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Is your dog depressed? You may not realize it but dogs can suffer from depression just like we do. To learn how to recognize a depressed pet and what you can do to help, check out the information below.
Depression can strike a dog at any age, although older dogs suffering from chronic pain are probably the most vulnerable to it. It can also strike dogs who have experienced upheaval in their family dynamics or living circumstances and are desperate to feel safe and secure again.
Dogs can also experience depression through empathizing with a depressed family member. Dogs are very adept at reading human facial expressions and body language. If you're depressed, your dog will know it and will probably be depressed right along with their beloved human!
A depressed dog's body language will tell observant pet parents what they can't express in words. You just have to know what to look for. Learning to read your dog's body language is an important skill to know when your pet isn't feeling well physically, too.
Pet MD lists these common symptoms of depression in dogs.
A dog displaying loss of appetite, lethargy, or other unusual behaviors might be suffering from something other than depression. If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, it's worth a trip to the vet to get expert advice and rule out other health problems.
Fortunately, making even small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on your pet's emotional state. Behavior modification training can help tremendously with both separation anxiety and depression.
Proper socialization is key to developing a resilient dog that can handle a wide variety of situations without stressing out over them. If your dog wasn't socialized as a puppy, you can still help them learn to handle what life throws at them. Just take baby steps in socializing an older dog in order to get them comfortable in handling new situations.
Read on to learn more about dog anxiety and how you can recognize it.
Fireworks, thunderstorms, and other sudden loud noises can often trigger dog anxiety. So can changes in their normal routine or living situation.
You'll probably notice symptoms of anxiety such as unnecessary panting or pacing restlessly at first. Other early symptoms include repeated yawning, lip licking, excessive drooling, and shivering.
Extreme stress can cause your dog's behavior to change until they're almost unrecognizable as your pet. This level of stress can also ruin your poor dog's quality of life unless it's treated properly.
If your anxious or depressed dog could use a little extra pampering, you've come to the right place. At Animals Matter, we love dogs and want them all to live their best doggie lives possible. That's why we carry luxurious dog beds and organic dog spa products for your much-loved pet.
Contact us to learn more about the many amazing products we carry for your cherished pup.
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