Puppy Depression

My husband is deploying to Iraq soon, so he's driving our puppy - Mimi - down this weekend, to come and live with me. Anyway, that's why I have dogs on my brain at the moment, so this post is about the depression dogs face when their owners go back to school or work or whatever takes them away from the house for extended periods of time.

When I was back in Louisiana for the summer, Mimi (she's half corgi, half aussie shephard), was such a needy little puppy that it seemed like she got sad if you were away from her for like five minutes. So, since I found out Mimi was going to come stay with me, I've wondered how she'll handle being left alone for hours while I'm at school or doing other stuff.

According to this article, it's not unusual for dogs to get depressed when their owners suddenly leave them for extended amounts of time - especially when they're young. A lot of it has to do with breaking their routine. Animals are routine-oriented, so if they're used to you being at home watching TV all morning, it really throws them when you're not there to do that.

Luckily, there are ways to to prevent your pup's separation-anxiety. Experts suggest:

-leaving the room for varying periods of time, until they learn that you'll always come back.
-keeping your departures matter-of-fact, so it doesn't seem like a big deal when you walk out the door.
-having them perform a command, such as sit, then giving them a treat before you leave.

Of course, these tricks don't always work. So if your dog gets depression, you have to take action.

Interestingly enough, exercise - a remedy that is also suggested for us - is often the most effective way to help your dog get over its depression. Exercise gets the endorphins flowing, and makes your dog feel good.

Another suggested method for easing separation-anxiety is to leave them a shirt or something of yours, so they can smell your scent, and be comforted by it when you're gone. (This tip was suggested to me, while my husband was in Afghanistan, which goes to show how alike we are to our canine friends).

If none of these things work (including waiting it out), then it may be time for more drastic measures. Puppy Prozac is being prescribed more and more to heal dogs who are down in the dumps.

I don't think Mimi will need that, but I will be sure to give her lots of exercise.

I'll let you know how the move goes.