Maddie needs cheering up
 

I just can't figure out what's going on with Maddie. She seems so sad so much of the time and she just curls up in a ball and sleeps. I get down and play with her, but as soon as we're done, she goes back to sleep. She's 2 years old, so much too young to just be getting old. I just can't stand seeing her depressed and this has been for quite a while, but lately seems worse and I wonder if it could be our frigid cold weather. It's been wind chills of as low as
-35 for the past week or so and maybe she misses our outside time. She did perk up last week when my sisters dog came for a playdate, and the day she got her gift exchange package, but otherwise, she just lays there. She's doing that now...not sleeping, but just laying there staring. She got an awful clipping a couple days ago and looks about as ridiculous as ridiculous can get, but she was like this before the cut. I just feel so bad. I guess I know what you'll all be telling me...take her to the vet. I'm going to be making her an appointment for as soon as I can get her in. Have any of you dealt with depressed dogs?

ya know, itz funny you said that ... Monday is lethargic also ... she perks up when I say "cookie treat" but otherwise she has dug a groove in my electric blanket and is just staying there ....

Itz cold here, but NOT as cold as what you describe .... Maybe itz that S.A.D. http://www.outsidein.co.uk/sadinfo.htm

What is SAD? {Seasonal Affective Disorder}
Animals react to the changing seasons with changes in mood, metabolism and behaviour and human beings are just the same. Most people find they eat and sleep slightly more in winter and dislike the dark mornings and short days. For some, however, symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their lives and to cause considerable distress. These people are suffering from SAD.

Mine have been the same way and it makes me feel like I'm not making them happy.
Maybe it is the cold weather.Although it hasn't been cold here. They haven't even been following me around everywhere like they usually do. I have been depresed ,so maybe they pick up on that.
How did the rescue remedy work out Connie?

Whatever it is, it is contagious. Trixie has done nothing but lying around all the time. She is only 1 1l2 and use to be a VERY hyper dog. All the sudden she mopes around sleeping most of the day. She went to the vet, no medical problem. It is really not like her, she was the most energetic dog I know. The weather has been changing here, it keeps going from mild cold to really cold.

My mom's border collie Daisy has been acting weird too. She also sleeps all day and is rather moody lately. All the other dogs are fine and acting normal. This sure is stumping me!!

I hope we can figure out what is going on with our dogs.:confused: :confused:

Personally I think it's the weather - look at where you live girl - it's FREEZING there !!! :p and I've seen her haircut and it's NOT THAT BAD MOM !!

but ....knowing you this may not fly but - MAYBE someone needs a playmate ?? hint hint ?? :D :D :D I know having one is so nice cause you get to have them all to yourself - but having TWO is double the fun !!

Hey Maddie - come to houston for a week and we'll cheer you up - you can be a spygirl and believe me - the dogs you'll be spying on won't even notice your hair !! lol -

your mommy takes the BEST care of you but I bet a little vacation would cheer you up - tell Mom you're going to Spy Girl Training Week with Auntie V & you'll even get to wear your trenchcoat !

It probably is the seasons (SAD). When we built our house many years ago, we had to make sure there were plenty of big windows. I do suffer from seasonal depression and sometimes it's horrible. I try my best to control it without meds.

About 3 years ago my hairdresser who also suffered from seasonal depression, hung herself in her barn. I had just had my hair cut the week before and she was telling me she needed to go get her meds. Her husband found the presciption in her purse that she hadn't had filled yet.

OMG that's so sad ! My cousin did the same thing - she killed herself in December...right after Christmas but she had stockpiled all her medication and called me right before she did it sounding so upbeat we all thought she was doing better....:( :( :( :( I've never forgiven myself for not knowing what she was planning.

EDITED TO ADD - this is to you Yorkie3 - if you EVER GET TO FEELING BAD - WRITE OR CALL !! Many of us will be here for you and it's nothing to be embarrassed about ever .....REMEMBER THAT OK ????

Maddie - you too sweetie - tell your mommy WE LOVE YOU BOTH !

Yes it was horrible. She did it in October. Every year she would start the meds in late September, but was busy with her oldest going to college. Her youngest was 12 at the time. One of their neighbors went by the house and saw her out planting some flowers, hour later her husband found her in the barn.

So similar
 

I can not believe my eyes. I am reading my life. I have recently stopped taking my "meds" and Jeter is extremely poopie too. I actually took him to the vet last Monday because I was so concerned. My vet found nothing wrong with him, just told me to give him lots of loving...please, this is the MOST loved dog around here. It is strange how Jeter gives me so much happiness, yet we are both depressed. UGH. I guess we will all make it through this together.

Being out in the sunshine really helps!! If it is a dark gloomy day, there are artifical light lamps you can buy. I need to get one this year, just to have it on hand.

Our oldest dog is a dachshund. At one time we were very worried about her. She laid around the house all day, slept too much for an adult dog, rarely played, just had no zest. I took her in and made them check her thyroid. They said it might be a tiny bit low but not enough to medicate. They reminded me she was no puppy and dogs do get less active as they age. Still, I knew it was not normal. Finally, convinced she had little time left, we decided to get another dog to give her some pleasure in her last days. So, in comes Maggie, the sweetest Yorkie ever; and a few weeks later Candy, the smartest dog I have ever seen, a Jack Russell. These two brought new life to Katy, our dachshund. Suddenly, she was playing, having spurts of puppy-speed activity, and smiling all the time! Life was good for all.

We lost Maggie at the groomers one horrible day and both Kate and Candy went into depression again. It was so sad! We were devastated at losing her, but it was even sadder because we felt like we were almost losing all three. Finally we decided another Yorkie was in order -- what a wonderful decision. Little Ben has brought new life into our home again. Candy and Kate warmed to him almost immediately and they all 3 play like puppies again. It is pretty hectic around this place and sometimes when they are all running at warp speed I wonder what we are doing, but they are happy, we are happy and that is what counts! In about a week, we will be bringing home furkid number 4! Don't want anyone lonely again!

FlDebra...you lost your dog at the groomer ? They killed her ?????OMG THAT'S HORRIBLE and I'm so sorry :( :( :(

Cali is acting the same way. She sleeps all the time. I say lets paly and she gets up for a minute or two and then it's back to sleeping. I am currently looking for another Yorkie her age so she will have a playmate as Maya is too old to play with her. I worry about her when she is like this because of her liver shunt problem. I have been thinking of getting her blood work done again but it's only been a few months since it was last done and came back fine.

I do think the weather change has a ton to do with this. I can't say about anywhere else, but in SE Michigan is has been rainy, cold and gllomy for days now. When there isn't any sunshine, no matter how cold, this happens. Those special lights really do help. For me, personally (hold the skin cancer lectures, please) I use the tanning bed every other week during the winter and it helps so much with the mood.

Everyone, please make sure to take care of yourselves. And keep on talking - we'll always be here for each other!!!

Maddie,

Miss abbie wants to cheer you up, and asked me to post this greeting. We hope you feel better, soon! I do not like winter, either. Days are too short!

This might sound crazy but I have had S.A.D since I was 6 and I have a lightbox that I still use in the winter when it's dark and gloomy. It makes such a difference with Simon that it's amazing. He is just like Maddie in the winter, he just seems depressed so I use the light box for 15 minutes in the morning and about 30minutes in the evening.


We are sending Maddie a ton of kisses and lots of sunshine :)

I think you are right...the SSD. I am prone to depression and it's always worse in the winter. I hate winter and the freezing cold! I'm sure my mood hasn't helped Maddie either. I am amazed to see that Maddie is not the only furbaby who seems depressed! It must have something to do with the weather! I'm going to start getting Maddie out more and make sure I find time to let her walk the treadmill each day. She needs exercise and sure isn't getting it by sleeping!

And, Villette...I have thought long and hard about a playmate for Maddie. I have to think of double vet bills and all the costs...and...I am so scared that if I got a puppy, that Maddie wouldn't like her. I also think about training a puppy in the winter. I trained Maddie in winter time...she wouldn't use the pee pad...it had to be outside in the frick'n cold!

And one more thing, Villette...I didn't tell you everything about her rotten do. Her front legs are shaped so the hair just sticks out and she looks like a shorty wearing high water pants because her feet show. I figure that's going to take a year to get it grown out again. I've half a notion to just shave her down completely...but not a good idea in the winter!

Abbie...thank you, you sweetie! Maddie sends thank you's and kisses!!!

I sent you a pm. Baby is doing the same thing. It is the cold weather. Poor little babies!!

Maddie and my Maddie need to take a break. Lets all go down to an Island where its warm and let the doggies play on the beach and sipe Margiritas. lol That would cheer anyone up.

My Maddie did the same thing yesterday. It was so cold here.

Maybe try to have a few play date with your sisters dog and see if it makes a difference.. if so think about that new puppy. lol

oh man - you didn't tell me that - that's ok - I can clone LEG hair too in photoshop lol -

Do they make Rogaine for dogs. lol

Rogaine for dogs? Isn't that for hair loss...hahahahahahaha! crack'n up here. Maybe I'm wrong. Before I ever posted here about Maddie's depression, I did a search on it and found that they do actually give some dogs paxil. I would never let Maddie take it though!

Maddie is acting happy today...first time in a long time! YeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaa!

Ohhhh...Duhhhhh....maybe you meant for Maddie's hair to grow faster. I thought you were thinking of an antidepressant. LOL It struck me funny thinking you were meaning and antidepressant and said Rogaine. hahaha

Just never mind that last post! :grin2:

oh good - she was reading the 'hug' thread in off topic right ??? :D :D That baby would be beautiful baldheaded Connie. ok - maybe not beautiful all bald and shiny - lol - but she looks good even with her yuk haircut - I saw her picture remember ???

Sometimes we forget how much dogs sleep --- 14 to 18 hours a day is common for a house dog....

I know in the summer when I let my out a lot - they do run and play more - there are so places to explore and there is so much more going on....bushse and trees and bugs and birds and all that - sometimes even other dogs..... but even outside, they like lie around and take naps in the sun.

Then winter comes -- and our dogs are inside most of the time -- you'll have to admit that there really isn't much for them to do. I'll bet you if anything exciting ever does happen, they are up and wnat to be right in the middle of it. Also, I know whenever company comes over, mine are up and very excited.

But - I have a 6-year-old Bichon and a 14-month old Yorkie that are sleeping winter days away at my house. Yet - I know they aren't depressed and I know nothing is wrong. If I get their leashes and ask them if they want to go outside - WOW - they're up and ready to go. If company comes over - they are excited and want to play - when I first get home from work, they are very happy and excited.

I would imagine that most of your dogs aren't depressed at all - and there is nothing wrong with them..... they are just in their winter mode - that is being caused by having to be in the house so much - and think about it -- just what is there to do in the house? Not much! And, let's face it - sleeping and lying around really is a rather enjoyable comfortable thing to do.

I think it's good to get them outside for walks - more now than we do in the summer. And - have company - and take them places once in a while. But other than this - just let them lie around and enjoy their lazy, cozy life. Spring will come and they'll get outside more - and life will begin anew!

I know when winter comes and it's cold outside and I'm spending more time inside --- I often say, this would be a good day to just cuddle up around the fireplace and read a good book! (I never say this in the summer.....)

Carol Jean

maddie...:aimeeyork

itz a dogz life!
 

and thatz why I want to be a dog .....

My cosmo is like this..he just lays around on the sofa all day.

It irks me that you say our dogs aren't depressed when you aren't here to see them. It doesn't take a rocket scientist for an owner to know when their dog is depressed and possibly ill. There is plenty in my home for Maddie to do. She has toys that, when she's herself, will play and play. She runs upstairs and down...I walk her on the treadmill so she gets exercise, but my reason for posting this thread is because I knew in my heart there was something wrong...she didn't have that twinkle in her eye and showed no interest in things she normally likes. I know my dog and I know it was more than a case of winter laziness.

Quote: "It irks me that you say our dogs aren't depressed when you aren't here to see them. It doesn't take a rocket scientist for an owner to know when their dog is depressed and possibly ill. . . ."

Whoa Girl!! I apologize for upsetting you. I was just trying to point out - that lying around the house - and sleeping more than usual in the winter - isn't always necessarily a sign of depression.... and it isn't.

I put one of my dogs to sleep last year - and my other dog really wasn't himself. He was grieving and it was very obvious and very understandable too. It was sad. But, thankfully a new puppy brought him back to life.

There isn't a lot on the Internet about dogs being depressed - so, it obviously isn't very common, but I did find this ... and other articles similar to this....

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Like humans, dogs do occasionally suffer from bouts of depression. They get mopey, lethargic, stop eating, and drink only minimal amounts of water, stop wanting to play, and even lose drastic amounts of weight.

What can cause this in pets?

Grief, change of scenery, or sometimes it is a chemical imbalance, needing medication to correct it. Even the weather can adversely affect a normally happy dog. Or your health.

As a pet owner, how do you fight an invisible, inner enemy? The first step is recognizing the problem. You've ruled out all the possible physical causes with help from your veterinarian, now it is time to start looking at the mental causes.

Has your pet recently lost a friend? Perhaps a neighbourhood dog he played with is gone, be it on vacation, or gone over the Rainbow Bridge, but gone nonetheless? Or perhaps his child grew up and moved out?

Losing a playmate, especially an in-home playmate is often a reason for canine depression.
---------------------------------------------

I looks like grief is the most common cause for a dog to be depressed, but it did mention a few other causes also. Hopefully, your dog has no medical problems. I hope you can figure out what is causing the change in her behavior and can help her feel better.


Good luck! Carol Jean