Recently, I was pet sitting for a friend who went on vacation. The first few days her dog was upbeat and very active. However, as the days went by Max, became moody and shy at times, then stopped eating and increased his barking to a point that my neighbors complained. When told not to bark he would sometimes become aggressive and show his teeth and growl.
I became worried that the dog was ill and with my friend on a cruise it would not be easy to get in touch with her, so I called her vet. He told me the dog was depressed.
Usually, vets hear more of this at a time when children go back to school and their pets are not getting as much attention as during the summer months. In Max's case, his master was away and he was feeling lost and alone in a different house.
Once I understood the problem, I gave Max more attention and active playtimes chasing a ball and longer walks outside in the snow. He perked up and started eating again and did much better until my friend returned home. And I was happy she returned to a healthy happy dog, instead of a depressed one.
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