Can dogs be depressed?
While some may say that "dogs live in the moment", I have a creeping suspicion that one of my dogs is depressed. Tsuki, actually.
I suspect because she is perfectly healthy (we to the vet to double check) but she isn't eating - just picking at food. She's much more sleepy and less playful this week and generally looking forlorn. She doesn't want to play, we had her terrier buddy her yesterday and she just watched her play. She wasn't even interested in a bone last night. She LOVES bones.
I'm trying not to humanize her symptoms, but we did have a pack shift last Thursday and I'm wondering if the absence of a pack member could cause it?
Or being microchipped? She was Microchipped last Thursday as well.
And she is concerned about our steam heat, she'll hide and shake when it turns on (the 'whirrrring' of the steam gets to her I guess).
I'm just worried about her and troubleshooting...
I suspect because she is perfectly healthy (we to the vet to double check) but she isn't eating - just picking at food. She's much more sleepy and less playful this week and generally looking forlorn. She doesn't want to play, we had her terrier buddy her yesterday and she just watched her play. She wasn't even interested in a bone last night. She LOVES bones.
I'm trying not to humanize her symptoms, but we did have a pack shift last Thursday and I'm wondering if the absence of a pack member could cause it?
Or being microchipped? She was Microchipped last Thursday as well.
And she is concerned about our steam heat, she'll hide and shake when it turns on (the 'whirrrring' of the steam gets to her I guess).
I'm just worried about her and troubleshooting...
Comments
Snf
Hell, even the dog whisperer, who is probably the worlds most outspoken proponent of dogs living in the now acknowledges that dogs grieve.
Some TLC and a little bit of time will hopefully help her through whatever the cause of her tough time is right now.
Snf
We had stopped looking for a potential home for her a few months ago thinking that she'd be better staying with us since there didn't seem to be anyone out there that was a single woman looking for a damaged fearful dog.
Then one of the faculty I work with came over to meet Hanzo during his first week with us.
She really liked him, but was hesitant since she is expecting a Chinook puppy late next year (and him not liking other dogs hampers that plan). She briefly met Hachi, and that went well also.
Then my husband and I really talked about it, really really thought about it, and talked to her about Hachi. She came back, spent time with her, we talked, covered a lot of ground and decided it was best for everyone if Pam adopted Miss Hachi.
It seemed destined to happen, since this woman was my pick for a forever home for Hachi way back in the summer, but at the time she was traveling and not ready for a dog. Then she came to meet Hanzo and ended up meeting Hachi and it all fell into place.
So, since last Thursday Hachi has been in her new forever home with Pam. Its gone as well as could be expected, I warned and she understood that the first week would be the hardest part of a difficult first month. They've had a good weekend, some ups and some downs, but based on the accounts Pam shares, Hachi is adjusting much faster than she did with us, even after we moved. And for the most part right now, we all feel very good about the decision to unite Pam and Hachi. Of course, Hachi will always be welcomed back if things do not work out, but I feel very confident that they will.
So, I think Tsuki is depressed - and of course we are not getting rid of her! I've been spending more time with her now that I have the time to, I hope that helps her grieving.
As for Tsuki, I think she'll come around. Just give her time and let her grieve in her own way.
I guess I caught the fearful bug because I wasn't sure that someone could understand and care for her like I did, you know? But then I realized, thanks to LJ, that what Hachi probably needed most was her own person in her own home so that she can create a bond with that person. I think that is what she needed most of all, and I didn't think that was something I could give her since I'm constantly busy and my own two shibas are well adjusted and my husband and I are able to bond to them without dedicated time - if any of that makes sense...
So, enter Pam who was more than willing to give it a dedicated go, and until I got the consistent good reports that it was indeed a permanent move I was going to keep it on the DL. But she's already started private training lessons to work on some trust techniques and they seem to enjoy their walks together... Keep fingers and paws crossed! They are in for a fun little transition!
When I made the comment on getting rid of Tsuki, I meant it only partly in jest. Just like children, animals can grow uncertain after a change in the family structure (death, divorce, a move) - reassurance is called for because they need to know that nothing has changed in your relationship to them despite the other changes.
Congratulations on the bitter-sweet news. Now, please tell me you suggested for Pam to sign on to this forum so she can give us Hachi updates and join our rag-tag bunch of Nihon-ken owners?
Sending my good ki (chi for the people more familiar to its Chinese version) your way for a speedy tsuki recovery!
Jesse
Maybe in a few days she'll be out of her funk..
I know dogs don't generally deal well with change, but maybe a change of scenery for a day or two might help her take her mind off things? Like maybe a weekend hiking trip somewhere? Or a sleepover with mommy at grandma or a friend's house?
I have no idea if its a good idea or not, just throwing it out there.
It will balance itself out soon.
I'm sure Tsuki is missing her pal Hachi, is there any way they might be able to have a playdate together? How is Kitsune reacting?
Hopefully all will sort itself out soon
When he was done grieving, he was back to his normal self. Everyone grieves in their own way. Let Tsuki know that you're there for her by being strong and keep up the routine you had as much as possible. When she's ready, she'll let you know.
In truth I started having really bad panic attacks this week, and remembered that I had the essences and started taking them last night. I already feel a bit better. I am applying 8 drops of each to a treat and giving them to the girls. Both have been out of sorts. Plus poor Piglet got all her shots on Monday. So she is sad and grumpy.
You may want to try the essences out. Couldn't hurt right?
Kitsune is fine, no changes, healthy appetite for food and trouble
Osy - I actually decided, purely on intuition alone, that I would not have play dates for our two with Hachi until her new owner could report that they were stable and bonding. I would hate anything to bring her into full regression mode, and I fear that our two or myself or my husband seeing her in her new environment soon after transition would not go well. Of course, selfishly, I want to see her right now and hold her and whisper that it will all be ok soon... but that wouldn't benefit her at all.
I'm totally open to suggestions, but I think that if she is totally reliant on Pam for all interactions that it will help her adjust, and once she is adjusted, we might go see her, but not anytime soon
I think it is wise to let Hachi and Pam bond first. Otherwise Hachi can use you as a crutch. This time will go by quickly I am sure. How is your little tripod?
We're slowly giving him more room in the house to explore and crating the other two so he can, and he's just one happy little camper. He has run of the place and he still follows me around for pets. His ears go down when you say his name sweetly and his eyes close and he just is completely relaxed when your hand touches him to pet him. This is heaven for this dog! He started sleeping with me at night and he is a real cuddle bug. His first night in the living room, he took to the couch like he'd been here forever.
He has a lot of energy back, small compared to the younger two, but energy nonetheless! I think tripe is a miracle food, and no less in results with Hanzo. He is just thriving on it.
And, the more content and relaxed he gets, the more positive interactions we are able to create between him and Tsuki/Kitsu. He is walking next to Tsuki on walks now, he tried to correct her a few times but it wasn't the same as initially when he'd snap at her. He's less sure about Kitsune so far. I think its improving, the interactions just have to be very calm and uninvolved and he relaxes and goes with the flow, and when he's had enough, we stop and try again the next day. I'll admit it - I love him
Not an award winning movie, but I wanted to get him following me just for lovin's:
playing:
Give Tsuki some time, and I am sure she will be alright. Dogs, like any animal can grieve over a lost friend. When Nola was out of the house Monday and Tuesday due to her spay, Bella spent practically the whole time looking for her or sadly lying around. She was worried in her own little way.
And it is very good to hear that Hanzo is doing so well. Maybe given some time, he will accept Tsuki and Kitsune. Best of luck to him!