A Helping Hand For Man's Best Friend

Few people are aware that dogs can suffer from bouts of depression but there are simple steps to help lift their spirits, says Ellena Swift

- Ellena Swift

With the prospect of lockdown being eased or hopefully ending, there is a good chance that the vast majority of dogs will soon have to become accustomed to a new routine. For the past year, many dogs have had the luxury of having their owners at home most of the time. For young dogs and ‘lockdown puppies’, this may be all they have ever known.

As the world begins to return to normal and most return to work, social events and holidays, dogs will soon find themselves spending more time alone. As any experienced dog owner will know, this change can cause serious issues for the dogs’ mental state unless it is handled correctly. In fact, this is one occasion when I feel having a kennel is a massive help, as it is easy to ensure the dog learns to settle alone. If a dog is kept solely in the house, it is sometimes difficult to have somewhere to separate them so they can learn to settle in their own company.

Changing dogs’ routines too suddenly can lead to psychological issues such as separation anxiety, stress and depression. The last is a rare and less well-known issue. For many, this may seem an unrealistic and even ridiculous idea. However, there are many examples of animals suffering from what can only be described as depression or even grief.

When I was 15 years old, my family got a German shepherd bitch called Dora. She spent her entire life with me. She was the first of my German shepherds to come picking-up and beating, and she even attended three years of university with me.