(Newswire.net — March 27, 2019) — Cases of depression have been on the rise in humans in recent years. This has been attributed to some life challenges and disappointments. Just like in humans, this condition is also common in pets even though it is always hard for most owners to notice. Pets are important in any family, and they should be taken care of in the best way possible. They offer the best company to humans and their playful characters will always improve your mood. You should be able to detect any sign of depression in them and take proper treatment measures.
Signs of Depression in Pets
There are several depression signs on your pet that you should read and take quick measures. They include:
Reduced Appetite
Your pets will lose interest in food when they are going through depression. You will notice a change in their eating habits. They will start consuming less or nothing at all. This is usually as a result of reduced appetite because of the stress they are going through. You should be able to detect this change and act very fast to treat them.
Self-Isolation
Your pet will start isolating itself from others. It will seclude itself all the time to a specific place to avoid the company of other pets. Some will also avoid human company. The other thing you will notice during this period is inactiveness. Your pet will not be as playful as others when depressed. You should be able to read the depression signs in them and take the appropriate measures.
Change in Sleep Patterns
This usually works in both ways. You will notice that your pet is asleep all the time while others do not sleep at all. Any change in the sleeping patterns of your pet is a sign of depression. You should keep tabs on their behavior to detect any of these changes and take the right treatment measures.
How to Treat Depression in Pets
There are several treatments you can try on your cat, dog or any other pet you are keeping to ease off the depression in them. Here are some of the best.
Use of CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a product of cannabis that is used for several treatments. Its non-psychoactive characteristics is another thing that makes it best for use. One of the conditions it treats is depression and anxiety. CBD interacts with the body’s nervous system through the receptors to trigger the release of hormones responsible for relaxation. It is the same thing in animals. You will find products from this cannabis compound meant for pets like CBD Oils for Dogs which offers some fast and quality treatment. Buying from the right sources and administering it in the right doses is one thing that will guarantee your cat or dog some quick treatment. Settling for the right dose for your pet may not be that easy. You can use the CBD dosage chart which will guide you on the right dose for your pet. Make sure you monitor its changes or behavior during this period.
Working Out
Exercising your pets is another ideal way of easing off the depression in them. The different types of exercises will keep them active Exercising your dog will help boost its mood and the immune levels. You should come up with a proper exercising plan for your pet where you can try a variety of workouts like jogging, throw and fetch or running. All these will help restore its condition, and it will become more active with time.
Medical Treatment
Depression in pets may at times come as a result of a condition they are going through during that period. Illness will render your pet inactive and the pain they are feeling at that moment will bring about depression. You should hire a veterinarian who will carry some medical examination on them and administer a couple of treatments that will help restore the condition of your pet. This will help ease off the depression they are going through.
Proper Feeding
You should feed your pets with the right meals and in the right amounts. Nutritional deficiencies can bring about depression in them, and this will affect their general well-being. Look for animal feeds that contain proper nutrients essential for your pet’s immune systems and health in general. This will help fight off conditions that might bring about depression in them. Your pet will be in the right state of health all the time.
Improve their Socialization
You should also work on your pet’s social well-being. Loneliness can be a cause of depression. Introduce them to a new family by bringing in other dogs. Being the right company will help beat loneliness which is a leading cause of depression. You can also take them out to meet up with other dogs which is also good for their condition.