| Would it surprise you to learn that, just | | | | determine a course of treatment. You and your |
| like people, pets can suffer from depression? | | | | veterinarian can talk about some possible |
| In fact, it is estimated that hundreds of | | | | ways to help your pet overcome his |
| thousands of dogs and cats are currently | | | | depression. |
| dealing with depression. Some signs to look | | | | |
| for include the following: pets might change | | | | Some of these therapies include: |
| their behavior and start moping around or | | | | |
| become lethargic; they may no longer want to | | | | * Medication, like anti-depressant drugs |
| play. In severe cases, pets can even stop | | | | |
| eating or drinking water, leading to drastic | | | | * Play dates with other animals in the |
| weight loss. This is painful for both pet and | | | | neighborhood. It's amazing how powerful the |
| owner. | | | | simple company of another animal can be, so |
| | | | if you can, arrange to meet another local pet |
| So why do pets get depressed? That depends on | | | | owner regularly. |
| the pet. Just like people, pets have unique | | | | |
| circumstances and psychologies, and it can be | | | | * Plenty of exercise. |
| difficult to isolate the cause of depression. | | | | |
| Often, depression results from a confluence | | | | * Hiking in the woods, both for its exercise |
| of factors. In sort, there are a variety of | | | | and moral boost. |
| reasons, but here are some common triggers: | | | | |
| | | | * Doggy daycare, which provides valuable |
| * The family's children leave for school | | | | social time for your pet. |
| | | | |
| * During the day, there is no playmate in the | | | | * Short goodbyes. If you keep your farewells |
| empty house | | | | simple when you leave, your dog will think |
| | | | you're leaving for a short time. |
| * A death and its resulting grief | | | | |
| | | | * Familiar objects. Try leaving a "comfort |
| * Loss of a playmate | | | | object" with your pet when you're gone. |
| | | | |
| * Physiological disorders (chemical | | | | * Natural remedies. Homeopathic solutions |
| imbalances) | | | | like PetCalm or PetAlive can help soothe your |
| | | | pet's nerves. |
| * Relocations or dramatic scenery changes | | | | |
| | | | Of course, these are only a few options. Pets |
| If you notice any of the aforementioned signs | | | | are integral parts of their owners' families |
| of depression in your pet, take him to your | | | | and lives, and when they are depressed, it |
| vet immediately. Think back over your life | | | | affects everyone. Look for signs and don't |
| recently: have any of the trigger events | | | | want to respond; your pet's health may be on |
| happened to you or your pet? If you think you | | | | the line. |
| can pinpoint the cause, this will help to | | | | |