Ask Alice: Can Animals Be Depressed?

We think of our pets as family so when they get sick we panic and have a million questions. Well, no fear, Dr. Alice Weiss is here! Dr. Weiss has been working for 30 years as a licensed veterinarian and is here to answer any questions you may have about your best furry friends.

If you have a question for Dr. Alice about your pet, email it to: AskAlice@PetInsider.com.

Dear Dr. Alice,
We just lost our oldest dog to cancer and our youngest dog seems mopey and depressed. Is this possible? Sincerely, Lonely Dog Person

Dear Lonely Dog Person,
Yes!! From no social intelligence to highly socially smart, dogs vary just like people vary. And every brain is full of neurological chemicals like serotonins, dopamines, and endorphins–which can go out of whack. So do some more cuddling and babying of your solo dog. No need to rush in for a replacement right away, but time will help heal some of his/her sorrow.

Read more of Dr. Alice’s sage advice here.

AskAlice

Dr. Alice has spent her life embracing and advocating the animal human bond through her work as a traditional and a public health veterinarian, a writer, and vlogger on dogsenjoylife. Some people love expensive vacations and shopping but all Dr. Alice needs is time with her pets.