[Brad Lockyer]

We all love our dogs and want them to be as happy as possible. Did you know that dogs can become depressed in much the same way humans do?

Similar to people, depressed dogs often lose interest in things or activities they previously enjoyed. Research from the UK Guide Dogs charity suggests that as much as 75 per cent of all dogs will experience depression or anxiety symptoms in their lifetime.

So what types of behaviours should you be looking for?
The charity says these are the most common symptoms of depression in dogs.

• Loss of appetite
• Lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, such as going for a walk or playing
• Destructive behaviour, such as chewing things they shouldn’t
• Clingy or needy behaviour
• Withdrawn and distant behaviour
• Increased irritability
• More frequent toilet accidents
• Changes in sleep patterns

While these symptoms individually can be an indicator of other health problems, if you notice a pattern of these types of behaviours, it may be time to talk to your vet about what can be done.

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