How do you tell your dog is depressed?

Q. The other night one of my dogs died leaving one by her self. Although it is early what are signs of depression or other problems? I tried to bring her in my room to sleep with me because I didnt want her to get lonely. However when I tried to pick her up and put her on my bed she started to run away from me, which she has never done when I put her in my bed when the other dog was alive.

A. Hi,

When pets experience a sudden change, it upsets the balance in their lives, just as it does in ours. The loss of another dog or of a beloved human can be a large emotional hurdle for a dog. Usually what your dog needs is love and affection. She may not just snap out of it on her own, but given a little effort and patience, she'll regain her emotional footing. Here are some things you can do to help, check this out:

http://xrl.us/beccts

Original Question

Can dogs be depressed when the owner is gone for a period of time?

Q. My blue nose pitbull is really sweat. He loves playing with my other dog which is a yorkshire terrier. Well, I am not home and I won't be for another month, and my cousin was watching my dogs. She would call me saying that my pitbull does not want to eat or any thing. And when she gave his a dog treat and the yorkshire came to get a treat also, my pitbull grawled at it. Could that be a sign of depression or what could it be?

A. Yes, they certainly can. My dads dog is like that. She refuses to eat if he is gone and just lays by the door waiting for him to come back home. It's so sad to see her like that.

Original Question

How much attention should I give my outside dog?

Q. She is use to being alone, but absolutely loves me and every single time I play with her, like she can't get enough of it and it won't last. And I feel bad for it but she never scratches at the door, bark, or whine. So I assume she's fine. So two other questions.
1) What are some signs of depression?
2) Should I leave a picture of me while I leave for vacation(13 days) or does it really matter to my dog who loves me to death?

A. You really should bring her inside :( Even if she can only go in the living room or kitchen it is really important for a dog to be with you.

Instead of leaving a picture of yourself leave a tshirt that you've worn. Dogs use their sense of smell more than sight, so it will matter more to her to have something of you she can smell.

Also you can play with her outside often to sort of wear her out and make her tired. Then when she comes in she will not be rambunctious. Here is an article about some things you can do:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1717428/fun_outdoor_activities_anyone_can_enjoy.html

Original Question

Is a real messy home a sign of mental illness?

Q. My brother's wife has never kept a clean house, but this year, it seems to have really gone to the dogs. When a person lives in a home with every room a mess, is this a sign of clinical depression or some other disorder? We do get good exercise each time we visit, climbing over the many piles and obstacles, so we haven't minded it, but should we suggest a visit to a doctor, maybe, if ever they are unable to open the front or back door?

A. More likely it's a sign of filth and sheer laziness, not mental illness. Some people just don't care how nasty they are but, as an example, those with OCD must have their home spotlessly clean and as germ-free as possible, depending on how bad their obsession is. Still, depending on what mental issues one has, they can certainly be filthy. So basically, it depends on the person as to whether their filth is mental or not.

Original Question

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