Dog Depression: Fact Or Fiction?

Can well-fed, comfortably housed dogs show signs of depression or
anxiety? Could these signs actually be indicators of chronic pain, or
even chronic boredom? ... For those of us whose morning routine
includes head-cradling, nose-kissing and baby-talk, and then that
inevitable rock of guilt in the gut as we leave for work. Well, we know
there are few loves as profound as a dog's love for his or her human.

And with that love, like many great loves, comes the anguish of perceived betrayal. And retaliation can be vicious.

Read More -- Dogs in Pain May Act Depressed: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/Story?id=4544653&page=1

Everybody knows, hell hath no wrath like a canine scorned. Aina Hunter,
author of the ABC News story, knows first hand: That first long weekend
together, he was a joy. We chased rabbits in the graveyard, explored
the urban landscape, lay in bed reading the Sunday paper. He gazed at
me while I cooked dinner for two -- chicken and rice -- with enormous,
almond-colored eyes. I took a photo when he closed them, long eyelashes
fluttering, nostrils flared. Tuesday morning I left for work. He sat at
the door, cocked his head to one side and then the other as I grabbed
keys and bag but, to his obvious consternation, not his new leash. When
I returned -- disaster. My Jamesy had spent the day attempting to dig
through the floor in an effort to squeeze beneath the door. The
cream-colored carpet was in shreds; my landlady unsympathetic.


So is your dog depressed? Or is he just bored?
Some vets recommend "food puzzles", which are: Rubber dog toys in which you stuff dry food or treats.

The simplest versions look like hand grenades, with a hole at the top. Others resemble preschool toys,

and will take a smart dog hours to figure out.


Failing that, if your the root of your dog's issues is boredom, why don't you set him up with a blog:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/21/does-your-dog-blog_n_92724.html
Come on, everybody's doing it!


Or, perhaps all your dog needs is a little spiritual guidance. Put him in touch with this little guy:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/25/dog-prays-at-japanese-zen_n_93250.html
...he'll be sure to show your pooch how its done.


Or maybe your dog is just so blissfully happy, so contentedly calm, that he just seems depressed.

Read all about the dao of your dog here:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/verena-von-pfetten/the-dao-of-my-dog_b_93427.html

The best answer for all your dog problems (and your waistline) is exercise, exercise, exercise!

And if your poor pup is disabled or paralyzed, keep him moving with a doggy wheelchair:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/26/disabled-pets-keep-moving_n_93497.html

Doggy Wisdom

On
hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

Never
pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow
the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
ecstasy.

When
it's in your best interest - practice obedience.

Let
others know when they've invaded your territory.

When
you're happy, dance around and wiggle your entire body.

No
matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing
and pout -
run right back and make friends.

Delight
in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat
with gusto and enthusiasm.

Stop
when you have had enough.

Be
loyal.

Never
pretend to be something you're not.

If
what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When
someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle
them gently.

DOGGY RESOLUTIONS

1.
I MUST no longer be beholden to the sound of the can opener
or the refrigerator door.

2.
Stop being fooled by barking dogs and ringing doorbells on
the television and radio.

3.
Grow opposable thumb; break into pantry; decide for MYSELF
how much food is TOO much.

4.
Jan. 1: Defeat the sock! Must defeat the sock! ....Jan. 2
- Dec. 31: Re-live victory over sock.

5.
Wait until that pile of clothes that just came out of the
dryer cools down before lying on it.

6.
Re-smear nose prints on car and house windows immediately
after they have been cleaned off.

7.
Don’t suddenly stand straight up when lying under the
coffee table.

8.
Always drink from the bathroom bowl and use water dish only
for a splashing pool.

9.
Whether indoors or outside, always head for the living room
to look for a fresh section of carpet when about to throw
up.

10.
Always be the first one out of the car window to grab the
bag of burgers from the McDonald’s lady.

11.
Quickly determine which guest is afraid of dogs and charge
across the room, barking loudly and leap playfully onto this
person.

12.
Never resist the urge to roll in stinky stuff right after
a bath.

13.
I will absolutely NOT chase that stupid stick unless I see
it LEAVE HIS HAND.

14.
I must try to understand that the cat is from Venus and I
am from Mars.
15.
And NEXT Christmas: I must mind my tail when I'm near the
tree; I must not rip open packages under the tree, even ones
that smell interesting or that have my name on them; don't
drink water from the container that holds the tree; and, for
goodness sake, don't chew on the cord that runs from the hole
in the wall to the tree.
https://www.inspirationline.com/EZINE/29DEC2003.htm/#doggy