Page 15 - Winter 2024
P. 15
WINTER BLUES
It may surprise you to learn that dogs they can do some very simple things to
can suffer from a type of depression. transform their dog’s life.
Dogs share many of the same What to do?
neurochemicals that we do and, like us, Recognising the problem is the first step.
they are exposed to certain stress • Has anything changed in your dog’s
hormones like adrenaline and cortisol –
life, environment or social group?
so it follows that dogs may experience • Is your dog getting as much exercise
something similar to human depression.
and stimulation as usual?
Signs of an unhappy dog • Is your dog getting the right sort of
• Exhibiting low activity levels or a loss exercise and stimulation?
of interest in the things they once • Is your dog getting as much contact
enjoyed with you are usual?
• Change to eating habits, often eating • Are you spending enough quality time
substantially less (or not at all) with your dog? This may be exercise,
• An increase in the amount of time games, training, dog sports or just
spent sleeping hanging out together.
• Showing signs of anxiety or aggression • Is your dog bored? Can you relieve
through sporadic howling or whining this with an additional walk, short
• Excessive licking, especially their paws training sessions throughout the day,
• Flattening of the ears occasional games, interactive toys etc?
• Less interaction with other dogs • Does your dog have any other
• Regression in house or behavioural behaviour issues – especially fears and
training phobias that may be more prevalent
• Bored or frustrated for any reason?
• Barking more or being hyperactive When to seek help
What causes ‘dog depression’? If your dog’s mood or behaviour has
There are many factors that can impact changed suddenly and you can find no
on a dog’s emotional state, including reason why this may be happening, visit
changes to routine, environment, social your vet to check for clinical causes.
group, or a result of chronic stress or
Once your dog has a clean bill of health,
anxiety resulting from fears and phobias. consult an experienced accredited
Some of these can produce what looks behaviourist who can look at any
like a canine version of depression, but behaviour changes or issues, and help
so often owners don’t recognise the you transform your dog’s mood,
change in their dog’s mood or know that behaviour and life for the better.
info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk
