Does my dog have bipolar? (+7 Coping techniques)
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The following article will be answering if your dog has bipolar. We will also be listing the different signs of bipolar disorder in dogs, and also mention a few modalities of treatment or coping techniques that you can use to help your furry-friend.
Does my dog have bipolar?
Your dog may have bipolar if they are showing the following signs and symptoms,
- They suddenly stop eating
- They may pace around more than often
- They are showing sudden signs of aggressiveness
- They lie around for long periods of time
- They keep whining for no reason
- They bark all the time
- They seem disinterested in their surroundings
- They charge at you all of a sudden
They suddenly stop eating
If your dog is eating very well and loves his chow, then it is possible that there is nothing absolutely wrong with them. However, if your dog is suddenly not eating their food or not showing any interest in their food, this may be a sign of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder in dogs does not follow the same pattern as in humans. In dogs, manic phases can lead them to not eat their food and instead play with their bowl. If your dog is not eating for a couple of days and has no interest in food, you need to take them to the vet immediately.
They may pace around more than often
Another sign that your dog may be suffering from bipolar disorder or even some other mental issues, is pacing around for no reason. Even if they are tied up, they may pace around in that small radius in circles just to ease their pain and stress.
They are showing sudden signs of aggressiveness
Bipolar disorder may also lead to sudden aggressiveness in your dog. If you find that your dog is suddenly baring their teeth for no reason and even attacking you with no reason in sight, this can also be a sign of bipolar disorder.
Aggressiveness in your dogs may also be seen when your dog is meeting someone else or some other dog. While this is usually a sign of protectiveness, in cases of bipolar disorder, your dog may increase their aggressiveness levels.
They lie around for long periods of time
If you find that your dog is lying around and still for long periods of time, this can also be a sign of bipolar disorder. This is especially if they are lying on their belly which signifies their discomfort and struggle.
They keep whining for no reason
Another sign of bipolar disorder or even depression in your dog is when they continuously whine for no reason. This whining is often a way of seeking your attention in order to help them. Whining may also be a sign of some internal pain in your dog.
They bark all the time
Continuous barking can also signify some emotional distress in your dog. In human-terms of bipolar disorder, continuous barking may be a sign of the manic phase in bipolar. Barking may also be a way of reaching out to you and asking for help.
They seem disinterested in their surroundings
Dogs are made to be continuously interested in their surroundings and pay attention to whatever is going on. However, if your dog is not at all interested in its environment and chooses to stay aloof, this can also be a sign of bipolar disorder.
They charge at you all of a sudden
Some dogs take their aggressiveness to another level and may simply charge at you. This can be seen when you are going near their bowl, or simply when you are on the ground at a similar level with them.
What to do if your dog has bipolar?
If you feel that your dog is indeed suffering from bipolar disorder or showing sudden changes in their mood, the first and foremost thing that you need to do is to consult with a vet. Your dog’s vet may assess them and recommend some forms of treatment.
More often than not, your dog’s vet may prescribe some anti-anxiety medication to ease their stress and bring down their anxiety levels. There is also behavioral training which can help your dog cope with various stressors and trigger factors.
As your dog’s owner, there are numerous things that you can practice at home to help your dog with their bipolar disorder and other mental issues. A few things that you can practice at home to help your dog heal have been listed below.
- You can change your dog’s diet. Sometimes, your dog’s diet may be the main reason for their bipolar disorder and can even lead to depressive phases for a long time. Ask your dog’s vet for new diet recommendations.
There are also many supplements that you can add to your dog’s food which can help in boosting their immunity and also help in brain development. You can even try making their meal-times more pleasant by sitting with them and encouraging them through your words and gestures.
- You can improve their environment. If you live in an apartment with your dog, you can try making the place more homely and comfortable since your dog has a limited space to move around in.
If you have a yard, you can even make it more interesting for them. For example, you can hide treats in various corners of the space so that they can have a little treasure hunt. You can also place beds and rugs in different spots so that they can rest in different areas.
- You can take care of yourself a little better. Your dog imitates a lot of your behaviors and your actions. So, if your behavior is unhealthy or if you don’t seem to be taking healthy measures for your body and mind every day, your dog may imbibe these negative traits.
- You can bring home a companion dog. Sometimes loneliness is to blame for the frequent mood swings in your dog. Bringing another companion dog for your furry friend may, in many cases, boost their mood.
At the same time, this may also lead to jealousy and more aggressiveness. It is also important to keep in mind the age, gender and the breed of your dog before you bring another companion dog home.
- You can take them out to the dog park often. If your dog does not socialize with other dogs or is not in the company of other dogs, this may also lead them to become bipolar or frequently depressed.
If there is a dog park near you, take your dog there often so that they can mingle with other dogs. Dog parks can also provide the necessary space and equipment for your dog to run around and spend their excess energy, which is important for their physical as well as their mental health.
- You can groom them regularly. Another great idea that you can use to help your dog with their bipolar disorder is to regularly groom them. Grooming is like massage for your dog and can improve blood circulation which boosts happy hormones.
- You can show your love to them more. The best way to treat bipolar or any mental illness in your dog is to simply shower them with your love and affection. Many dog owners have love for their furry friend but may refrain from showing it openly.
By openly showing your love to your pet by cuddling with them and speaking to them in an encouraging voice, you will be able to ease their stress levels and also bring down their anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
The following article has answered if your dog has bipolar. We have also listed the different signs of bipolar disorder in dogs, and also mentioned a few modalities of treatment or coping techniques that you can use to help your furry-friend.
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