My GSD pup (10 months) appears to be depressed. She is spending an unusual amount of time asleep or awake in her crate. All her problems seem to stem from us going on holiday without her.She is reluctant to drink water unless she has just come back from a walk but increasingly being agressive to passing people be it men women or children. She has always been agressive to passing dogs when on lead but not people. She has not actually bitten anyone but tries to jump up and barks. She has not been well for a while with Anal Gland probs and resulting dermatitus. She has been on an exstensive course of anti biotics and steroids to try and eliminate the problem. This is slowly getting better but her aggression makes walks unpleasant, athough this is the only time she appears to be happy. Her eyes light up when my husband is at home (only weekends) but goes back to sulking on Monday morning.

Is there such a thing for dogs (depression I mean)? Could it be all the medication? Is there anything I can do?

Gaby,

Dogs can get depressed. Thryoid problems are sometimes be the cause and your GSD may have some of the symptoms, like skin problems and behaviour problems.   Not to mention long term use of steriods can cause behaviour problems.  Antibiotics can also make dogs feel tired and slightly unwell. 

I would try to sort out the medical problems and then work with a behaviourist that knows GSDs.  Ten months is very young to have a load of medical problems.  Have you been in contact with her breeder? 

Question though - why is she awake in her crate a lot?  Is she going in her crate by herself or are you putting her in it.

Stacey

Puppy is just going into her crate herself. Us going on holiday happened at the same time as her first heat. A lot of problems all at the same time. Her crate is only closed when I go to bed or have to leave her on her own (very rare).  I have asked vet to be recommended to a behavourist but she is so scared at the vets that she does not show the behaviour and he seems reluctant. I was more insistant and he agreed to look at it again when her dermatitus has cleared up.

One of the side effects of steroids can be aggression.  Also antibiotics can upset the intestinal flora. 

I would suggest you discuss this with your vet as he may be able to make a change in treatment.