I recently had a client visit where I was asked to observe a dog who to his owners seemed ill, they were worried about lethargy and his lack of appetite and energy. Some days he was very playful and at least ate some kibble and treats.I asked if he was walked regularly as most if not all dogs need some form of exercise. They assured me he had full run of their yard and lots of stimulation from their children.
His name was Roofus a sweet boxer mix who to me seemed fine except for some mild discomfort in his hind legs due to arthritis so when he stood up he wobbled just slightly. Other than this I felt his extremities and checked his eyes.He wagged his tail with excitement as I had a treat hidden in my pocket to see how alert he was,he kept nudging my hand and picking at my pocket.I laughed and enjoyed lots of kisses when I gave in.
I couldn't see any illness and began to questioned his owner; had anything changed in their routine or way of living?also about why she was so worried and had it been going on long? She told me that recently some new pressures had come on their family and she was feeling stressed and tired. She also felt some overwhelming sadness and depression. Some days she had a hard time to get going,and it was on those days I found out Roofus would lie on top of her and not leave her side.
Many times our animals are more in tune with us and since they had gotten him as a puppy he was in tune with their emotions.The more I spoke to her about their situation the more I understood why Roofus was acting this way.He was tuning into her emotions and it was affecting him. He was sleeping more as she was sleeping more,she was eating less so he starting losing his appetite.The mood became sad instead of stimulating and comfortable.
To me this is a sign our dogs are so much more a part of our families than we think.I recently was ill and stayed in bed for a few days running a high fever. My dog never left my side and was very protective over me my husband had tried to come in the door with some medication and my dog would barely let him through without biting his ankles. She and him have a close relationship so this was out of the ordinary,She was protecting the weaker pack leader at that time.
Dogs can exhibit many emotions we need to pay attention to the emotions of depression and how debilitating it can be.They could lose their appetite or have difficulty sleeping,they may have no desire to go outside and fetch their ball.I have noticed a dogs eyes may actually show sadness and so you can read it in their facial expressions.It can cause illness so special attention to these in a ongoing case may need to be told to your vet. Just like us humans it can be treated with love and nurturing and possibly medication or herbal remedy.
Roofus and his family are on their road to recovery and life seems to be getting better all around. He is playing again and eating normally, he occasionally sits on his owners lap but because he thinks he is now a lap dog not because of illness.
His name was Roofus a sweet boxer mix who to me seemed fine except for some mild discomfort in his hind legs due to arthritis so when he stood up he wobbled just slightly. Other than this I felt his extremities and checked his eyes.He wagged his tail with excitement as I had a treat hidden in my pocket to see how alert he was,he kept nudging my hand and picking at my pocket.I laughed and enjoyed lots of kisses when I gave in.
I couldn't see any illness and began to questioned his owner; had anything changed in their routine or way of living?also about why she was so worried and had it been going on long? She told me that recently some new pressures had come on their family and she was feeling stressed and tired. She also felt some overwhelming sadness and depression. Some days she had a hard time to get going,and it was on those days I found out Roofus would lie on top of her and not leave her side.
Many times our animals are more in tune with us and since they had gotten him as a puppy he was in tune with their emotions.The more I spoke to her about their situation the more I understood why Roofus was acting this way.He was tuning into her emotions and it was affecting him. He was sleeping more as she was sleeping more,she was eating less so he starting losing his appetite.The mood became sad instead of stimulating and comfortable.
To me this is a sign our dogs are so much more a part of our families than we think.I recently was ill and stayed in bed for a few days running a high fever. My dog never left my side and was very protective over me my husband had tried to come in the door with some medication and my dog would barely let him through without biting his ankles. She and him have a close relationship so this was out of the ordinary,She was protecting the weaker pack leader at that time.
Dogs can exhibit many emotions we need to pay attention to the emotions of depression and how debilitating it can be.They could lose their appetite or have difficulty sleeping,they may have no desire to go outside and fetch their ball.I have noticed a dogs eyes may actually show sadness and so you can read it in their facial expressions.It can cause illness so special attention to these in a ongoing case may need to be told to your vet. Just like us humans it can be treated with love and nurturing and possibly medication or herbal remedy.
Roofus and his family are on their road to recovery and life seems to be getting better all around. He is playing again and eating normally, he occasionally sits on his owners lap but because he thinks he is now a lap dog not because of illness.
