Depressed Dog

[kimpossible]

What can you do to cheer up a depressed dog?

Wicket has been very strange since his little trip down the stairs last week. He is much more affectionate but at the same time he's depressed. If he's not jumping all over you trying to give you kisses, he just lies down and looks miserable. And I mean miserable!

I have tried taking him for extra walks and it cheers him up at the time but once he's home he goes back to his miserable sulking face.

Anyone got any ideas how I can perk him up?

(Also, he may know that Raven is going into season soon and so he'll be away for a while staying at my mum's. We visit him every day and take him for a walk but he still hates it.

[Bunch]

Awwww poor Wicks! Many times when I sit here on the computer, Honey just lays next to my feet and the other two are close by. I used to think "is she bored" but its just a case of she likes to be virtually 'in my skin' type of closeness and she is quite happy being like this even though she can look 'sad'.

Also, they can sense our every mood and react to it too. I often play about on the carpet with them when Im having a break from the forum (lol) but Lhasas are very much companion dogs and love nothing more than the closeness of their master/mistress.

Wicket will of course miss you while he is away because he will prefer his own comforts that he is obviously used to and of course he will miss his immediate human family - goes without saying but he will be fine you know. It will more than likely affect you more than him lol lol lol lol

He may just be feeling a little cautious following his tumble but again, he will be fine. Try to give him that 'little extra' if you like to assure him that 'everything's going to be just fine' xxx

[dieselsmummy]

Aw poor Wicket...
Diesel got depressed - clinically depressed lol the vet diagnosed it lol - after he had his goolies off...
He was really low, and sad, and lifeless, and off his food, and had no interest in anything.
The vet said it was post-op stress added by the Elizabethan Collar. Poor Diesel.
All I was told was to be patient and reassuring. The vet said it was best that he was given his own space while he felt like that, not to try and overdo things, and give lots of love.
It lasted about 2 or maybe even 3 weeks. Luckily at that point we had a holiday booked, and he came along and the break did him the world of good.
But I can honestly understand how you feel hun. Try not to worry too much, he will sense that and it will be a vicious circle.....
With all the love you give him, I am sure he will soon be fine xxx

[MITCHELLA]

awwww poor wicket, how about taking him down the park with his fave toy and a big bag of cut up bits of steak and cheese
this would cheer up my gang no end hehehee
give him a big hug and kiss fae me xxx

[FosterMom]

Awe poor baby!!! Sounds like Wicket had a traumatic experience falling down the stairs. Sticking close to mommy is just where he feels safest right now. Whicket may need a little time to get over this expereince.

When my Zoey (Maltese) was hit by a car last year, I don't think she saw what hit her but I think she thought it was Apolo that hit her because everytime he ran toward her after the accident she would wince and brace herself for the blow. She wasn't nearly as playful and stuck real close to me for a long time after that but eventually she got back to normal.

I think it's just gonna take some time for Wicket to get over his trauma. Hugs and kisses from me and Flower.

[dieselsmummy]

Hows Wicket doing now Kim? Hope he has had a better day?
Poor little soul, i keep thinking about him xxx

[kimpossible]

Thanks everyone. Wicket is still really very depressed. He's even taken to crawling into Ravens carry crate and going to sleep in it, and refusing to come out for hours on end. I've been trying not to let it show but i';m sure somethings up. Yesterday he jumped up onto my knee when i was sitting at the pc (in a wheely chair). This may sound perfectly normal, but wicket is terrified of the chair because it moved when he pushes it.

I'm hoping he'll pull himself out of it. He has a totally split personality at the minute. When we come into the house he is so happy and excited and barks and gives kisses etc. but 2 mins later he's lying on his bed or in the crate ignoring everyone and being a huffy wee dog.

I'll let you all know how he's getting on. I'm worried about him coz he used to be my little bundle of fun!

[Bunch]

Thanks everyone. Wicket is still really very depressed. He's even taken to crawling into Ravens carry crate and going to sleep in it, and refusing to come out for hours on end. I've been trying not to let it show but i';m sure somethings up. Yesterday he jumped up onto my knee when i was sitting at the pc (in a wheely chair). This may sound perfectly normal, but wicket is terrified of the chair because it moved when he pushes it.

I'm hoping he'll pull himself out of it. He has a totally split personality at the minute. When we come into the house he is so happy and excited and barks and gives kisses etc. but 2 mins later he's lying on his bed or in the crate ignoring everyone and being a huffy wee dog.

I'll let you all know how he's getting on. I'm worried about him coz he used to be my little bundle of fun!

Kim, I would take him for a check up. He may not look like there is anything wrong when he is walking/playing/running but he is not himself as you know - maybe he has pulled a muscle or something like this that is making him depressed and maybe he is tryiny to tell you something. Only a thought. xxxx