My Dog Seems Depressed, Is There Something Wrong?
Question:
I have a Shepard mix female 4 year old with what appears to be depression. I have tried all sorts of things with this dog to help her out but nothing seems to work. I rescued Skye at my local animal shelter where they were informed she came from a home with ten other dogs, this home was on our local Indian Reservation. Skye likes very few things but only on her time. She is always sleeping and does not drink much water it looks like only when she thinks she has no choice, same with food. She also does the same thing when I take her out potty. Its almost like she holds it in til she can’t hold it anymore. It appears also that when approached to fast that she looks like she had been very abused in her reaction.
Skye is never aggressive Just when protecting her new little friend a Jack Russel. But she is not mean just shows whose boss. What can I do help her recover and become more active?
Thank you, Jessica S.
ANSWER:
Hi Jessica,
First off, thank you for taking Skye in! Rescue dogs are a challenge especially ones that have a history of abuse or running wild.
Have you taken Skye to your vet for a full check up? I am not convinced that what you are describing is depression based but actually something medically wrong with her that is causing these symptoms. Some of what you are describing sounds like the beginnings of a slow thyroid or hypothyroid condition. What is her coat condition like? Does she shed much? And does she have darkened areas on her skin? Is she carrying a couple extra pounds even though she is not eating much?
The normal blood tests to measure thyroid productions are called T4, T3 and TSH tests. If these tests have been run on Skye, talk to your vet about running the Free T4 and Free TSH tests. These tests are more accurate and will often diagnosis an underactive thyroid condition before it becomes apparent through typical symptoms and/or the more commonly run tests. Thankfully, hypothyroidism is easily treated with very inexpensive medications and once the meds are on board, you should quickly find her back to acting like a regular four-year-old dog!
Have a conversation with your vet about Skye and ask about running the Free T4 and Free TSH tests then let us know the diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is a common problem that is often not diagnosed until it is well progressed so you will be doing everyone a service if you let us know what happens with Skye.
Thank you for your question!
Ann
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Hi there,
I rescued a Siberian Husky 3 years ago. He did not wag his tail, his ears were down as though he had been abused, and he did not eat much. It takes time. She must build trust with you. Once she does that, she will be a different dog. Spend time with her. Walk her. One on one time with her and you. Show her she can trust you. Approach her slowly and deliberately and give her some space at the same time. Sit down at her food bowl with her and water bowl. Don’t touch her, but let her know you are there. She will come around. It takes time. And lots of love!
Hi,
I also rescued my dog and initially she seemed very lethargic and indifferent. After a few months her behavior began to shift in a more positive light. Today all she wants to do is play….all the time! I feel she may have been abused in the past, I have to be careful not to move around her to quickly or else she cringes. What we found worked for her is a lot of positive attention and giving her comfort toys. It took time for her to come around. I know it must be frustrating for our pets because it is difficult for us to interpret their feelings.