Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone could give me suggestions for helping my Akita who I think has depression.
Tommy is 4years old and I'm his third home.
Since a puppy he has had a show career, I'm his 2nd retired pet home now for over 6mths. He was at first a little depressed which I expected. However now after a month away in Vic on my parents farm sitting their female Akita of the same age we are back to sad face.
He changed a little just as my parents came back from Europe of course happy to see their dog, tommy seemed to get more attached to me as if saying " her mum and dad are home now, can we go home?" almost a bit of home sickness. If I was inside and he was out he would do laps back and forth to the back door looking for me.
We have been home now for a 2weeks and he just see a little down, I still take him out to my horses daily, take him on walks every afternoon, but he just dosnt seem himself.
Right from the beginning he has developed attachment issues/ separation anxiety eg: has to follow me everywhere around the house, howls in a mourning tone when I put him out for the day while I go to work ( different if my partner puts him out after I have already left and can't keep him inside as he jumps all over everything and wees and poos in the house despite back door being open and house trained). Everyday I come home from work it's cuddle time constantly for him, climbing up on my lap for a good 5+ mins of hugs and pat time.
His food appetite is still good, just not that playful waggley tail self.
I just want to help him, would another dog help or would he feel put aside by this despite sharing attention (normally is the one wanting all the love, I would say he is like the child; that whenever you go somewhere visiting he hugs onto your leg while sitting down chatting constantly wanting your love and attention.
He jumpy/ startled nature when touched has also increased as of late. He is a real soft sensitive dog.
Any help would be appreciated, very hard to explain everything. Just want him to be happy.
Alicia