Culture

Subtle Signs Your Dog Is Depressed

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2023

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Just like their human counterparts, dogs can get down in the dumps for a variety of reasons. But detecting depression in a pet isn’t always easy. Does a longer than usual nap or increased appetite mean your animal friend needs professional help? What about other changes in behavior? There are subtle signs your dog is depressed.

INSIDER talked with dog behaviorist Nick Jones, MA, about what causes depression in dogs and how you can spot it. Changes in routine spark many depressed episodes, whether that be time spent in a kennel, a new home, or the death of a caregiver. According to Jones, other changes in a dog’s routine can also lead to a state of feeling unsettled. “These might include a change in the owners’ working routine or new and quite different rules being put in place,” he says.

Change in appetite

If your dog is eating less or more, this could be a sign of increased stress levels.

“Dogs can be like people – some will eat less when under stress and some will eat more. Some dogs are so food driven that you may not see a change in its appetite,” Jones explained.

Licking

Much like humans will fidget with objects when they’re stressed out, dogs may lick themselves a ton. Jones says excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety or stress, as dogs will often use licking as a soothing technique. If you’re certain your dog is licking its paws for some other reason than it has something stuck in its paw, you might want to consult a vet.

Lethargy

If your dog is no longer psyched about going for walks, play dates or chasing after a toy, it may be depressed. Says Jones, “A dog that is reluctant to leave the home could indicate that all is not well either on a physical or emotional level. One would normally expect a dog to be less enthusiastic when in a depressed state.”

Change in sleep patterns

“If the dog is in a stressed state and displaying signs of anxiety such as whining or howling in the owner’s absence say, then the dog will often not sleep during that period,” said Jones.

On the flip side, if a dog is getting too much sleep, it could also mean that your pooch is sad. Just like humans, sometimes when a dog isn’t feeling life, they just want to pull the covers over their head and sleep their days away. “I have seen some dogs that are mourning for the loss of a loved one be quite subdued and sleep more than would be expected,” Jones said.

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Change in behavior

If you notice your dog is acting strange, perhaps behaving oddly or picking up bad habits all of the sudden, it may be a sign of depression.

“It is possible that a dog may develop new and unwanted behavior routines such as pacing, circling, or obsessive behaviors such as shadow or light chasing,” Jones told INSIDER. A sad dog may also disregard previously learned (preferred) behavioral patters.

Jones says whatever the unusual behavior your dog is expressing, the best thing you can do is comfort them, make sure their needs are met, and create a schedule. “Maintaining a leadership-based style with the dog regardless of recent changes can help a great deal in my experience, as a routine provides emotional security.”

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Amazon

5 Ways To Manage Return To Office

Published

1 day ago

February 1, 2025

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The internet is filled with the nashing of teeth about people having to return the office 5 days a week . Here are 5 ways to manage the return.

Amazon, the Federal Government and more are returning to 5 days a week. For a portion of the work force, this is a new experience after years of either work from home or flex work. It is not going well. There are endless articles about the anguish of working in an office, but at the moment, there is nothing to be changed. And it is better to keep working while looking for a job, rather than face an uncertain work future. ere are 5 ways to manage return to office mandates.

Before returning to a full-time schedule, take time to reflect on your career goals and how they align with your personal life. It’s essential to mentally prepare for the increased demands and stress that may come with a five-day workweek. Consider how you can bring joy to the commute (books on tape, podcasts, singing), enjoy your lunch and how you can make the week still a place of fun.

To maximize productivity, prioritize tasks and focus on high-impact activities. Use tools like calendars or planners to organize your day and ensure you meet deadlines. Consider implementing time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused intervals with short breaks. Also, consider doing one chore a day at home, laundry, bathroom cleaning, etc. This will provide more “fun or down” time on the weekend.

Working long hours without breaks can lead to burnout. Make sure to take short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Prioritize self-care by incorporating activities that reduce stress, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time with family and friends.

If you find yourself anxious, consider microdosing. With cannabis being generally accepted and healthier than alcohol, the California sober has emerged. If the anxiety is overwhelming, many are learning 1.5-2.5 mg of cannabis, a portion of a marijuana gummy, can help you gain control of the day.

Returning to work after a break can be an excellent opportunity to update your skills. Engage in professional development activities to stay current with industry trends and enhance your career prospects. Reconnect with former colleagues and industry contacts. Attend networking events or join professional groups to expand your network and stay informed about opportunities in your field.

Take a moment, breath and realize not everything is forever.

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Cannabis

The Best Cannabis Infused Pasta Sauce For The Weekend

Published

1 day ago

January 31, 2025

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Nothing is better on a winter night than pasta – go the extra step with this cannabis infused tomato sauce

The weather is cold and just feels good and warm inside. And what better way to enjoy the cold weather with pasta. The reason is so globally popular is it’s a versatile dish that can be prepared in many ways, and it’s enjoyed by people of many cultures. But this easy sauce recipe can be enhanced to give you a relaxing and chill time post meal.

Jordan Wagman is a James Beard nominated Chef. Diagnosed with psoriasis at an early age, Wagman searched over thirty years for a long-term solution to this often-debilitating disease; hospital stays, trips to the sunshine, and conventional medications were all employed and did provide some short-term reprieve but it wasn’t enough. Eventually, he made dietary changes and began consuming cannabis. Within sixty days he lost thirty pounds and, remarkably, his psoriasis improved dramatically. It lead him to sharing his story, his latest book is WELL, How I Found My Health Through Food. He is a featured speaker at February Women Who Grow Conference.

Chef Wagman shares the easiest, fastest all-purpose tomato sauce you will ever make.  And you can add a little something extra.

Ingredients

2 cups (500 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes
1/3 cup (100 ml) olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) water
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground pepper

Create

Rinse tomatoes under warm water, dry and set aside
In a saucepan combine tomatoes, olive oil, water, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer over low heat until tomato skins begin to split and the juice from the tomatoes has been released, about 20 minutes
Remove from heat, transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender in the saucepan and puree until smooth
Use immediately or cool to room temperature. Transfer to an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to five days

Note

Add desired amount of cannabis oil, isolate or distillate and basil leaves to the tomato mixture before pureeing. This will ensure the cannabis is evenly distributed, creating an homogeneous mixture. 

And here is some lagniappe, pasta and salt have a harmonious relationship in Italian cuisine. Salt enhances the natural flavors of pasta, bringing out its inherent sweetness. When cooking pasta, it’s essential to add salt to the boiling water to season the pasta evenly. This step helps the pasta absorb flavors better, especially when combined with sauces. Using high-quality salt, like sea salt or kosher salt, can further elevate the taste experience. Proper salting is a key element in preparing delicious pasta dishes.

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Cannabis

Does Will Ferrell Consume Marijuana

Published

1 day ago

January 31, 2025

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He has another movie dropping – but does Will Ferrell chill with cannabis after all the production?

He is paired with Reese Witherspoon for a new comedy You Are Cordially Invited. Ferrell has had a series of success from the wildly popular original Lego Movie to Elf. He is a majorly bankable star and never seems to be too far from a project. He become famous during his stint on SNL where he starred from 1995 to 2002. “I had a wonderful seven seasons on that show, where I made lifelong friends,” he said. “I knew in that moment it would be the hardest but most fun job I would ever get to do, and I still look back on it that way” he shared. But does Will Ferrell consumer marijuana?

In a series of tweets from 2013, Ferrell humorously addressed the topic, stating, “Smoking weed doesn’t make me a bad person, just like going to church doesn’t make you a good person” and “Yes, I smoke weed. No, I am not a drug addict”. This implies he is a canna consumer. But more importantly, he is a canna fan.

Ferrell’s comments reflect a broader cultural shift towards more accepting views of marijuana use. His humor often touches on social norms and stereotypes, and his remarks about marijuana are consistent with this approach. By joking about the topic, Ferrell helps normalize the conversation around marijuana, aligning with a growing public perception that marijuana use is not necessarily indicative of addiction or moral failing.

The relationship between marijuana use and creativity, particularly in comedy, is a topic of interest. Some comedians and artists report that marijuana enhances their creativity or helps them perceive humor differently. While Ferrell has not explicitly linked marijuana to his comedic creativity, his casual attitude towards its use suggests that he may view it as a part of a relaxed lifestyle rather than a tool for creative enhancement.

known for his unique brand of humor and his ability to create memorable characters, he connects with the viewing public. In doing so, he help make cannabis acceptable.

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