Helping Your Dog through Grief and Depression

Introduction

Samantha had always taken pride in her ability to understand her dog, Charlie’s, emotions, but lately, she couldn’t help but notice the somber cloud hanging over him. With the recent loss of his canine companion, Bella, Charlie seemed to be struggling with grief and depression, leaving Samantha heartbroken and desperate to find ways to help her beloved dog navigate this difficult period.

When your dog loses a family member that’s too close to him, it can be hard to know how to help your dog through grief and depression by the loss of a loved one. If your dog seems sad, anxious, or depressed, don’t assume he’s lazy or trying to avoid something; he might be grieving. This is somewhat the same as clinical depression.

Grieving dogs are often confused and disoriented and may seem lethargic, irritable, or aggressive. They may sleep excessively or pace around the house. Some dogs become clingy, while others withdraw into themselves. This can be a rough time for a pet parent and a dog who has lost his best friend.

Your Dog May Be Grieving

A recent study published in Scientific Reports suggests that many dogs can experience severe depression as we do. Researchers scanned the brains of 15 dogs while they watched videos of their owners crying, laughing, or being angry. They discovered that the part of the dog’s brain responsible for emotion is very similar to that of humans.

The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures blood flow changes in different brain areas, to compare how dogs reacted to emotional stimuli. They found that the same regions of the canine brain lit up during each type of video clip. These included the amygdala, hippocampus, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and prefrontal cortex.

This study confirms what many pet owners already know: dogs can feel sadness, happiness, anger, fear, and love. And they respond to these feelings in the same way we do.

Signs of Grieving and Depression in Dogs

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it could mean he’s experiencing some form of depression. 

How can you help your dog through grief and depression?

When a dog loses a close friend, he might feel sad and depressed. He may even start acting out by destroying things around him. This behavioral change is called “grief reaction.” If you notice your dog behaving like this, don’t worry. You can use some simple tricks to help him deal with his grief.

We can give them treats, play games, and take them out for walks. But most importantly, we can listen to them when they cry.

1. Provide Comfort

Your pet needs to feel safe and secure. If he feels uncomfortable, he won’t be able to relax and heal properly. So give him plenty of attention, affection, and love. This includes cuddling, playing, and talking to him.

It would be best if you spent quality time with your pet daily. Keeping your dog happy and healthy during this challenging period is essential. You can take him outside and enjoy nature. Go for a walk or sit quietly together.

2. Offer Support

You might think that your pet is too young to understand what happened. But dogs and cats learn quickly. And they can sense when something isn’t right. So don’t hide things from them. Instead, talk openly about it. Let them see that you’re sad, too.

Talk to him about what happened. He may want to tell you how much he misses his friend or wants some attention. Try to understand why he feels so down.

You can also try to distract your dog from thinking about the person who died. For example, they play games together, take walks, or go swimming. Your dog may enjoy having something new to think about. It’s also helpful to give your dog lots of love and affection. This helps him feel loved and cared for, which makes him feel better.

3. Keep Them Busy

If you notice that your dog or cat seems distracted, it could be because he’s trying to process his feelings. He wants to keep busy to avoid thinking about what happened. Make sure he gets enough exercise and playtime. This way, he can focus on having fun rather than dealing with sadness.

You can also give your dog something else to focus on. For example, you could give him a toy that reminds you of your lost friend. Or you could play music that reminds you of your friend. These activities can distract your dog from his sadness.

If your dog seems to be having trouble coping with the loss, talk to your vet about how to best support him. For example, your veterinarian can prescribe medications to help your dog relax and sleep better.

4. Don’t Rush the Process

5. When to Seek Veterinary Attention

It’s normal for an individual dog to have occasional bad days. However, if your dog has been acting strangely for more than two weeks, they probably need veterinary care. Get medical treatment before your pet shows symptoms of illness. That could make the situation worse.

If your pet seems healthy, it might be tempting to skip taking them to the veterinarian. However, there are some situations where veterinary treatment is required. Here are five common ailments that require veterinary attention.

• Skin Problems

Your dog could develop skin problems such as dermatitis, mange, ringworm, or scabies. These conditions usually affect the outermost layer of the skin, causing redness, itching, hair loss, and sometimes even sores. Some pets experience these issues because of allergies, while others suffer from parasites. Regardless of the cause, vets can diagnose and treat these conditions. In addition, they use medications and treatments to prevent further damage to your pet’s skin.

• Ear Infections

Ear infections aren’t uncommon in dogs and cats. While most cases resolve themselves within a few days, some animals become seriously ill. A vet can identify the problem and prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection.

• Eye Conditions

Eye diseases are among the leading causes of blindness in dogs and cats. Many eye conditions are hereditary, meaning they run in families. For example, glaucoma is a genetic disease that affects the optic nerve and leads to vision loss. Other eye conditions include conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and retinal detachment.

Frequently Asked Questions