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doggie depression????
since I started college full time and am away from home and when I am home increadibly busy with studies..I notice my dog acting oddly. He is a German Short hair 8 yo . He thinks hes a person ( I think) I am his " picked or favorite" of the family...hes often laying by my feet as I study...I am trying to make time for him...and play with him more,,,he responds to that but in general he just seems depressed not sick,,,,eats,,normal etc...any hints...can animals be depressed?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Those little cuddles that you give him while you're reading or studying will reassure him, I'm certain. As I said before, he does know that you love him.
My dog's similar. If I'm busy doing non-dog-related chores, she always has a 'sad' look about her! I 'make it up to her' when I have finished what I have to do, by playing with her, taking her for a walk etc. I know she knows I love her, but the problem is she would like attention 24/7! With things humans have to do to get by, that's not possible every single minute of the day, and would probably spoil them badly if it was!
The thing is about dogs they are Pack animals, and hate being left alone. Domestic dogs have had to adjust to their human 'packs' going out to work/school, etc. They get used to the routine, even though they like it better when everyone is together!
I'm sure your dog is getting good care and attention from your family, and will adjust to the new routine. Especially if you continue to reassure him, and you keep on returning home. That's what he cares about most.
My dog's similar. If I'm busy doing non-dog-related chores, she always has a 'sad' look about her! I 'make it up to her' when I have finished what I have to do, by playing with her, taking her for a walk etc. I know she knows I love her, but the problem is she would like attention 24/7! With things humans have to do to get by, that's not possible every single minute of the day, and would probably spoil them badly if it was!
The thing is about dogs they are Pack animals, and hate being left alone. Domestic dogs have had to adjust to their human 'packs' going out to work/school, etc. They get used to the routine, even though they like it better when everyone is together!
I'm sure your dog is getting good care and attention from your family, and will adjust to the new routine. Especially if you continue to reassure him, and you keep on returning home. That's what he cares about most.
my dog is very protective of the house and I am afraid he would bite someone..my kids could have 20 friends over and Hans( my dog ) will go to the new one he has never met "smelled" before and corner him until we call him off.
My 3 kids and hubby all alergic to cats...dog will get more attention from me but it will be quiter stuff, that I cando while reading etc...
You all have some very good ideas I have never been on this forum,,its a big help.
My 3 kids and hubby all alergic to cats...dog will get more attention from me but it will be quiter stuff, that I cando while reading etc...
You all have some very good ideas I have never been on this forum,,its a big help.
COMMUNITY LEADER
What's really honourable here is that you're thinking about your dog and how he feels. Some people would get on with their busy lives, and as long as their dog was walked occasionally, and fed, they wouldn't give it all a second thought.
That's the trouble...humans have to do things that dogs don't know anything about! Going out to school/college/trying to earn a living. I think it is getting worse too nowadays, as most people, especially with families, are having to come up with more and more ideas to make extra money, and that means they are out of the house. If they have a dog, the dog has to stay in, very often alone, waiting for them to come back.
Is there a trusted friend or family member, who for either a small payment, or for the sheer fun of it(!) or for some exchange, or treat (like a box of chocolates...?) would come in during the day and play with your dog or take him out?
I guess you wouldn't be able to afford a dog-sitter, or dog-walker..(?) I am not certain what they charge.
How does he get along with cats? Sometimes dogs get along with them very well. So he would have a friend and companion, a little buddy, when he's alone in the house. I know you probably don't want to add a pet to your household....but it's worth a thought. And a cat is more independent so wouldn't mind so much if you were out. Maybe you could find one if that's a suitable idea, from a Cats Rescue home, and choose one which had come from a household where there were dogs around.
That's the trouble...humans have to do things that dogs don't know anything about! Going out to school/college/trying to earn a living. I think it is getting worse too nowadays, as most people, especially with families, are having to come up with more and more ideas to make extra money, and that means they are out of the house. If they have a dog, the dog has to stay in, very often alone, waiting for them to come back.
Is there a trusted friend or family member, who for either a small payment, or for the sheer fun of it(!) or for some exchange, or treat (like a box of chocolates...?) would come in during the day and play with your dog or take him out?
I guess you wouldn't be able to afford a dog-sitter, or dog-walker..(?) I am not certain what they charge.
How does he get along with cats? Sometimes dogs get along with them very well. So he would have a friend and companion, a little buddy, when he's alone in the house. I know you probably don't want to add a pet to your household....but it's worth a thought. And a cat is more independent so wouldn't mind so much if you were out. Maybe you could find one if that's a suitable idea, from a Cats Rescue home, and choose one which had come from a household where there were dogs around.
great hint...my night before pjs...I find him I kid you not unpstairs on my bed, I pulll the cover tight so he cant get under them as he digs and has destroyed many sheets..but that is another hint I find him with hi doggie head laying on my bed pillow..so he must be craving my scent..
currently no one is here between 7am-2pm nothing can be done about it.,,kids have to be in school,I get penalized for attendance and hubbys already laid off a few employess, he needs to try to save his/our business.
I am on a 4 day break now get 2 days here and there.....a week at some pt n June is my summer break. Feb I graduate, at this point I will take the first job offered me, but I truely want days pt time..can not be choosey, though.need the money bad. Children will be on summer break soon but honestly they may play with the dog at 3 am cause they will stay up very late and sleep in as teens do,
Thanks for scent idea,,
currently no one is here between 7am-2pm nothing can be done about it.,,kids have to be in school,I get penalized for attendance and hubbys already laid off a few employess, he needs to try to save his/our business.
I am on a 4 day break now get 2 days here and there.....a week at some pt n June is my summer break. Feb I graduate, at this point I will take the first job offered me, but I truely want days pt time..can not be choosey, though.need the money bad. Children will be on summer break soon but honestly they may play with the dog at 3 am cause they will stay up very late and sleep in as teens do,
Thanks for scent idea,,
I would tell the vet exactly what you told us here. Explain the whole situation to him and ask what his opinion of the situation is.
Aside from taking him with you, the only thing you can really do is put things that belong to you, like shirts, a blanket, things you have worn that have your scent on them, in his bed so that he has your scent near him when you're not at home. How often DO you make it home? If possible, maybe try to come home a bit more frequently, or have your husband and kids come to visit you and bring him with them so that he can see you more frequently.
How much longer do you have to go with school until you will be coming back home, either permanently or for an extended break?
Ghilly
Aside from taking him with you, the only thing you can really do is put things that belong to you, like shirts, a blanket, things you have worn that have your scent on them, in his bed so that he has your scent near him when you're not at home. How often DO you make it home? If possible, maybe try to come home a bit more frequently, or have your husband and kids come to visit you and bring him with them so that he can see you more frequently.
How much longer do you have to go with school until you will be coming back home, either permanently or for an extended break?
Ghilly
some good answers thank you,,,,what makes me think he is depressed is he is laying around alot not moving as much, and seems to want me to just touch him ...he will lay nest to me when I am working on my lap top I mean right nest to me,,so I try to stroke him etc,,,he is very smart he may even notice he is not getting eye contact from me,,,I have hardly no spare time and he is especially bonded with me,,he takes to my middle son well too, but me more so,
He has fatty tumors..the vet told me they are painless and would be more harmful than good to remove at his age,,,he is kinda turning grey he is a senior dog I guess.
I dont know maybe its because I have a feel for him as we have bonded well I am just sensing sadness from him....my 3 kids and husband miss me too,,,I just got an increadable opportunity right now and we really need me to graduate and get some money into our house..the kids are all teens so they get it,,,so does hubby but my poor dog dos'nt understand he misses me,,,,,,I think Im gonna encourage middle son to play with him more when I am not home,,
will take your advise on vet ,,,he is due for checkup soon...How would one explain to vet you think your dog is depressed?
He has fatty tumors..the vet told me they are painless and would be more harmful than good to remove at his age,,,he is kinda turning grey he is a senior dog I guess.
I dont know maybe its because I have a feel for him as we have bonded well I am just sensing sadness from him....my 3 kids and husband miss me too,,,I just got an increadable opportunity right now and we really need me to graduate and get some money into our house..the kids are all teens so they get it,,,so does hubby but my poor dog dos'nt understand he misses me,,,,,,I think Im gonna encourage middle son to play with him more when I am not home,,
will take your advise on vet ,,,he is due for checkup soon...How would one explain to vet you think your dog is depressed?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes dogs can be depressed.
Dogs can even be prescribed medication for depression (though I'm not necessarily suggesting you do that)
Dogs are deep thinkers in their own way, and intelligent dogs are complex, not exactly the same as humans, but complex in their own way.
Because he seems to have formed a special bond with you, maybe he misses you when you are away? I'm sure you give him lots of love and attention, but at the same time you do have to get on with your own life and your studies. From what you said, you are finding time for him, to give him fun and the best you can when you're around.
What makes you think he's depressed? Is this a sudden thing? Was he ok before? Has anything changed in his regular home environment (apart from you leaving and coming back etc) Maybe there could be some other cause for his 'down' mood. Has another member of the family suddenly changed their routine, or something else which might make him feel a bit 'pushed out'.?
And are you certain he is ok physically? Sometimes (though not always) sudden behavior changes can mean subtle changes in health going on, which haven't caused symptoms yet, but are going on in the background.
Also, dogs can get lonely. Does he get lots of walks, with the opportunity to meet other dogs, and people?
Maybe he has just got a special attachment to you, and hates it when you are not there, and that's getting to him a bit. He will know that you love him. Dogs aren't stupid. So he is going to have to get used to you not being there sometimes. I can tell you are doing the best you can.
If you think this depression is getting serious, and he becomes really miserable, do take him to the vet, because there are medications for depression which can be prescribed for dogs, and might help his mood.
Dogs can even be prescribed medication for depression (though I'm not necessarily suggesting you do that)
Dogs are deep thinkers in their own way, and intelligent dogs are complex, not exactly the same as humans, but complex in their own way.
Because he seems to have formed a special bond with you, maybe he misses you when you are away? I'm sure you give him lots of love and attention, but at the same time you do have to get on with your own life and your studies. From what you said, you are finding time for him, to give him fun and the best you can when you're around.
What makes you think he's depressed? Is this a sudden thing? Was he ok before? Has anything changed in his regular home environment (apart from you leaving and coming back etc) Maybe there could be some other cause for his 'down' mood. Has another member of the family suddenly changed their routine, or something else which might make him feel a bit 'pushed out'.?
And are you certain he is ok physically? Sometimes (though not always) sudden behavior changes can mean subtle changes in health going on, which haven't caused symptoms yet, but are going on in the background.
Also, dogs can get lonely. Does he get lots of walks, with the opportunity to meet other dogs, and people?
Maybe he has just got a special attachment to you, and hates it when you are not there, and that's getting to him a bit. He will know that you love him. Dogs aren't stupid. So he is going to have to get used to you not being there sometimes. I can tell you are doing the best you can.
If you think this depression is getting serious, and he becomes really miserable, do take him to the vet, because there are medications for depression which can be prescribed for dogs, and might help his mood.
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