We sometimes pass through moments in our life that bring us down, and we feel like there's nothing we can do to make it better. That's what's usually called depression. We're sad and soppy, we feel we can't cope with it all. Well, we're humans, and we can take it. But what about your pooch?
You surely know it by now, since you read our magazine, that dogs are social animals and have feelings of their own. And, as such, they can get depressed. Depression in animals is a very serious matter, not to be laughed at and discarded easily. The reasons for this can be anything from lack of activities to an unbalanced diet to your often absence from his presence. You recognize a depressed dog by his lack of enthusiasm for everything, his refusal to eat. You come home and find your favorite blanket torn apart on the floor? Your love is depressed. He doesn't wiggle his tail anymore, but rather keeps it between his legs? The dog is depressed. His howling keeps you (and the neighbors) up at night? Depression strikes again.
How can you be there for your dog, cheer him up and keep him off the shrink's couch? Here are five easy and fun ways for you to make him happy again:
- If you're away from home for a long time, you know he'll get in trouble. So what to do? Leave something like a radio, or the TV, on. We know, we know, it's not green, save the planet and so on. But your best quadruped friend's happiness is at stake. Put your worries on the side for a while. It's well worth it. Hearing voices on the radio makes your dog feel less alone, and separation anxiety is unlikely to appear.
- Never ever not make time for him. The fastest way to have a tormented, destructive dog is to ignore him and his needs. Take him for a walk at least once a day, talk to him, get him nice toys, always have something for him to do. An idle pet is a bored pet. And a bored pooch is on his way to big time depression.
- Keep your eyes peeled for destructive behavior. That includes howling at night and too much barking. These are what we call stress signs, and they usually mean that something's wrong. Whenever that happens, it's time for you to spend more time with your friend.
- Hide treats and goodies around the house, for him to find and sink his teeth in. That'll keep him happy and occupied. What better way to spend time if not chewing on a tasty bone and finding inside even more goodness of taste?
Yes, we know, you're busy guys and gals, you've got jobs and a tight schedule. But that doesn't mean your pooch should be left alone and bored out of his mind for hours on end. Remember, he's a social animal. He needs to go out, make friends with other dogs and have fun. Since you can't do it as often as he'd like, take advantage of services offered by doggie sitters. Your pooch will be free of separation anxiety and depression if he's having fun all day long.
This being said, we hope you'll appreciate these five easy tips to have a depression-free doggie. For both you and us, the health and happiness of our pet companions are some of the top priorities of the day. Remember, when you're friends with a quadruped, you're friends for life. He deserves your love and attention, no matter what. We'll end this article with a friendly message to your doggie: woof, woof, boy!
