My Pet Looks Depressed!

A topic that clients often bring up during a session is related to the “mood” of their animal.

I sometimes smile as some pets are just like my sweet Boo: seriously happy!

You know, the kind of dog who always seems so serious, even when his mouth is full of treats and he’s all bubbly and bouncy!?

While it’s good to know that a pet’s personality is just like that - seriously happy - at times, it can be challenging for the parents to really know what’s going on in the mind of their furry companions!

Is my dog okay?

Is my cat happy?

Is he in pain?

What can I do to make her happy?!

First, talk to your vet to rule out any health issues that could be the source of the apathetic behavior.

Next, go beyond the body, and into the energy of emotions.

Animals can feel it when you want something more from them, even if “more” is their very own happiness!

Therefore, when the “seriousness” is confirmed by the animal as being part of its personality trait, this reassurance is usually enough to lower the energetic tension in the air, and help you both relax.

But when personality is not in cause, and a depressed-like mood is being observed in an animal, it’s another story.

Such mood often happens after the loss of another animal in the household. The pet, who was used to have a companion, has to adapt to a new dynamic, which can be a bit challenging at first.

That same pet usually also picks up on the energy of the grieving humans, and for different reasons, can absorb that energy and make it his own.

An animal can also develop similar signs in a - conscious or unconscious - attempt to mirror the emotional state of the caregiver.

People can sometimes observed such behavior after a pet has been rescued or re-homed.

Depressed-like-behavior in animals can also be linked to a feeling of helplessness. The depth will depend on the level of control the pet feels he has over a stressful event.

Animals are sensitive beings, and extremely sensitive to energy. They have their own and unique way to deal with emotions and changes in their environment.

Their purpose in your life will also play a role in the way they deal with life events.

It is therefore a good idea to keep a journal of behavioral changes, and events in your own life, to help trace back the potential cause of such mood.

Another important point is to be open to make the necessary changes in your life that could help your pet better deal with the situation.

In such cases, it helps to know that the inner work that will be required on your part will also help you in every other areas of your life.

A simple way to help your pet regain his spark is to explain, using mental images, the situation or what’s currently going on in your life. It is a wonderful way to acknowledge the emotions of your pet and your own, and let him know that you’re working on it!

For each of those scenarios, time, heart-to-heart conversations with your pet, and compassion for ALL involved are often enough to start the healing process for both of you.

For all you know, your pet might simply need to be reassured that the new puppy you just adopted won’t replace him!