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