Dog Q&A

Q: Do dogs get depressed?

A: The emotional range of a dog is not all that wide or deep, to be honest. That's one reason why a dog who seems to show what, in humans, might be signs of depression -- lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in normal sleep patterns -- is more likely to have a physical problem than a mental one.

Still, there's no denying that many dog lovers have observed what looks a lot like grief in pets who have lost a family member, either four-legged or two-legged. Perhaps the most well-known example or canine grief is that of Greyfriars Boby, the Skye terrier who visited his owner's grave in Scotland every day for 14 years, until the dog's own death in 1872. The fact that people noticed and rewarded the dog with food and shelter for his loyalty might have played a factor in his behaviour, but we'd hate to ruin such a good story.

So, yes, it seems some dogs do have an emotional response to the loss of a beloved human or pet companion. But dogs are also amazingly resilient when it comes to joining a new family. Think of shelter dogs. Can you imagine how much time people would have to spend in therapy if they were suddenly removed from one family and placed with another -- in some cases, again and again? Although some newly adopted dogs go through an adjustment period that may include being anxious and destructive when left alone, most bounce back and become happy-go-lucky new family members.

"Love the one you're with," seems to be the motto of many a dog.

Q: Do dogs get Alzheimer's disease?

A: Dogs are living longer and are prone to many of the same age-related health problems as their human companions. One of the most devastating is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which is very similar to human Alzheimer's. This condition affects millions or dogs and leads to reduced brain function and, often, behavioural changes.

Like the human Alzheimer's patient, the dog often seems to forget her surroundings and not recognize loved ones. Or she may act confused or disoriented, may sleep more during the day and less at night or even have frequent housetraining lapses.

Imagine going from a world of colour and surround sound to black-and-white images with the sound coming from an AM radio. That's what it's like for your beloved senior dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.

In some cases, a change of diet may help. Others need the addition of a drug specifically developed to treat Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which can help your pal feel more like herself again. Check with your veterinarian about the diet and medications.

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Excerpted from Why Do Dogs Drink out of the Toilet? by Marty Becker, DVM, and Gina Spadafori. Copyright 2006 by Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori. Excerpted by permission of Health Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.