The end of summer and early fall activities often change the daily schedules of dogs in our homes. These changes can trigger depression often typified by a lack of vitality similar to how dogs act when they are affected by an underlying medical condition or pain.
. . . whether situational or related to the dog’s life experiences dog owners need to look at their dog’s basic environmental and social circumstances to understand and address what may have brought about the changes in their behavior.”
Two veterinary behaviorists address dog depression in the article linked here: Leslie Sinn CPDT-KA, DVM, Diplomate, ACVB, and Kelly C. Ballantyne, DVM, Diplomate, ACVB.
Source: AKC, August 18, 2023. Link.
INSIGHTS: Written for dog owners, consider sharing this article on social media, in newsletters and with local reporters. Raising awareness of depression triggers may help keep a few dogs happier and save some in-home destruction.