Can Dogs Get Depressed? Signs and What to Do

Many dog owners notice mood changes in pets and wonder: can dogs get depressed? The first time I noticed it was when my German Shepherd acted all listless and blue the first time he had to spend the night away from my husband, his chosen Alpha. Of course, not fully sure what was causing his change in his behavior, I was worried and scheduled a vet visit right away. Here is what I learned: dogs can experience depression-like states. 

In fact, UK-based research suggests up to 75% of dogs show signs of anxiety or depression that many owners miss. So, what does depression in dogs look like? Dog depression refers to a persistent low mood or loss of interest in things they’re usually excited by—a round of fetch, a long walk, a treat. These are often alarming signs of emotional health in dogs. 

Understandably, this can be a cause of concern for any loving pet parent. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on why do dogs get depressed, the common warning signs to look out for, and most importantly what to do if it happens. These tips come from vets and my own experience as a dog mom. By understanding the dynamics of emotional well-being in dogs and acting quickly, you can help them recover and return to a happy dog lifestyle.

What is Dog Depression?

Can dogs feel sad? Yes, they most certainly do! In fact, dog depression isn’t a formal veterinary diagnosis, rather a way to describe a dog’s prolonged sadness. It’s generally a behavioral and emotional state similar to human sadness. 

Canine depression is often a persistent and noticeable decline in mood and overall wellbeing, triggered by things like illness, loss, or trauma. 

—Dr. Leslie Sinn, veterinary behaviorist

When depressed, a dog can become withdrawn and may feel not quite like their usual self. What makes detecting dog depression harder is that dogs can’t tell us how they feel and there are no lab tests for sadness. 

It’s also important to bear in mind that temporary mood swings like the dog blues after a scary thunderstorm, or as in the case of my dog, being separated from his beloved human, are common. True depression in dogs means that several symptoms persist over time. When that happens, you’re dealing with a canine mental health concern that needs your attention.

Common Signs of Dog Depression

In my experience, depressed dogs often show clear behavioral changes. If you’re wondering, “how to tell if my dog is depressed,” Dr Sinn advises watching for these warning signs:

• Loss of interest in play or favorite things. The usual fetch game or cuddles just don’t excite your dog anymore
• Changes in eating patterns. Some depressed dogs refuse food altogether, others eat more out of comfort
• Lethargy and sleeping more than usual or seeming tired all the time
• Withdrawal from family, hiding in corners, or generally acting distant can all be symptoms of depression in dogs. My GSD, for instance, tends to crawl under beds when he is emotionally triggered
• Compulsively licking paws or tail, without a wound or visible physical distress, can be a way of self-soothing
• Behavioral changes in dogs such as suddenly snapping at people or other pets for no clear reason or unusually cranky behavior can also be signs of depression 

If you notice one or more of these signs of dog depression, pay extra attention, especially if they persist. These dog mood issues can be more than just a temporary phase or a bad day. These symptoms, if persistent, can affect your dog’s quality of life.

Causes of Depression in Dogs

Depression in dogs usually has an identifiable trigger. The most common causes of dog depression, according to Dr. Sinn, include: 

Loss of a companion: Dogs are social animals. Loss of a human or animal companion will invariable cause a grieving dogs to display classic symptoms of depression 

Big life changes: Reasons for dog depression can also be situational. Moving to a new home, arrival of a new baby or pet, or even changes in your work schedule can confuse and stress a dog

Boredom: Wondering, why is my dog sad? Pay attention to whether they’re getting enough exercise and dog mental stimulation activities. A lack of these can also trigger depression in dogs 

Poor health: Illness and chronic pain have also been linked to dog mood issues. This is especially true if your dog is dealing with conditions like arthritis, thyroid issues, or other health problems 

Seasonal factors: It’s not just humans who feel the winter blues. Shorter, gloomier winter days that disrupt routines and reduce outdoor time can affect a dog’s mental health just as much 

These are broad causes of dog depression. To figure out, “Why is my dog sad?”, you need to think from your dog’s perspective. Did anything change in your dog’s life? You need to zero in on the exact cause and then look for solutions based on it.  

Difference Between Depression and Other Health Issues

Before labeling a dog as depressed, always rule out medical issues. Many depressed dog symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, weight changes overlap with illness. For instance, hypothyroidism or anemia can cause weight gain and tiredness, just as chronic pain (arthritis, infections) can make a dog avoid activity. 

If your dog suddenly becomes withdrawn or unlike themselves, a visit to the vet must be the first order of business. As Dr. Sinn warns, “If a dog is slowing down with no obvious cause, I would bet huge amounts of money that it is medical or pain-related rather than true depression. 

Being able to recognize the dog health vs mood difference is crucial. If you’re not sure which it is, always err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. What looks like sadness could be a treatable health problem. Once any medical causes are ruled out, you can focus on emotional care.

What to Do if Your Dog is Depressed

When you realize your dog might be depressed, it can feel overwhelming. First off, you may not have the faintest clue about what to do if your dog is depressed. The good news is, caring for your pet’s emotional well-being and reversing depressive symptoms isn’t always complicated.  

There are several simple, practical steps you can adopt to support your dog’s emotional well-being. Here are a few:

1. Provide More Mental & Physical Stimulation

One of the simplest things you can do when wondering how to help a depressed dog is to ramp up their enrichment. Mental stimulation for dogs like puzzle feeders or hide-and-seek with treats gives their brain something fun to do. Physically, extra walks, play sessions, and training keep them active and release happy endorphins. You can even add fun dog tricks to lift their mood.. 

“Dogs who are bored may become depressed. More walks, games of fetch, and puzzle toys can help boost mood,” says Dr. Sinn. I’ve seen it firsthand: a brisk hike or a challenging new trick always perks my GSD up. 

2. Offer Social Interaction

Just like people, depressed dogs need company. Spend quality one-on-one time cuddling or gentle petting. Organize a doggie playdate if your pup is friendly with other dogs. Invite family members to engage your dog. 

Dr. Sinn suggests, “Simple extra fun walks and playing a little tug can be fantastic mood-boosters for dogs.” Whenever my baby is feeling blue, I take him out for a long walk and round it off a game of fetch at the park. It helps perk him up. 

3. Maintain Routine and Stability

Dogs thrive on predictability. So, when you’re at a loss for what to do if your dog is depressed, start by keeping their feeding, walk, and sleep schedules as consistent as possible. If you can, avoid sudden changes, at least temporarily, so your dog can feel secure. When major transitions are unavoidable, give your dog extra comfort. 

Dr. Sinn advises, “Managing anxiety and comforting your dog through major life transitions or changes in the home environment is crucial for their emotional well-being.” 

My GSD has lived in three homes in the three-and-a-half years of his life. The one thing that helped him cope with all these moves and changes has been stability around his routine. No matter where we are—in transit, on the road, in an unpacked house—his meal, walk, grooming, and play times remain unchanged. 

This stability acts like a safety net for an anxious dog and helps uplift their mood or at the very least help them feel less insecure and blue. 

4. Vet Consultation

If you’ve tried home measures and your dog still seems down or is getting worse, seek vet care. Schedule a veterinary appointment to rule out medical causes. When at the vet, discuss all symptoms. If your vet rules out any underlying medical issues, they may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist or even consider medication. 

Dr. Sinn emphasizes, “If a dog is unable to function the majority of the time, then something needs to be done.” A behaviorist can craft a specialized plan, sometimes including anti-anxiety drugs, for treatment of dog depression. In some cases, professional guidance becomes crucial for restoring your dog’s quality of life. Don’t hesitate to use it.

Natural Remedies and Comforting Practices

Along with professional advice, there are some natural remedies for dog depression you can try at home. In addition to increasing play and affection, here are some other calming activities that I’ve seen work wonders: 

• Giving a depressed dog a new food puzzle or scent game can help engage their mind and distract them
• Music therapy is another effective way to comfort depressed dogs. Soft classical music or specially designed dog playlists can calm anxiety. White noise works too
• Grooming sessions like brushing or a warm bath (if your dog enjoys baths, that is) can also help in calming dogs naturally by releasing stress-busting endorphins
• You can also try some vet-approved supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids or herbal blends like chamomile or L-tryptophan formulas can help a bit, that are known to have a calming effect. Always check with your vet first

Think of these alternative treatments for dog stress as extra tools in your toolkit. In addition to trying natural remedies for dog depression, shower your pup with love and attention. A gentle voice, reassuring touch, and patient care communicate that everything is okay. A holistic dog care can complement other treatments and help your pet feel like their own self again—starting with healthy snacks you can share with your dog.. 

When to See a Vet or Behaviorist

It’s also important to know when to see a vet for dog depression. As a rule of thumb, if you see no improvement after a week or two of home care or if your dog stops eating entirely or loses weight rapidly, it’s time to seek professional help. Any sudden aggression, self-harm like obsessive chewing or scratching, or major behavioral shifts are also red flags. In those cases, professional help for a depressed dog is essential. 

Your veterinarian can do tests or treat pain that might underlie the behavior. If physical problems are ruled out but your dog is still down, consider a certified dog behaviorist for dog depression. The sooner you act, the sooner you can get your pet back to a healthy, happy dog lifestyle.

Takeaway

Yes, dogs can get depressed, but the good news is it’s treatable. With a bit of detective work and a lot of love, most dogs bounce back. The key is early action. Pay attention to signs of dog depression, rule out medical causes with a vet, and then boost your dog’s life with routine, play, and affection. In my experience as a pet mom and from talking with vets, I know that a consistent approach and holistic dog care, complete with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and reassurance can turn things around in most cases. If you see your furry friend changing mood, don’t wait. Trust your instincts and get help.