Understanding Canine Depression

Canine Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Ways To Help Your Dog

Sad brown dog laying down

Dogs, like humans, can also suffer from feelings of sadness and depression. It is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly as it affects their overall well-being. Depression in dogs usually results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. Common causes include separation anxiety, sudden changes in routine or environment, loss, grief, lack of socialization, neglect, abuse, illness, and aging. It can affect any breed or age, but some breeds are more predisposed to it, such as Retrievers, Terriers, and Bulldogs.


Signs of A Dog’s Depression

  • Increased or new anxieties and distress

  • loss of appetite

  • lethargy, sleep disruption sleep pattern changes, unsettled

  • avoiding normal activities and family interactions

  • new behaviors: destruction, chewing


Of course, any of these symptoms are worthy of a full medical work-up to ensure there is no underlying health concern that also needs to be addressed. But we can and should deal with the emotional roots and state of mind of your dog. Often, we are not sure what the root cause may be. but with Animal Communication, Reiki, Muscle Testing or other Energy Work, we can take steps to discover and address.


Essential Oils for Depressed Emotions & Spirit

  • Feelings Collection for a 30-day protocol,

  • Raindrop Protocol or

  • Freedom Release / Freedom Sleep.

  • My favorite Oils for dogs dealing with sadness include:

    • "Release" – A blend of essential oils including Ylang Ylang, Lavandin, Geranium, and Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, that helps to let go of emotions that may be holding you back, to promote feelings of harmony and balance.

    • "Valor" – A blend of essential oils including Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, and Frankincense, that helps to promote feelings of courage, confidence, and self-esteem, to overcome blocks and increase motivation.:

    • Singles: Diffuse any citrus oils. Limonene in citrus oils is uplifting and bright. Frankincense for the Spirit.

  • Explore Other Emotional Blends that speak to us intuitively based on your dog’s current behavior, what we know of the past, or what we can learn energetically. Blends that come to mind include: Inner Child, Present Time, Harmony, Forgiveness from the Feelings collection to name a few. But also consider Trauma Life, T-Away, Surrender, Believe as needed. I am happy to help you make the decision for which oils you may need — but don’t forget about muscle testing or letting your dog choose.


Activities With Your Dog;


Homeopathy For Depression


Natrum Muriaticum may offer emotional relief to our dogs who are dealing with depressed emotions.. It is believed to be effective in relief of feelings of loneliness, insecurity, sadness, low self-esteem, and guilt. The remedy works by helping to restore equilibrium in the body and mind which can lead to a feeling of emotional balance. Natrum Muriaticum may also be beneficial for those who have difficulty expressing their feelings or for those with suppressed emotions due to past trauma or loss.

Remedies such as this are best when used as part an overall approach to well-being as described above, not as a stand alone approach.

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