[Colson521]

I need some serious help. My roommate has a Boston terrier, Barney. and I have a puggle, Cruz but my roommate went home for the summer and I am here alone with Cruz now. Barney and Cruz played together slept together everyhing together and I think my puppy is very depressed. He wasn't eating for a few days but now is is peeing EVERYWHERE in the house. He will be outside for awhile and come back in and pee immediatly. He has completly reversed all his potty training. I just don't know what to do. Please help!

[cigwyllt]

It is quite possible your dog is depressed. My husband's dog would become depressed when we went through busy times in the household - if he didn't get enough attention and excitement in his life he would go off his food and lose interest in his surroundings until we did something to cheer him up!

But the increased urination could be a concern. I think the best thing would be to get him checked by a vet to rule out any urinary infection. Supposing all is well then give him loads of attention and make yourself as interesting as possible for him so that he cheers up.

[Colson521]

It's not an INCREASED amount. He just only pees in the house. He WILLNOT go outside whereas before Barney left he was to the point in his training where he would ask to go out. I am just so confused and stressed about it. It took so long to get him trained and now we are back to stage 1.

[cigwyllt]

Ok - so he's quiet young then? If you are sure he's not ill then just go back to basics with the potty training - no longer than an hour between toilet breaks; take him outside after every meal, every sleep, every game; and constant supervision, don't let him have the run of the house. If you can not be supervising him then keep him in one area that is easy to clean.

He may well be upset without his friend so you have to be extra patient and that includes starting again with the toilet training.

[nattiej1976]

some new interactive toys may help to distract your dog a little. It can be really hard when a pet becomes attached to another animal in the home and then that animal is gone, we cant explain to them what is going to happen, and they cant explain to us their feeling of loss.

do you have a dog park near by for your dog to make new friends and continue feeling like there is some canine companionship or even a neighbour with pets that might like a bit of romp time together in the yard?

It wouldnt hurt for you to take your dog to the vet for a quick once over just incase it is something else that is causing your concerns (little less likely but not impossible either)

I have used in the past, and found to be a really good solution, Bach flower remedies. VERY safe and natural, can be used on pets and humans alike. If you have a naturopath near by it wont hurt to pay them a visit and let them know that your dog may be suffering from depression, they can make you up a custom batch of bach that might help out a little too.

Unfortunately you may have to begin the process of toilet training all over again, start as if you would have when your dog first came home with you. You cant afford to leave it continue otherwise you risk it becoming a habit.

I know it will feel a bit of a nucience for you, but do try and be patient, your dog could very well be feeling a sence of loss, and in turn becoming disinterested in things at the moment. Time, kindness, and patience will soon lead you both back on the right track and re engage in normal happy daily activities.

If it goes on for too long, your vet may prescribe antidepressents, but dont jump to that one straight away, they can be pretty full on drugs, and really a "when all else fails" options.

Good luck, I hope your dog begins cheering up soon.

[Todd]

What do you think is causing this depression? Was your pup pretty attached to your roommate that has left? You need to work with the dog to make him happy. You need to take him on walks, to a dog park, play games in the house, show him lots of love, etc. Pay him attention. You aren't paying more attention to the other dog are you? This could cause him to feel upset/jelous.

If getting out and about doesn't help matters enough, you could consider asking your vet about an antidepressant. I have hear that prozac is a fairly safe and common antidepressant for dogs. Before this though I would try some natural remedies like the Bach Flower remedies that were previously mentioned. Here are some other natural remedies for depression in dogs I found online. Some of the flower remedies are included;

"Natural remedies, such as herbs, flower essences, and homeopathy are extremely effective in lifting the spirits of depressive dogs. They are safe and mild; therefore they do not have the side-effects of conventional anti-depressants. They calm, soothe, and help the dog feel better without making the animal "crash" or groggy.

Homeopathy

If your dog has become depressed due to grief (e.g. loss of a family member), try giving him the remedy Ignatia, which is very effective in helping dogs shake their grief. Dogs needing this remedy sleep a lot and may not eat. You can give one or two drops of this remedy (30C) to your dog for 2 to 3 days. If he does not feel any better, consult a holistic vet before going up to the next higher dose.

Herb

The herb St.-John's wort has been used for a long time with good results on people suffering from depression. It can also be used safely whenever your dog feels depressed, anxious or tense. St.-John's wort is available in tinctures.

A Herbal-Homeopathic Blend for Depression in Dogs

PetAlive Grief and Pining Formula

This formula contains the "depression-herb" St.-John's Wort and the calming herb Chamomile. In addition, it contains the homeopathic remedies Ignatia (for grief), as well as Capsicum (for support of emotional stamina) and Kalium phosphate (for support of nervous system).


Flower Essences

Flower essences are also effective in lifting the spirits of depressive dogs. There are several choices of remedies to use, depending on the cause and symptoms of the dog.

Use Gentian if your dog has given up hope and shows no interest in food, especially after the loss of a companion.

Use Gorse when the symptoms are more extreme than those for which Gentian are appropriate.

Use Honeysuckle if your dog has become depressed after moving to a new home and is having difficulty in adjusting to new circumstances.

Use Star of Bethlehem for shock (mental, emotional, and physical), e.g. shock following accidents, traumatic events, and grief.

Finally, if your dog has become depressed for no apparent reason, try Mustard. It is good for dogs that are lethargic, with downcast eyes and ears."

So this depression could be caused by a chance or a chemical imbalance in the brain is possible, like a decreased level of serotonin. If things don't improve with more activity and excitement/quality time, a chemical imbalance would be most likely and then you could try natural methods listed or prozac if the natural methods don't work out so well, although they should always be used as at least a complementary treatment.