Dog Depression?

[nsteedazx3]

Is it possible that my dog is depressed? He likes to be alone and just seems kinda down...has for a few months. He is a mix of lab and collie I guess and about a 16 months old.

[bluesky]

.whats up ? maybe it don't like you .never heard of a depressed dog.it might be sick try a vet.

[Gwyneth]

Maybe he just want your attention. Play with him, talk to him and sleep (sometimes) with him. If that doesn't work. Maybe he's sick.

[Lucifers Child]

Yes, Dogs can get very depressed. They can get sick too. Are you spending enough quality time with him? You need to play with him. Take him to a park or a field where it's safe to do so (where your dog can't cut his feet on broken glass, etc.), and throw a ball or a frisbee. The exercise is fun for both, it's healthy for both - you and your dog, it's bonding, and strengthens your relationship with each other. Good thing you thought of this!Labs and Collies are big dogs and need exercise - lots of exercise. Collies are particularly intelligent dogs (most dogs are - it's odd to find a "lemon" among dogs)Dogs don't appreciate fights, arguments between their loved ones, or lonliness - Yes dogs can get VERY very lonely. I used to have a Cockashnauze that would climb up on the table to howl when I'd go out, and leave him at home. At present I have a "Cockapoo" that had been abandoned out of the city, by someone living IN this city. He was 7 years old when he was abandoned. A farmer found him wandering around on his property, and was kind enough to bring him to the Humane Society. The Humane Society called me to tell me they might have the kind of dog that I had been looking for - would I come in to see? Seven days later, I brought him home (they have to keep him 7 days in case the owner comes looking for their dog), and he was very very happy to have a good home. The first year I noticed he would wander off in his thoughts as if he was worried - somewhat depressed at times - as though he was concerned - would he get abandoned again? I reached over to him, hugged him, petted him and assured him, this is HIS HOME, and I told him that I Love him. He seemes to understand that - I know he's happy here - I'm real happy that he's here - He's my Best Friend.If you've ever been lonely or depressed, you'll understand how your dog could be feeling when the one he looks for everyday is a little "too busy" with other things.Your dog looks to YOU for EVERYTHING - Not just food, water, and shelter - but Companionship and Friendship included. Maybe it's time for a check-up at the vet - just in case what's bugging him is "medical." Dogs are wonderful creatures - Be good to your baby - Okay?P.S. "Whatever we do to the "lesser" forms of life - we do also to ourselves".

[Miss P]

He could be depressed, but you should really take him to the vet to be checked. I have a bouncy energetic lab/english springer mix and she acted like your dog. She ate fine, but she just wanted to be alone and wouldn't play. I took her to the vet and she turned out to have a fever. They did some tests and determined she had a tick borne disease (not Lyme). They put her on antibiotics and she's back to her old self. Dogs will instinctively remove themselves from their pack (you in this case) when they're sick. Good luck!