Dogs are some of the most popular pets on the planet. They’re owned by millions of people worldwide and well-known for bringing a lot of joy and laughter into our lives. Studies have shown that people who own dogs tend to have better mental and physical health, as well as having longer life expectancies too.
It’s easy to see why. Dogs are lively, loyal, friendly creatures that have a lot to offer and can truly brighten our days. Unfortunately, just like humans, dogs can experience a wide range of emotions, and there are times when they may not seem as happy and energetic as usual. When this happens, dog depression might be to blame.
Yes, in the same way as humans, dogs can also get depressed. We don’t know quite as much about depression in dogs as we do in humans. However, studies are ongoing to find out more, and treatment methods are being developed and tested all the time, with veterinarians and scientists eager to find new ways to aid our canine companions.
Psychology Today cites a British study which concluded “Depression and anxiety are widespread in the British canine population; the report indicated that 623,000 dogs and cats in the UK had suffered mentally in the previous year, while more than 900,000 suffered loss of appetite because of stress or emotional problems.”
Clearly, depression in dogs is a widespread problem and one that needs to be taken seriously. Society has moved past the point of asking “Can dogs have depression?” and now we’re looking at causes, triggers, symptoms, signs, and ways to cope with it. This guide will cover all you need to know about dealing with a depressive dog.
Causes and Signs of Dog Depression
So what actually causes depression in dogs? Well, as stated above, this is still something of a gray area for scientists. A lot of research is going on to try and find out more. It might take some time to truly get to the bottom of the problem. However, we do already know some of the possible causes that can make dogs feel sad, lonely, and lifeless.
PetMD explains that many possible reasons could contribute to the development of depression in dogs, citing examples like “Moving into a new home, a new spouse or baby in the household, or adding another pet. Even a change in the dog’s schedule, for instance, a stay-at-home owner who takes a job, can cause a dog to get down.”
There are also other common triggers that may lead to dog depression, such as the death of a member of the family or the death of another animal in the home. Dogs can also feel depressed if other people in the home are depressed, as they tend to pick up on human emotions very well and sometimes mimic them too.
In general, we can see that depression dog cases can be caused by many obvious factors. Indeed, depression in dogs is actually quite similar to depression in dogs. Just as loss and sudden changes can make us feel sad, they can have the same effects on our furry friends. This can lead to various symptoms. Here are some of the signs of depression in dogs.
- Fatigue and general lack of energy
- Lack of interest in toys, play, and social contact
- Lack of appetite
- Change in sleep patterns
- Withdrawn and evasive behavior
- Sleeping more often
- Not wanting to go for walks
Traditional Treatment Options for Dog Depression
It’s important to note that a lot of the signs and symptoms of dog depression could be signs of other health issues, so make sure to get your dog checked out at the vet if you notice anything wrong. If you do get a diagnosis of dog depression, you might begin to worry. However, there are plenty of treatment options available.
Depression in dogs can fade on its own with time, just like depression in people. It might be caused by a new change in lifestyle or the loss of a loved one, and the dog will go through a natural grieving and adaptation process before returning to its usual self. In other cases, actual antidepressants may be required to help reduce anxiety and ease depressive feelings.
Owners can also help their dogs with depression by giving them more attention, love, cuddles, and playtime. Engaging with your dog will help to take their mind off these negative feelings and make them happier. You can consider taking them out for more walks, plan a trip somewhere new, or invite people over to spend time with your dog.
CBD Oil for Dog Depression
As well as exploring the traditional treatment methods, many people also want to know “Will CBD help depression dogs?” The answer is yes, it can help in a big way. Various studies and anecdotal reports have shown that CBD can ease symptoms and signs of depression.
What exactly is dog CBD for depression? CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a natural compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. The CBD can be extracted from hemp plants and diluted into an oil form, which can be administered directly into a dog’s mouth or mixed in with their food.
Owners can use a CBD dosage calculator to work out an adequate dose, and it’s very easy to use CBD for dog depression in general, with minimal risk of side effects.
Studies of CBD oil and depression in dogs show that this oil can produce various positive effects. It can calm the feelings of depression and promote a more positive mood in dogs. It can also help to lower stress levels and assist with other symptoms of depression, as a lack of appetite. In short, CBD can help depressive dogs feel better all over.
Owners of dogs suffering from depression have reported many positive results from trying CBD oil. A lot of them say that their dogs showed signs of improvement very rapidly and begin to emerge from their depression with regular use.
Many people have seen their dogs make full recoveries from depression after introducing CBD oil into their diets, and a lot of veterinarians and other experts are now recommending this product as a holistic cure for various mental health issues.
CBD oil can also aid with things like anxiety, aggression, excess barking, and more, so if your dog has any other mental health problems associated with depression, this natural oil can make a real difference.
Cannabinoid Calculator for the Perfect CBD Oil Dosage
Many dog owners want to experience the benefits of CBD oil for their furry friends, but it can be hard to know where to start, especially in terms of the ideal dosage. It’s very important to give your dog the correct amount of this oil.
Giving a dog too much CBD oil can be risky, as it could lead to a higher chance of side effects like fatigue and excess appetite. Meanwhile, if you only give them a very small dose, they might not feel any benefits.
You need to get a perfectly balanced dose, and Cannabinoid Calculator can help you. Simply input some basic information about your dog into our calculator tool and in a matter of seconds, you’ll receive an accurate, expert recommendation of the ideal dose.
Conclusion
It’s not nice to learn that your dog might be depressed. However, it’s important to respond the right way. Depressed dogs simply need a little more love and care, and can benefit from various therapeutic and medicinal treatments too, including CBD dogs depression. With the right approach, you can help your dog make a full recovery.
FAQ
Dog depression is a mental health condition affecting canines. It is similar to human depression, producing feelings of sadness and symptoms like tiredness and lack of energy.
There are many possible causes of depression in dogs. It may be caused by the loss of a loved one, for instance. Dogs can also get depressed when they experience sudden changes, like moving home.
CBD oil can offer various benefits for depressive dogs. It can ease negative feelings like depression and sadness, helping the dog feel more relaxed and positive. It can also promote a healthy appetite and bring energy back into your canine companion.
It’s very easy to give CBD oil to a dog. You can use a CBD calculator to work out the right dose, based on your dog’s weight. From there, you just have to drop the oil straight into the dog’s food or directly into their mouth.