How to Spot Depression in Cats and Dogs

Maybe you’ve recently moved or have brought home a new addition to the family and your dog or cat is suddenly acting different. It isn’t something to necessarily be concerned about, however because we cannot ask our animals if something is wrong, it is important to pay close attention to their overall mood and behavior as depression in cats and dogs is common and can be brought up by a number of factors.

Depression in Dogs:

Much like humans, depression symptoms in dogs are often defined by a withdrawn behavior, unusual drinking and eating habits, and if they stop taking part in the things they like – such as playing fetch or going for long walks. While these are the most common dog depression symptoms, these traits can also be linked to a medical issue, so if you are noticing such characteristics in your dog you should be sure to call us first and schedule an appointment to be sure nothing else is happening.

The most common reasons why dogs get into a bout of depression are either due to the loss of a companion animal or the loss of an owner. Our animals are more aware than we might think, and they are able to pick up on peculiarities that make their surroundings seem different.

Most depression cases in dogs go away within a few days to weeks. Giving them some extra affection or a few extra treats to reward them when they exhibit signs of happiness can help to expedite the process. If these simple remedies do not work, your dog might require medication. As always, you should call us if you notice your dog’s behavior is unusual and we’d be happy to help you.

Depression in Cats:

Unlike humans and dogs, cats do not experience the same emotional changes associated with depression. Stress in cats that lead to depression can be caused by a move, environmental changes or because of chemical imbalances in the brain.

Typically, if your cat stops eating or there is a major change in their appetite this is a big clue that something is not right. Additional signs that your cat might be depressed include significant behavioral change such as hissing or acting aggressively and being less active around the house.

Like we mentioned with dogs, these signs could be due to a medical issue. Loss of appetite could be caused by a dental issue or gastrointestinal problem and behavior could be due to a change in your schedule causing your pet to react. Getting to the bottom of the issue can sometimes be difficult so it’s best to contact us if you’re worried something might be wrong.  

In senior cats, pain is the most underdiagnosed condition, which can cause a cat to become depressed. If there is a stressor that can be identified as the cause of your cat’s anxiety or changed behavior, it is best to eliminate that stress to see if their behavior and overall mood improves.

Ensuring Your Pet’s Happiness

Overall you want to deal with the issue before it gets worse. If you suspect your cat or dog might be unhappy, give us a call to discuss their symptoms and stop in for a check-up. It’s always better to be safer rather than sorry, and your pet will be happy you checked in with us!

Dogs and Your Emotional Wellbeing

After a long and stressful day, there is nothing better than coming home to your pets. The bond we share as humans with our pets is not something that can be compared to much else. The simple reality is, we have a relationship with our cats or dogs that causes us to have emotions that we associate with our pets. After a hard day we come home, relax on the sofa and find relief from having our cat curl up on our lap or sloppy dog kisses on our face.

In fact, according to research, when we interact with dogs for example, oxytocin levels increase in us and in dogs. Furthermore, the study shows that when mutual gazing exists between humans and their dogs, our oxytocin levels increase. Doctors have found that when our oxytocin level is at an increased rate, our stress and anxiety levels decrease significantly.

Today it is becoming more common to see dogs in hospitals, therapy sessions and exam study halls in universities across the country. Dogs and pets in general have many additional benefits besides being a reliable companion. One study illustrated that adults who regularly take their dogs on longer walks are more physically active and less likely to become obese than dog owners who did not regularly take their pets for a walk. Another looked at senior dog walkers ages 71 to 82 and found that if they regularly walked their dogs they were found to have greater mobility within their homes.

Having a dog can greatly improve your health and overall happiness. Don’t forget to be sure that your dog’s health is in tip top shape by regularly attending veterinary appointments. If you think you’re due for an appointment soon, give us a call today!

Pet Obesity Awareness Month

October is National Pet Obesity Awareness Month! It is essential that we keep our furry friends on a balanced and nutritional diet so as not to cause excessive weight gain. If your animal is overweight, this can lead to a multitude of health problems, similar to what humans experience when they are overweight!

Obesity in Cats

Excess weight in cats can cause many problems including a shorter lifespan for your animal. When cats are overweight they are not as active which is the impetus to heart health issues. Cats that have been neutered or who are domesticated tend to be at the highest risk for becoming obese because their metabolism and ability to be active are altered.

In order to treat obesity in cats, you must focus on weight loss and maintaining the decreased body weight as a long-term goal. We are here to help you assess which foods are perfect for your cat and which are aiding in their weight gain. Free feeding – the practice of leaving out food for your cat so they can eat whenever they choose, can cause consistent weight gain. Transitioning your cat to a diet that includes canned food can help as it is comprised primarily of water and can help your cat with their liquid intake as well. Furthermore, insuring that your cat gets enough physical activity, even if you have an indoor cat is key. Using toys such as laser lights will inspire your cat to jump, run and climb which can aid in weight loss.

Obesity in Dogs

Just as in cats, when dogs do not get enough exercise or there is overnourishment, they risk becoming obese. Excess body fat can have a negative effect on your dog’s bones and joints, in addition to their heart and lung health. Similar to cats, dogs that have been neutered and who do not spend much time outside are at the highest risk for obesity.

Reducing your dog’s caloric intake and increasing their time spent in the outdoors running around will help to decrease their weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle therefore prolonging their lifespan as a whole. By changing your dog’s diet to one that is high in fiber and protein but low in fat you are beginning the process for weight loss. Your dog will begin to feel more full while their metabolism quickens and their energy level increases. Finally, getting out with your dog and playing fetch or going for longer walks can help to aid in this process.

Bottom Line

You want to pay close attention to your four legged friends weight as this can cause a variety of problems that are not always easy to reverse. If you believe your cat or dog is overweight, it’s best to give us a call so we can talk you through what should be done to start the weight loss process. If you are thinking of changing your pet’s food, please consult with us first as changes in a dog or cats diet can stress out your animal and hurt more than help.

Give us a call today if you have any questions!