I swear my dog has been so low-energy lately. He’s sleeping more, not as excited to see me, and kinda just stays in one spot. I thought maybe he was just tired, but now I’m wondering, could he be depressed? Has anyone else dealt with this?
Yeah, I’ve seen this with my dog too. Turns out she was just bored. Have you tried taking him out more?
Ainsley said:
Yeah, I’ve seen this with my dog too. Turns out she was just bored. Have you tried taking him out more?
Good idea. I haven’t changed his routine much, but maybe he needs something different. What worked for your dog?
@Aris
Taking her to the dog park helped a lot. New smells, new dogs… kinda snapped her out of it.
Could be seasonal affective disorder. My pup gets kinda down in the winter. Less sun, less outdoor time, IDK… but it happens.
Colby said:
Could be seasonal affective disorder. My pup gets kinda down in the winter. Less sun, less outdoor time, IDK… but it happens.
Wait, dogs can get SAD too?
Colby said:
Could be seasonal affective disorder. My pup gets kinda down in the winter. Less sun, less outdoor time, IDK… but it happens.
Wait, dogs can get SAD too?
Yep, just like people. Less sunlight can mess with their mood.
If it lasts too long, maybe check with a vet. Depression in dogs isn’t super common, but it can happen. Best to rule out health stuff first.
Leif said:
If it lasts too long, maybe check with a vet. Depression in dogs isn’t super common, but it can happen. Best to rule out health stuff first.
Yeah, my vet told me they always check for medical issues first before calling it depression. Smart move.
Losing a companion can hit dogs HARD. Did anything change recently? New pet, someone moved out, anything like that?
Remi said:
Losing a companion can hit dogs HARD. Did anything change recently? New pet, someone moved out, anything like that?
Nothing major, but I did start a new job so I’m out more than before. Maybe that’s it?
@Aris
Sounds like separation anxiety. Dogs get used to a routine, and when it changes, they can get really down.
Ever heard of antidepressants for dogs? My cousin’s vet put their dog on meds for anxiety. Helped a lot.
Ray said:
Ever heard of antidepressants for dogs? My cousin’s vet put their dog on meds for anxiety. Helped a lot.
Fluoxetine (aka dog Prozac) is a thing. But it’s usually for short-term use and only if nothing else works.
Ray said:
Ever heard of antidepressants for dogs? My cousin’s vet put their dog on meds for anxiety. Helped a lot.
Yeah, but they take a few weeks to work and need a vet’s approval. I’d try other stuff first, like more exercise and social time.