Depressed Shihtzu

[curlyperm11]

Hi. Apparently depressed dogs are actually a ‘thing’? So, my 3+ year old Shihtzu has lived with me in the same little bungalow for all his life, perfectly happy/playful/liked walks etc. Then 4 weeks ago I moved to a large house and Therein lies the problem l, first he seemed ok/ish but has gradually more in the last week become totally uninterested in everything (except eating-that has remained the same) but he is sometimes refusing to go for a walk. He won’t play or interact follows me from room to room or just sleeps constantly! He’s got ALL his old toys beds blankets etc... but he really doesn’t seem depressed. My daughter tells me to stop ‘humanising’ him but I can’t help but feel upset that he’s changed so dramatically! I’ve just found a new dog walker who’s taking him out on Wednesday for his first walk with other dogs in case that’s what he’s missing? But I just wondered what you guys thought? I’m going to ring the vets on Monday but I’m a bit wary of me having to fork out £70 (ish)for him to tell me “it’ll take time!” Financially it’s a bit tight but equally I’d do anything for him to be like he was.

[ladybirder]

My view is that until a vet has ruled out any health problems then it is not worth considering anything else. First things first. I hope he's better soon whatever the cause. xx

[calmck]

Maybe he finds the house too big. Try him in one room with his bed toys and feed him there. Leave the door open so he can come out. Does he sleep with you? Any new people in the house?. Patience and lots of it

[Tilly2]

I don't think that dogs get depressed as such in that they don't dwell on things like humans do. I suspect he is just unsure of his new surroundings, moping and possibly feeling a bit under the weather anyway. If it was my dog, I'd take him to the vets just be sure that it's nothing physical.

[Old_Geezer]

I see no reason why other animals can't get mental as well as physical issues. After all human animals do. But yeah, get the vet to check him out.

[woofgang]

I agree, vets first. It sounds like he might be in pain to me.

[curlyperm11]

Hi and thank you to all who offered advice I’m going to ring the vets first thing just to make sure

[ladybirder]

Do let us know what the vet says please Curly. xx

[TonyV]

probably just a bit upset with sudden change of surroundings , not like you can explain what's happening, sure he will settle in in a few days.

[Canary42]

A dog with depression ? You're 'aving a laugh ! It's something physical obviously (your daughter's right, anthropomorphising it is flawed). Try the PDSA if the money's tight.

[TheDevil]

"I see no reason why other animals can't get mental as well as physical issues."

It is known for animals to have mental problems. For example military dogs with PTSD. The difference between humans mental health issue is they are usually existential. I doubt a dog will have an existential crisis.

[TheDevil]

The dog might be nervous to new smells and spaces in the house, not use to the currently unknown. Give time. It you just google "How long will a dog take to adjust to a new home" it says 3 months.

[TheDevil]

From Online
" It takes dogs at least a month to feel comfortable and to show their true personality. It can take dogs up to THREE months to become acclimated and comfortable in a new environment."

[curlyperm11]

Thanks to all who replied, it was very encouraging!
Last night he was sick twice so that might have been a contributory factor, possibly unenthusiastic because of an upset stomach He has chirped up a little bit? So I shall monitor for next 2 days before taking him to the vets. On the plus side his appetite is completely normal!

[ladybirder]

Pleased to hear it, I hate to hear about poorly dogs:-))
As long as you are sure he's not in pain I agree with waiting a bit longer. xx