Many new dog owners are unaware of the potential for dog postpartum depression.
Just like in humans, this condition can occur in dogs after giving birth. If you are a new pet owner, it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and how to deal with them.
Baby puppies are so adorable, and their arrival is always a happy occasion. But what happens when things don’t go according to plan?
Some new dog mothers can experience something called postpartum depression. This condition is very real, and it can be difficult to deal with. Dog postpartum depression is similar to the human form, but there are some notable differences.
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What is Dog Postpartum Depression?
When a litter is born, postpartum depression in dogs is defined as when the female shows symptoms of sadness. It can be induced by hormones, present tension, or previous anxiety that has emerged. In addition, it might cause feelings of bodily unwellness and other behavioral issues.
When your dog’s hormones increase throughout pregnancy, they plummet suddenly after giving birth. Progesterone and prolactin are two such hormones that can affect dopamine levels, which is why their mood and the significant hormone surge in a short period. Conversely, the fall is what causes depression.
Another cause is stress, which both emotional and physical factors may induce. For example, increased weight, hormonal imbalance, and childbirth can all be traumatic, resulting in despair.
Furthermore, suppose your dog has a high level of anxiety or has previously gone through significant stress. In that case, they are much more likely to get postpartum depression due to the stress involved in the situation.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Dogs
Just like in humans, the symptoms of dog postpartum depression can vary significantly from one dog to another. However, there are some common symptoms that you should be aware of.
If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms, it may be suffering from postpartum depression:
- Excessive panting or whining
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Excessive licking of their genital area
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Having trouble sleeping Or Excessive Sleeping
- Acting restless or agitated
- Becoming aggressive or irritable
If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action. The sooner you address the problem, the sooner your dog will start to feel better.
How to Deal With Dog Postpartum Depression
If you think your dog may be suffering from postpartum depression, the first step is to take them to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to do a physical exam and rule out any other medical problems that may be causing the symptoms.
If it is determined that your dog is suffering from postpartum depression, the next step is to start treatment. This will likely involve a combination of medication and therapy.
The medication will help to stabilize your dog’s hormones and alleviate some of the symptoms. In addition, the therapy will help address the underlying causes of the depression and help your dog regain their happiness.
It’s important to remember that dog postpartum depression is a real condition and should not be taken lightly. If you think your dog may be suffering from it, don’t hesitate to seek help. The sooner your dog gets treatment, the sooner it will feel better.
3 Useful Remedies For Canine Postpartum Depression
- Get them on good dog food. This can help to balance their hormones and improve their moods.
- Try some Bach Rescue Remedy. This is a natural remedy that can help to calm and soothe your dog.
- Consider giving them CBD oil.
How Can I Help a Dog With Postpartum Depression?
If you have a dog suffering from postpartum depression, there are a few things you can do to help them.
- Give them plenty of love and attention. This will help to make them feel loved and supported.
- Help to keep their environment calm and stress-free.
- Make sure they have plenty of time to relax and get some rest.
- Consult with a veterinarian about the best way to treat their depression.
- Be patient and supportive as your dog recovers from postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression in dogs is a real condition that can cause significant distress for both the dog and the owner. If you think your dog may be suffering from it, the best thing to do is take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis.
The veterinarian will be able to rule out any other medical problems and start your dog on treatment. This may involve a combination of medication and therapy.
How Can I Cheer Up My Dog?
Dogs are very emotional creatures and they can easily get depressed. So if you have a dog that seems to be down in the dumps, you can do a few things to cheer them up.
- Give them plenty of love and attention. This will make them feel loved and supported.
- Help to keep their environment calm and stress-free.
- Make sure they have plenty of time to relax and get some rest.
- Please consult with a veterinarian about the best way to treat their depression.
- Be patient and supportive as your dog recovers from postpartum depression.
If you notice any common signs of dog postpartum depression such as excessive whining, panting, licking their genitalia, or refusing to eat or drink, it is important to take action. The sooner the problem is addressed, the sooner your pet will start to feel better.
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Medications for Postpartum Depression in Dogs
When you have postpartum depression in your dog, you can obtain prescription medications:
- Fluoxetine, an antidepressant medication originally developed to treat depression in people, has been found to enhance the effects of ketamine in several animal studies. Fluoxetine is one of the most common non-benzodiazepines used today.
- Doxepin is another tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that has been used for the treatment of anxiety disorders in dogs. Amitriptyline is a TCA used to treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders in dogs, including depression.
- Buspirone is a drug that is used to treat anxiety disorders in people. It is also sometimes prescribed for dogs with aggression or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).