Depression in dogs is a real issue. According to recent research by Guide Dogs, 74% of dogs across the U.K. exhibit indicators of poor mental health, with 18% displaying symptoms on a weekly basis. The story is pretty similar in other developed countries like the U.S. The issue can be debilitating for both dogs and owners.
Moreover, John Ciribassi, DVM, past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, highlights one of the prominent symptoms of depression, “The dogs will get distant. They stop doing anything. Their eating and sleeping patterns frequently fluctuate. They no longer engage in the activities they once found enjoyable.”
But all hope is not lost. There are natural ways to treat this condition without resorting to medications that can have dangerous side effects. And the good news is that these methods can actually help your dog feel better about themselves on a deeper level than just treating their symptoms.
Here are three natural ways to deal with depression in dogs:
Give Them the Care and Love They Deserve
Depression can be a serious condition, but you can help your dog fight it with love and care.
When you’re depressed, you might feel like your life is dragging on and on. You might have trouble getting out of bed in the morning and even more trouble finding the motivation to do anything at all. It can feel like there’s no end in sight and that nothing will ever get better.
But just like with humans, depression isn’t always a permanent condition. It’s possible to recover from depression and get back on track. The first step is identifying what’s causing your symptoms so that you can start taking steps toward recovery.
In dogs, depression is often caused by changes in their environment or change in a balanced diet and therefore it is important for you to provide your dog with best freeze dried dog food. For example, if your dog has always been an outdoor dog who suddenly has to stay inside all day because of bad weather or other issues, it may experience depression as a result. They may also become depressed if they don’t get enough attention from their owners or have trouble adapting to new situations, such as a new home or new owners.
Supplements
Supplements can be a great way to treat depression in dogs. Supplements are natural and non-invasive, and they’re relatively easy to administer. They can help you avoid the side effects of medications that may have been prescribed by your vet.
Supplements work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, happiness, and other emotions. When there’s not enough serotonin available in your dog’s brain, it can lead to depression. Supplements can help increase the amount of serotonin available for your dog by providing them with nutrients that their bodies need in order to produce more of it.
The most common supplements used for this purpose are St John’s wort, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), SAMe (s-adenosyl methionine), or L-tryptophan – all of which are amino acids found naturally in plants and foods like rice bran, oats, bananas, and sunflower seeds.
When it comes to supplements, you want to make sure that you’re buying from a reputable source. It’s important that you know what you’re giving your dog and how much of it they need. PetCareRx is a great choice for pet parents who want to buy supplements online because they offer a variety of different products at affordable prices.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your dog, whether they’re feeling depressed or not.
Exercise helps to release endorphins in the brain, which is a natural chemical that helps to alleviate anxiety and depression. Just like humans, dogs who exercise regularly will have more energy and be more alert and social. If your dog is depressed, it’s important to find out what kind of exercise they like best. Some dogs are more active, while others prefer to take things slow.
If your dog is already an active one, try adding an extra walk or game of fetch to their daily routine. If they’re more sedentary, try switching up their normal routine so they can explore new places and meet new people at the park.
The importance of spending quality time and allowing them to do some exercise is pointed out by the owner of Behavior Solutions and qualified professional dog trainer Dr. Leslie Sinn, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). She says some of the ideas to treat depression in dogs naturally are spending additional time with them, taking them on particularly enjoyable walks, playing a little tug of war, or giving them a quick grooming session.
Wrapping Up
Thus, there you have it: four ways to treat depression in dogs without medication.
Of course, if you’re concerned about your dog’s mental health, talk to your vet. They will be able to recommend the best possible treatment plan for your dog, and they’ll be able to help you understand how best to help your pup feel more positive.
Remember that there are a lot of natural ways to deal with depression in dogs. The first step is always giving them a little bit of extra attention.