her companion. One option may be to take her to a doggie daycare to be around other dogs and not have to be alone in the house. She won't have you there to jump on, which should actually make it easier to adjust. Getting her another companion if you are ready may also help. I would also take her to a vet for a physical exam and see if the vet has any recommendations.
jarlie said
on 7/29/2009 I recently lost my 12 year old terrier/pug mix. I have a 5 year old maltese and my 12 year old was there for her since we got her. Now that my 12 year old has passed on my 5 year old just lays around the house, follows me everywhere I go, and when I leave she sits at the door cries and barks until i get home. I have tried to get her to socialize with other dogs that she is familure with but she puts her tail between her legs and runs over to me and jumps up on me until i pick her up. I really need help to get her through her depression....HELP!
moo-moo13 said
on 7/24/2009 Hi, I'm KellyAnn from L.I.. I had an Akita named Cody who had just passed away a few days ago; 3 months ago I got a Poosh named Brandi. Since the loss of Cody, Brandi has seemed very depressed. My family and I have tried everything to cheer her up but it only works for about 5 minutes, then she goes back to being depressed. please help... What should we do? - KellyAnn
jull14 said
on 7/31/2008 Wow!, This was a great advice, I didn't know dogs get depressed. Thanks so much.
clivia296 said
on 2/20/2008 Anyone out there with a dog that had coonhound paralysis? My dog is extremely depressed and won't eat or drink, she came down with coonhound paralysis a week ago. We're trying everything to get her through this. I'm concerned that she won't eat. Cheyenne is 11 years old, she's a collie/golden mix and she's trained for search and rescue. Needless to say she was an extremely happy active dog before this affliction hit her. Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.