Is Your Fur Baby Sad or Depressed?
Now, I will be the first to say… my dog, is NOT depressed or sad. No way!
But it can and does happen. Thought I would share my experience over the last several weeks. Maybe it will help you. =)
Our normal start of the day routine - during the work week has always been…
Dad gets up first. Makes his coffee and sits on the back patio until Mama gets up. Then, Mama gets up, gives Rylee bedside scratches and morning loves, followed by Rylee and Mama making coffee and joining Dad on the patio. At this point, Rylee usually starts barking and running the fence line when neighbors are walking their dogs. Mama yells for his to stop barking, apologizes to the nice people, he keeps doing it, Dad calmly sits and sips his coffee and so on.
But lately, over the last several weeks, I’ve noticed a change. Dad gets up; Mama gets up, gives snuggles, I go get coffee… no Rylee in tow. Mama and Dad on the patio (enjoying our coffee in peace and quiet) - still no Rylee. Not even at the door wanting to come out. Hm? Some days, he just says laying by my bed, not interested in getting up - even until we start our work day in the front of the house (30-45 minutes after getting coffee). This is NOT normal. =0
I posed the question to Charles (dad) the other day wondering if Rylee might be depressed? We haven’t been to the dog park in a few weeks (too hot or no time due to personal commitments we can’t escape) and we haven’t seen his 2 besties in a few weeks (Ellie & Emerson). But… every Friday we still go on our family outings/car ride in the morning for donuts, coffee and pupaccino in town; every day we still play “hose” and run around the yard like a crazy; or play “go get it” with his ball in the yard and “catch it” with his inside toys. Yet, he’s sleeping in AND retreating to our closet for alone time - even when we’re home! Yes, we still snuggle on the floor, on the couch, in the office, on the guest bed with Gramma Carolyn. But even then, the sleeping in and retreating to the closet is NOT normal (but its new-ish).
If you and your fur baby are experiencing similar things, I found this article on Pawsocute.com that might help guide you to answers - or at least shed some light on what could be going on. Rylee doesn’t have all of these symptoms, but it has me paying attention fur sure.
I’m not a doctor or a vet, but we all notice things with our fur babies and most of us can read articles online. So, why not share. =)
Here’s some highlights of what the article touches on:
Appetite changes - Rylee is a picky eater as it is, so this is nothing new for us. Maybe its new for you?
Weight loss or weight gain - We don’t have this issue. Maybe you see a change?
Apathy - “Mail-time” still gets Rylee excited; playing with his toys does to. I don’t see this in our case. What about yours?
Withdrawal - We’re still our normal social here - Rylee and us. How does it look on end?
Hiding - Totally Rylee right now! Usually he only does this when everyone leaves. But now, even when we’re all home. Does your Fido do this?
Clinginess - No more than usual - Rylee’s actually not “clingy”, but VERY lovey. Are you seeing a difference with your fur baby?
Paw licking - We see this from time to time. But not excessive or with concern. Is this behavior out of the norm for you?
In short, if you are noticing any changes of concern, you should contact your veterinary for guidance and recommendations.
** Here is a link to 8 Signs Your Dog is Sad or Depressed and How to Cheer Fido Up from Pawsocute.com.
8+ Signs Your Dog is Sad or Depressed (How to CHEER Fido Up) (pawsocute.com)
