Healthy Spot Blog

While the image of the happy-go-lucky dog, eager to play and please, is common, there are some dogs who, like their human counterparts, suffer from bouts of depression. In fact, the causes and remedies for canine depression are quite similar to the causes and remedies for depression in humans.

The signs of depression in your dog are strikingly similar to the signs in humans. Your dog may appear sad, anxious, lethargic, or slow to move about. Spot may uncharacteristically refuse to play a game of fetch, or refuse to engage in any physical activity at all. They likely will lose their appetite and thirst, eating and drinking only when necessary. Some dogs may even stop eating altogether. These symptoms often will combine to result in a dramatic loss of weight. And, because Spot is no longer getting valuable nutrients from his food, he also may begin to shed excessively and uncharacteristically. Finally, you may notice a slight increase in aggression in your dog towards you. A depressed dog, like a depressed human, may want to be alone and withdrawn, and will act aggressive if provoked.

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