Can a dog be depressed? - Page 1

My ten year old niece thinks my 4 year old gsd has been depressed since Reno passed away?  Last night she asked me when Falon sits by the door looking out the window - do I think she does that because she is waiting for Reno to come  home?  She then sat down with Falon and showed her the photo album she made of Reno.  She was flipping thru the book - telling Falon it is ok to be sad.  I had to snap a picture.  Sorry it is a bit dark, but had to capture the moment.  So, is it possible that she could be depressed 5 months after Reno's passing?  She is much more subtued then before, no longer her happy, goofy self.

When our thirteen year old Golden died, the other two dogs were not themselves again until we got a new pup something like six or eight months later. Was it depression or simply a change in the pack dynamic? Beats me. But, they didn't roughouse or zoom around like they did before. And one dog was only about a year old. Other was four. When we got the new puppy they perked up again and have been driving me up the freakin' wall ever since.

I don't know what the exact dynamic was, but it certainly changed after Molly died. If this is your only house dog it may be that he is just more staid now without a playmate.

I don't think it's an outlandish question at all. Interested to see responses on it.

And what a sweet picture. And a kind girl.

Renofan2 your niece has keen perception.  Dogs can and do get very depressed with the loss of a companion, be it canine or human.

Absolutely! A dog can be depressed. I have seen time after time. They grieve and worry just like we do. I was in the hospital for 3 days and my dogs were worried (according to my husband). I have had my dogs get depressed after losing another dog.

Renofan,

Yes dogs get depressed!  They love their "people" and other canine companions.  When there is a change such as death they know and will mourn possibly for a year or more.  Really sweet little girl to be so concerned, how touching!  I'm sorry for your loss by the way, I'm sure you're still grieving too and the dog will pick up on that also.

Cindi

I do believe they can be depressed. My husband says if I leave over night, which is pretty rare, my old girl stays up in the bedroom looking down the driveway for me to come home. When Tell passed 3+ years ago, both Willow and Yette began to itch. Yette itched everywhere and Willow chewed her feet until they were swollen. By the end of summer Yette quit her itching and we sprayed Willows feet with bitter apple and she quit after a few times of that. I think they were stressed and depressed w/o him.

I agree with everyone.  dogs can and do suffer from depression.  I have experienced this many times through my life of having dogs.

My heart goes out to you and your pupper for your loss. 

Geeze Renofan, I'm sorry to be insensitive to your loss. I am very sorry for you. Obviously Reno was a very special dog to have a girl love him enough to make a book about him. It is just a horrible feeling to lose a friend who happens to also be your dog. I just got into the posting thing and didn't slow down enough to say so.

Thanks everyone.  Reno passed away months ago, but it is still hard without her.  I came home from an obedience trial and found her.  Falon and my other 2 dogs were with  her, but only Falon seemed to be bothered by it.  When we carried her out, the other two ran out into the yard like nothing was wrong, but Falon stood at the sliders just staring at us while we took her up the stairs.   Trailrider - funny you should bring up the licking - Falon has started licking her paws - and putting them in her mouth and chewing.  I thought it must be some sort of allergy, but now I am wondering if this is all tied together.  I have an appt next week at the vet.  I don't see any redness, or hair loss, but she consistently has been licking them.  Thanks again for all the kind thoughts. 

C

Sorry for your loss! I know you caannot replace the dog you lost but  I have found it is best to get another.