Depression or depression?
Depression in dogs is in all respects similar to that of humans. It is a mood disorder that causes a significant cerebral slowdown and great psychological suffering for the individual.
It is to be distinguished from the depressive state of the dog, commonly called depression, which is a temporary state of dejection that any dog can go through when he feels momentarily tired or idle.
Far from being a simple "little slack" , depression is therefore a real disease that affects the functioning of the dog's brain and is characterized by a decrease in neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood and energy such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
It always manifests itself by a great sadness of the dog, a loss of pleasure and a decrease in general activity.
Types of depression and their symptoms in dogs
We can distinguish several types of depression in dogs among:
Acute depression
Acute depression occurs as a result of trauma experienced by the dog. It can be for example the loss of an attachment being (human being, dog, cat) following a death, a separation or the departure of a child from the house or even a radical change in the animal's way of life (moving, retirement of a working dog). We also speak in this case of reactive depression or, also, of post-traumatic stress.
Acute dog depression is usually manifested by:
- an apathy and a lack of response and interest in the stimuli of his environment. The dog does not react or hardly reacts and seems detached from everything.
- a decrease or loss of appetite,
- hypersomnia (the dog sleeps more) or spends more time lying down,
- a general slowdown.
Chronic depression
It is a state of deep sadness in the dog and a decrease in general activity over a long period, without this state being linked to a particular event, organic disease or context. Chronic depression sets in especially in dogs that suffer from anxiety that evolves over several years.
To know!
Another disease such as hypothyroidism, brain disease or chronic pain can cause symptoms of depression in dogs. These symptoms then disappear once the disease has been identified and treated.
Chronic depression is mainly manifested by a sad or irritable mood and a loss of interest in pleasant and playful activities (hugs, games, treats).The dog no longer wants anything, is constantly dozing and his sleep is interspersed with sudden and spontaneous awakenings with a start, as if the dog were afraid.
The depressed dog always stays alone in his corner, he doesn't want to do much anymore, he doesn't even react to play, doesn't eat anymore and he looks sad. He does not seek contact with his masters or his congeners. He is a dog who will isolate himself and who will be reluctant to go out.
The dog also generally has appetite disorders with an increase or decrease in the latter.
He can also sometimes adopt substitute activities such as excessive licking of his paws or repetitive and abnormal behaviors called stereotypies. Some depressed dogs can also go so far as to defecate in their sleeping area: this is called enuresis and encopresis.
The Involution Depression
Involution depression is the depression of the aged animal. It is also called the delirium of the elderly dog or even the syndrome of cognitive dysfunction of the dog.
It is manifested by all the symptoms of chronic depression but also by the loss of basic learning (including cleanliness), an inversion of day / night cycles and by a modification of interactions with its congeners or with known people he sometimes seems to no longer recognize.
How to get a dog out of depression?
Depression is a disease that can be treated with anti-depressant medication, prescribed by a veterinarian. These drugs will reduce the dog's sadness, reduce its fatigue and promote the resumption of normal activity by acting on its neurotransmitters. There are several kinds of anti-depressants and the nature of the drugs used will depend on the symptoms of depression and the form of depression your dog is suffering from.The treatment should last several weeks in order to stabilize the animal's mood for a long time. It can be accompanied by side effects, especially at the start of treatment but which should subside thereafter.
Classic anti-depressant drugs can also be combined or replaced by remedies borrowed from herbal medicine. St. John's wort, ginkgo, mucuna or even valerian are plants widely used in the natural treatment of depression. Always seek the advice of a specialized veterinarian before using them on your animal.
In addition to these treatments, your dog will especially need your affection and that of the whole family to get out of his depressive state. Cuddles, games, treats, walks in stimulating places - in the presence of congeners if he is sociable - will get the better of his sadness. It is also up to you to give him a taste for activities that usually gave him pleasure by always stimulating him in a positive way!