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How can I tell if my dog is depressed?

Do dogs actually suffer depression like humans do?  If so, what are some signs of depression in dogs?

I’ve heard stories about dogs being treated with antidepressants and that made me curious. I discovered there are animal psychiatrists and I was wondering what  your thoughts are on animal psychiatry?  Is it real?

We lost our 24 year old cat 4 months ago and since then my 11 year old beagle has not been his usual self, acting listless and depressed.

What other options are available for sad pets?
Thank you,
Julie

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3 Responses to “How can I tell if my dog is depressed?”

  1. Taylor - Blog Administrator VetLocator.com says:

    Hi Julie,

    Here’s a response to your question from Heather Oxford, DVM who is the LA Times veterinarian, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/. It is an excellent answer:

    “Veterinarians have the most extensive training in animal behavior of anyone working in the pet industry, and I doubt any one of us has ever prescribed antidepressants as a first-line for animal depression.

    The reason is simple: There is a language barrier between us and our patients that does not exist in human medicine. Animals don’t come into our offices and tell us that their hearing or vision is failing them, that they’ve had a chronic headache for weeks now, or that they’ve been having stomach or intestinal pains that just won’t go away. They just look sad. It is our first responsibility to rule out causes of depression that are endocrine/internal, neurologic or orthopedic in origin. A lot of medical causes of depression can be treated, avoiding the unnecessary use of prescription antidepressants.

    For the small population of animals whose depression truly can be traced to behavioral origins, I like a natural anti-depressant called S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe). This is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of the body, made from the amino acid methionine. Although SAMe has many uses, there is evidence for its short-term use in treating major depression by assisting the body in producing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. For cats, Feliway diffusers are helpful as well. There are also floral essences and homeopathic remedies that are useful for depression disorders. For animals that need stronger antidepressants, there are prescription-strength drugs available at your veterinarian’s office; however, I reserve these for last.”

    I hope this helps,
    Taylor
    Blog Administrator
    http://www.vetlocator.com

  2. Iris Williams says:

    I have a 13 year old female dog, Terror. In April 09, we lost Windy, for whom Terror was the caretaker. We went through a rough patch for about six months. In February this year, we lost Casper, my 19 year cat, who was Terror’s partner in crime. She is once again back to her sad looks and deportment. I take her for walks by the river, and for lots of car rides which she seems to like, but not like before Windy’s and Casper’s passings. What fcan I do to help Terror have more joy in her life once again? I want to make her last years pleasant ones.

  3. Perry Evers says:

    I find this vets advice to be horrible! Of course animals get depressed especially over the loss of companions, you see it every day. Also SAMe is a terrible drug and there have been numerous articles and research done to show bad side affects. If my Vet gave me any of this advice I would grab my dog and run out the door! I have found one of the best ways to help an animal cope with the loss of a companion is lots of attention and if possible replacing the deceased pet. It is surprising how a pet will turn around when they are occupied showing a new friend the lay of the land.

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