29 Oct Helping a Dog Overcome Depression

It’s pretty common for our pups to be depressed and anxious, sleep more, not be interested in food or toys, etc. when one or both owners are away for an extended period of time (work, divorce or vacation). Depression in dogs is also very common when one of their fur-siblings has crossed over to the rainbow bridge. It’s so hard to see our pups go through such a difficult time and not know what to do to ease their heartache.

So we have put together a list of things you (or your dog sitter) can try as a way to help your dog get through the time apart:

1. Have your pup go on a nice walk first thing in the morning in the sunshine. Just like humans, the fresh air and being out in nature will help perk a dog’s mood.

2. Spend as much time as you can with your dog… sitting on the couch and hanging out together. Your pup needs to know that you’re there for them and that you’re there to make them feel safe and loved.

3. Give your dog opportunities to interact with other dogs. Social time with other pups is a great way to help your dog take their mind off of the loved one who is gone. After all, dogs are social animals and playtime together can be a wonderful distraction. This often does the trick to cure depression.

4. It’s really important in all of this that whoever stays with the dog remains happy. Dogs can sense our moods and will mirror our feelings, so if you’re calm and comfortable with the situation, they will pick up on that and hopefully follow suit.

5. Give your pup a treat for any positive behavior they’re doing as they go through this sad time. So eating their dinner, going for a walk, playing with toys are great opportunities to reward your pup for staying positive.

6. Buy new toys for your dog – especially giving them interactive ones that allow the two of you to play together.

7. Try reading to your pup and talking to them more. This will strengthen your bond and create a calm, nurturing environment.

8. If your pup is sad because one of your family members is gone… place an unwashed shirt or sweatshirt that was recently worn by that person in your pup’s bed, so your dog is comforted by that person’s scent. (If you recently lost a pet, you can use their blanket to comfort your sad pup in the same way.)

9. Use FaceTime (or some other video chatting tool) to call up the person who is away so your dog can hear their voice and see them. Often pups are excited to connect in this way, however it can make them a little more anxious because they’ll think the person is near. To test how your pup responds to this form of communication, give it a try when one of you is just outside, to see if your dog reacts favorably before trying it from a longer distance.

10. For times when your entire family is away on vacation without your pup, write a postcard to your dog the first day of your trip. Before you mail it, rub the card under your arms to ensure it has your scent on it. Mail it home. Then have your dog sitter read the card to your dog/s and let them sniff it. This may sound silly and a bit embarrassing, but it’s a great way to let your dog know that you miss them deeply while you’re out of town!

Wishing you the best of luck. We truly hope one or more of these ideas starts to put a pep back in your dog’s step and helps the two of you work your way through such a challenging time.