Is your dog depressed? Horror pet warning as study pinpoints major signs to look out for

The Dog House: Owner emotional as she leaves pet pooch

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INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: The American Veterinary Dental Society states that 80% of Dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

Poor mental health in dogs can be triggered by a whole variety of different things, including major changes in their surroundings such as a new pet, spouse or baby in the home.

Moving home can also negatively impact dogs, as well as experiencing a distressing event such as a fellow pooch dying.

If owners are depressed or unhappy themselves this can also trigger similar feelings in their canine companion.

Symptoms of dog depression can be similar to those in humans, including withdrawing from social situations, being quieter than normal and appearing more lethargic.

Be realistic. Unrealistic goals will only prevent you from growing. There are two common mistakes a dog owner can make that will slam the brakes hard on any potential progress you might be hoping for. First, the expectations we place on our dogs and ourselves. The misguided belief that your dog “should” be performing or responding at a certain predetermined level. Another mistake many owners make is having unrealistic assumptions. Many of us assume that our dog understands what we want and that he knows what we’re asking of him. As if that wasn’t bad enough, some of us assume that the dogs failure to perform means he’s either rebelling, stubborn, or just plain stupid.

The most common signs include a loss of appetite, destructiveness and low activity levels.

Dogs that have lost interest in things they used to enjoy, or are hyperactive and bark incessantly, could be bored or frustrated, experts say.

Many owners will try to cheer their pups up by giving them a treat or taking them for a long walk.

Make Training More Fun by Switching Up The Rewards. Instead of just giving praise for a new trick add some yummy treats or a game of tug as the reward. By changing the rules & rewards you’re keeping training sessions more fun & exciting for both you & your dog.

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But experts say "this is an outdated viewpoint" and other forms of stimulation are just as important.

"Without different forms of mental stimulation, dogs can begin to show signs of behavioural issues, such as anxiety and frustration, which can have a huge impact on their mental wellbeing."

Make Your Own Elevated Food Bowl. You can make your own elevated pet food bowl with an $8 table from Ikea. Elevated food bowls make eating easier on dogs with arthritis and joint problems since they won’t have to bend down as much.

Ensuring your pup regularly takes part in a variety of activities can help keep things interesting and reduce anxiety or depression creeping in.

Dr Whiteside suggests creating food-based problem-solving puzzles, giving your dog a lick mat, and taking them on a ‘sniffari’ walk, allowing the dog to stop and sniff wherever they like.

Experts also suggest giving dogs more attention, keeping them active, maintaining a regular routine and encouraging socialising with other dogs.

laidback pet breeds

The charity said increased mental stimulation will also mean dogs will need good quality sleep and downtime too.

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