Depression

Natural treatments for depression in cats and dogs to help reduce sad or depressed feelings in pets.

treatments for sad or depressed cats & dogs to calm depression in pets

Select a Topic

  1. What is Depression?
  2. What Causes Depression?
  3. Diagnosing Depression
  4. Help for Depression
  5. More Information on Depression

What is Depression?

Depression in humans is a common mental disorder, but it can affect pets, too! You may have noticed your pet’s mood and behavior changing when a new pet was introduced to the family or perhaps when a sibling pet passed away.

Signs of Depression in Pets
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Seem withdrawn or have low energy
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Always eating or refusing to eat
  • Hiding away and acting aloof

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What Causes Depression?

Causes of pet depression may include:

  • A family member moving away or leaving home
  • A new person or a new pet in the house
  • Moving to a new home with new surroundings

Diagnosing Depression

Symptoms of depression are very similar to symptoms of illness, so be sure to take your pet to the vet for a check up if you suspect that they are depressed.

Help for Depression

There are many medications available to help treat depression in animals, however make sure you research the potential for side effects and risk percentage for addiction.

Natural Remedies

There are a wide variety of natural ingredients used to help support the animal nervous system without doing harm. Herbal and homeopathic remedies can provide an effective way to lessen the stress and anxiety of new surroundings or new additions to the family. Hypericum perforatum, often called ‘Nature’s Prozac’, is one of the best known herbs for treating anxiety, depression and other nervous disorders.

Matricaria recutita has calming properties and will help to soothe your pet and reduce symptoms of stress, while Ignatia and Capsicum homeopathically address grief and pining. Kalium phosphate can help to increase the bio-availability of nutrients, hormones and certain neurotransmitters essential to ensure balanced mood and feelings of well-being.

More Information on Depression

Tips to Help Depression
  • Music can be soothing – try playing your pet songs that they usually hear in the home, this will help them feel secure.
  • Give your pet 20 minutes extra sunshine per day – light can stimulate the pituitary gland in the brain, and help to regulate mood.
  • Stimulate their minds in a positive way – hide treats about the house, then sit back and watch as their noses go to work! Cats can be entertained with feathers, and cheap toys from the pet store.
  • Give your pet extra special attention and love when a new pet or baby is introduced into the home.
  • If a sibling pet passes away, take away all things that your other pets associate with the lost sibling.
  • Dogs and cats pick up on your feelings, too. Have positive thoughts around your pets!
  • Touch away depression – move your pet’s skin in a clockwise direction, making small circles – taking one to two seconds to complete (especially on the ears, face and neck).

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