Understanding Canine Depression
Canine Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Ways To Help Your Dog
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;
Daily walks that include lots of sniffing time (aka reading pee mail).
Off-leash if possible (train your dog if needed)
Long-line exploration
Please remember the walk with you is important to your dog. This is not a time for you to be on the phone, distracted with your own thoughts, etc — be present with your dog, help him discover things and build confidence. Consider urban agility activities - simply put that’s enjoying the environment around you — steps, logs, retaining walls, pillars to weave through, etc. Make it fun and new.
Engagement & Enrichment activities with YOU.
Raw Meaty Bones
Physical Exercise — running, jumping, playing. If you don’t have the physical capacity to exercise your dog until fatigue, schedule play dates, add a backpack, or explore weight pull.
Learn something new — any new trick(s) will do.
Challenge your dog mentally and physically
See products on https://linktr.ee/k9coach
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.