My dog is clingy after moving. Is she depressed? How can I help?

I am so sorry for all that you guys are going through! Such stress is hard on everyone, regardless of 2 legs or 4. However, the difference is, you KNOW why you're stressed and why you're moving and why everything is in upheaval, and all Matel knows is that every thing changed and her people seem upset. The most important thing is to make sure that her needs continue to be reliably met-- food offered at the same time, water always available, maybe a routine daily walk stays intact. Additionally, make time to do things she likes to do... play with her and her toys, try to get her playing, etc. This is good stress relief for everyone; if she sees you and your wife having fun and trying to engage her, that will reassure her that, "oh, its going to be ok. They are ok!" As things settle down, she will likely come around to her old self. There are medications that can be helpful for dogs, though usually dogs don't develop clinical depression the way that people do. These drugs in dogs tend to be more helpful for anxiety. However, if she's not coming around, talk to your vet about trying medication. Massage can also be helpful, soothing, and can promote good feelings and bonding. Here's a great video about canine massage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tghk42R0QHU&t=9s I'm so glad you guys are safe. Best wishes to you all! Thank you for asking PetCoach!

Poor Bella Boo! She definitely could be depressed due to the change in the household. Dogs also can feel our stress. You can try to put a calming collar on her like adaptil. If this isn’t working or if she gets worse, I would have your vet look at her to be safe. Your vet will be able to ensure nothing else is wrong like pain or an infection somewhere. If everything checks out normal, your vet can prescribe her an anti-anxiety to help her adjust. I hope this helps!

Hello! If often takes some time for a pet to adjust to their brand new home and family. Most dogs need a few weeks to become confident and comfortable in their new environment. It would be helpful to know exactly what she is doing that is causing you to be concerned though. If you'd like to resubmit a question describing the possibly depressed or adjusting behavior (ie. hiding, pacing, licking, chewing, growling), I may be able to better advise. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your pup. Depression and mourning are very normal in dogs, especially after the loss of a close companion. It may be that Aysha needs some more time to mourn, and some extra attention, care and loving would help. Sticking to a schedule can also help her return to a more normal routine. If she is still having lots of issues, speaking with a local vet or veterinary behaviorist to see if medication would be helpful may also be beneficial for her.

It's true that some pets can become very sad in a new home, but they should bounce back as soon as you get back to the old routine of things! Try to keep an area clear of boxes that is just for them. You can leave a favorite pet bed or blanket in this area and provide toys and treats. A supplement like Zylkene can help with stress, or a product like Comfort Zone Adaptil Collar or Diffuser can make them feel calm. However, if this sluggishness goes on for several more days, it may be wise to have Shelby checked over by a vet to make sure nothing else is going wrong. I would hate for us to assume she was just sad about the move instead of realizing that she was actually sick and it was a bad coincidence that it happened at the same time as the move!

Sounds like its been a very stressful situation for Dalila. It may take some time for her to get used to her new surroundings. At home, you can try things such as a pheromone diffusing collar/plug in to help her calm down some, or even play a soothing talk radio or TV show when you are away. Distraction through extra play sessions, puzzle and chew toys, etc may also help her cope with the change. If the anxiety continues, or worsens, talking with your vet or a local veterinary behaviorist is best as they may be able to suggest additional training tips or even provide a medication to help reduce her anxiety while she adjusts.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dogs do take time to adjust and this may be something that she just needs some more time to get used to her new surroundings. You are doing everything right. Having all her usual things (bed, toys, etc) is a great idea. Remember that everything around her is new. I would give her another month or so before worrying too much. She will demand more attention in this transition period which is normal and expected. Good luck!