Occurrence

• Canine depression can affect any dog, with no specific breeds or age groups being affected more often than others.
  
  

Causes

• The most common causes of depression in dogs include: environmental changes, such as moving, grieving the loss of an owner or another animal, climate and chemical imbalance.
  
  

Symptoms

• The symptoms of depression in dogs are fairly unique and typically include: changes in eating habits, lack of energy, weight loss, anxiety, restlessness, heavy shedding and aggression.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Dogs displaying any of the symptoms of depression should be examined by a veterinarian immediately. Tests used to diagnose depression may include analysis of blood and x-rays.
  
  

Warning

• Canine depression is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. Without proper treatment, dogs with depression can experience life-threatening complications, such as dehydration and extreme weight loss.