Though you may not know it, our pets can show signs of depression very similar to how humans do, and usually for many of the same reasons they also suffer from depression.
Here we’ll go over the basics of pet depression and what you can do to help bring your pet’s spirits back up.
The signs of depression in pets are rather similar to those of humans like fatigue, lethargy, having diminished interest in pleasurable activities, and experience changes in sleep or appetite.
Lowered activity or energy levels
Diminished interest in play
Increase or decrease in sleeping
Each of these symptoms are also present in our pets when they’re down:
Eating more or less than usual
Lethargy or fatigue
It is important to note that any of the aforementioned symptoms could be due to an underlying health condition and it’s important to bring your pet in for a checkup immediately if they start acting strangely.
Once again, many of the same things that can bring up symptoms of depression in humans also can cause depression in pets.
Furthermore, pets are highly intuitive and can pick up on grief, loss, or sadness in humans as well as some of the stress that goes along with it.
Life transitions
Less physical activity
Increased stress in the household
Some of the following scenarios can bring up depression in pets if we do not act in a preventive manner:
Inadequate diet
Confinement
Furthermore, when pets aren’t getting enough exercise, are eating too much, or are confined for long periods of time, then they will become depressed.
There are a few things you can do for your pet to help keep their spirits up and it’s important to remain aware of your pet's behavior on any given day, as it can give you clues as to what your pet needs from you.
Assuming your pet has been checked out by a trusted veterinarian, here are a few other things you can do to increase their mood:
Increase levels of activity
Get some toys to play with together
Feed routinely on a schedule
Reinforce and encourage playful, happy behaviors
Ease them into life transitions with you
Change up their food every so often Each of these symptoms are also present in our pets when they’re down:
It’s important to set time aside each day to play with your pet to keep them engaged, entertained, wellexercised.
Establishing a routine that works best for you and your pet often begins with enlisting the help of a trustworthy, reputable veterinarian in your area.
Keep them exercised on a daily basis
Keep their life as exciting as possible
Include your pet in new experiences with you when you can Here are a few other things you can do daily to keep your pet in good spirits:
Devote time to engaging with your pet every day
Feed them a healthy diet
Consult with a veterinarian on how you can keep your pet in good spirits
The pet experts here at Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital & Emergency attend to a diverse range of clients in the areas of Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, and other cities nearby Ventura County, CA.
Pet depression is rather common, especially in households going through big life transitions; however, it’s most important to make sure their behavior isn’t attributable to an underlying health condition.
To schedule a check-up appointment with one of our helpful technicians, please contact us today.
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