Signs of Depression in your Dog and How to help

I am sure you have seen it in their eyes. Your gonna leave aren't you!

For most of us it is hard to leave our pets and head off to work or other activities. We get the look and then think, "This dog really knows how to
pull my strings."
When I got into the pet services business I had no idea how lonely and board our dogs can get while we are away. In some cases getting a play mate is a great idea. All dogs love company. Socializing takes the pain out of being alone. Not all dogs have the advantage of having a playmate or having someone at home most of the day. That sad look you get could be a sign of depression. Being alone isn't always the cause of depression. There are a lot of anxiety's in a dogs world today. If you notice your canine companion exhibiting dog depression symptoms, it's possible that your pet is experiencing anxiety or temporary depression due to a recent event. However, it's also possible that the symptoms you are observing could be a sign that something else is going on with your pet, such as a physical illness or chemical imbalance. When you notice your dog exhibiting signs of depression, consider whether or not something has occurred recently that could impact his or her mood. If not, or if the symptoms last for an extended period of time, it's advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian.

Signs of depression include;

* Lethargy
* Excessive sleep
* Being clingy
* Loss of appetite
* Change in personality
*Whining
* Weight loss

In most cases the sadness you see is just that sadness. Our canine friends whole world can revolve around us. while very different from us dogs are strikingly similar to people in many ways. A case of the blues, and even outright depression, is but one more malady we share. As humans, we can rationalize our feelings, try to understand them, and seek a way out. Our dogs aren't so lucky. They often need our help, and our love and involvement, to break out of the cycle.

It sounds trite, but usually what your dog needs is love and affection. They may not just snap out of it on their own, but given a little effort and patience, they can regain their emotional footing. Here are some things you can do to help:

Set aside more time together for play. If your dog isn't normally an active player, take more frequent walks outside, or devote more time to another favorite activity.
Buy some engaging new toys--a cube that releases dog food when played with, for example.
Take a trip to the park to see other dogs, or go for a ride in the car. (If your dog's a nervous traveler or only associates the car with a trip to the vet or the kennel, obviously this might not be a great idea).
If your dog has lost a pet companion, consider getting another. Another option is to call a neighbor with a dog and set up a play date.
If you leave your dog home alone during the day, consider a cage-free daycare (if their normally sociable), or hire a dog sitter to walk them.
Sit on the floor at night while you watch TV, rather than in a chair. Getting down on her level could be just the interaction she's looking for.

Don't expect miracles. Be patient. It may take a few days, or it may take considerably longer for your dog to return to his or her normal self. One thing is certain: you are the best companion they have, and the most important one during this time.

Love to hear your thoughts and may be some of the remedies you have used to bring your pup around. Leave your comments below or email me with your story.

Dog Tips, Car Trips and Car Safety

Have you ever seen this look of terror in your dogs eyes?

Let's hope not! You may not think about it, but in an emergency stop, your dog can become a flying object. If your dog rides in the front seat, it may be cute but it is not smart. There are two things that can cause severe injuries.

First, there is the airbag. Any small person or, in this case, your dog can suffer injuries when the airbag deploys. The standards for small children also apply to your pet. There are some great sources for safety devices for your pet.

Second, your dog can be seriously injured in a collision or sudden stop if thrown into the windshield. Here are some numbers you need to consider. 60% of all pets that are involved in accidents while riding in a car suffer from permanent injuries. That can get expensive considering that car insurance does not cover the cost of treating or caring for a pet.

If you love your dog or pet as much as I love and value mine, take precautions to protect them when they are riding with you. Never - and I repeat - never transport your dog or other animals in the back of a pickup truck unless they are secured from falling out or being thrown out in an emergency situation. Personally, I think it is a good idea to obtain pet insurance. Most pet policies can cover these types of injuries.

On a lighter note, I attended the open house at the Austin Dog Alliance this weekend. Debi Krakar and her staff have had an awesome year. The folks at ADA offer several great services for dog owners. Looking to adopt or rescue a dog? They have the skills and resources to help. Visit their site and check out the calendar of events.

Have you purchased pet insurance or had a pet that might have been injured in an auto accident? I hear miracle stories all the time and I would like to share yours with my readers. Leave a comment below or email me with your story.

Let's hope for more sunshine and dog park weather! Stay safe and have a wonderful day.

Pets Win Big on Valentines Day

Ok, due to economic issues the American consumer will spend 3.7%

less on Valentines Day this year. But wait, the American pet owner

is expected to spend 2.7% more on their pets this Valentines Day than last year.

Pets more popular than your main squeeze? I decided to do some

investigating. Here is what I found.

It seems the depressed economy has had an ill effect on love. There

were more breakups in 2009 than in recent years. This seems to have been influenced by job loss. Breakups occurred when one in the love relationship lost a job and either had to move or fell into an obis of depression. Money has a tendency to effect relationships without hard times but the last 18 months has really taken its toll on love.

Enter the pet. Reliable, affectionate and loyal no matter what the situation. This excludes fish. Lets face it they are very hard to hug. This years big winner in the hunt for the perfect Valentines Day gift for the pet, Heart shape pillows, didn't you get one of those for HER last year? Not this time around, she got one for her dog. A big runner up, treats and yes, they can be shaped like a heart and covered in what appears to be chocolate. Last but not leash, a new heart collar. Red of course. They say that "Love Conquers All." That is not the case this year. Love lost pets win. Its a fact your pup or kitty would be happy just to play with the bow.

I want to hear about that special gift you bought for your pet this Valentines Day so drop me an email and send along a picture. I will post them on the website. If we get some good ones we will do a post Valentine Pet Photo contest. I will keep you posted as to any and all response. If you don't have a pet, get one or get a friend, who has a pet, to enter. This should be fun. Deadline will be Valentines Day.

Taking a ski vacation or know of someone who has pets that is? Ski care free knowing your pets

are being cared for with lots of love and hugs. Contact us to set up your in-home pet care while

you ski.

Gerry