Is your pet depressed?
In this month's Spotlight, we discuss depression and other forms of mental illness in cats and dogs. Just like people, pets can suffer from mental illness, and they count on us to ease their suffering. Read the articles below to learn how to recognize the signs and treat the symptoms of mental illness in your furry friends.
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At your service,
Marianne Carlson, Co-Founder Bewaggle, LLC
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Know the signs of depression
| Anytime your pet's behavior changes, you need to pay attention. It could be a warning sign that he's suffering from physical pain or illness, or it might be an indication of a mental problem like depression. Just like people, your pet can experience depression and other mental illnesses, and he is counting on you to keep him healthy and happy. If your pet demonstrates any of these signs, please talk to your veterinarian. It could be an indicator of depression or other underlying conditions.
- "Down in the dumps". If he's no longer as perky as he once was, or if he isn't interested in toys and games that used to excite him, that could be a sign of depression.
- Changes in appetite, whether he's eating less or more than usual.
- Accidents in the house. A housebroken dog, or a cat who is well litter trained, making messes in the house is a cause for concern.
- Excessive sleeping.
- Aggressive or impatient behavior. If your pet is normally friendly and patient, he will need to be evaluated for depression or other illness.
- Unusual destructive behavior. All dogs love to chew, but a dog that is suddenly and unusually destructive may be indicating that he's depressed.
- Lack of grooming (in cats). Cats are naturally clean creatures, and they spend a good bit of their time preening and grooming. A cat who isn't keeping himself clean could be sick or depressed.
If your pet shows any of these signs, something is wrong, and you should talk to your vet. Don't assume it's just old age. With a proper diagnosis of the cause, depression in pets can be treated and often eliminated. |
Treating depression in pets
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Your veterinarian can help you identify the underlying cause of your pet's depression, and recommend a treatment plan based on the specific cause. Many pets become depressed - just like the humans that love them - when they suffer the loss of a loved one. If your pet has suffered a loss recently (either a human or a companion animal), he may respond well to some extra time spent with someone else who loves him. If he's recently lost his own animal buddy, a replacement might be just the thing to bring the life back into his world. Sometimes, depression in pets can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. If the depression is deemed to be caused by a chemical imbalance, your vet may prescribe medications or a special diet to correct the imbalance. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression can be caused by diseases, including cancer, lung and heart disease. In fact, there are any number of causes that can lead to a pet's depression, so if you suspect that your pet may be depressed, see your vet right away. Remember that he's counting on you to care for him, and you have a responsibility to take his symptoms seriously.
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Bewaggle is HIRING! |
If you'd like to make a few extra bucks providing professional care to pets in your neighborhood, Bewaggle might have the perfect opportunity for you. Please visit our website for details. www.bewaggle.com
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Oh For Barking Out Loud!
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Oh for Barking Out Loud!
is the Bewaggle blog, where we post articles relating to the care and enjoyment of your pets. Here's a sample from our recent posts:
Separation Anxiety
Your pet's behavior can be triggered by internal and external factors, including Read more... |
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