Is My Dog Depressed? Signs and At-Home Strategies

Is your dog withdrawn, less playful, and lethargic? If so, you may be concerned that they’re depressed.

In many cases, signs of depression in dogs have an underlying medical or emotional cause that can be managed. In this article, we’ve put together a few questions and answers to help you understand dog depression and how to manage it.

Q1: Can dogs actually get depressed?

Dogs can experience emotional states that are similar to sadness or withdrawal. Major life changes, such as moving to a new home or having a baby, can trigger these moods that resemble depression in humans.

However, compared to people, dogs have a much smaller range of emotions, so it would be a stretch to say that dogs experience depression exactly as we do.

Q2: What are the signs of depression in dogs?

If your dog seems less like themselves, you may be asking yourself if your dog is depressed. Monitor them for signs that could indicate depression:

Lethargy
Irritability
Clinginess
Withdrawing
Restlessness
Ears pulled back
Decreased appetite
Destructive behavior
Less interest in activities
Changes in sleep patterns
Increased vocalizations (whining, whimpering)

Be aware that signs of depression in dogs can also be present with many medical conditions. Your veterinarian would need to rule out medical causes before reaching a diagnosis of depression.

Q3: Why is my dog sad?

As with depression in people, depression in dogs can be triggered by various life situations and changes, such as those listed below:

Chronic stress: If your dog has a history of anxiety, they may feel continually alert and stressed, wearing down their mental health.
Chronic disease: Experiencing chronic disease, such as diabetes, can take a toll on a dog’s mental health, potentially leading to depression.
Loss of a companion (human or pet): Dogs who have lost their beloved companion can experience grief and depression.
Major changes to routine (move, new baby, schedule shift): Disruptions to normal life can leave dogs feeling unsettled and potentially depressed.
Reduced mental stimulation or physical exercise: Without enough mental or physical activity to keep their brains and bodies active, dogs can become depressed.
Boarding: Boarding can be stressful, overwhelming, and overstimulating, causing a dog to withdraw and become depressed.

Q4: How can I tell if it’s depression or a medical problem?

A veterinary evaluation is needed to determine if your dog’s symptoms are related to depression or a medical problem. To rule out medical causes, your vet will conduct a physical exam, ask you for a detailed history of your dog’s symptoms, and perform diagnostic testing.

If your dog has an underlying medical condition, treating or managing that condition may relieve your dog’s symptoms of depression. If your dog is otherwise healthy, your vet will likely recommend behavioral and lifestyle modifications to manage the depression.

Here are some indications for determining when to take your dog to the vet for further evaluation:

Weight loss
Sudden lethargy
Vomiting or diarrhea
Pain or mobility changes
Persistent appetite changes

Q5: How can I help if my dog seems depressed?

Fortunately, there are relatively easy lifestyle changes that can lift a dog’s spirits and brighten their mood. Consider these at-home strategies to help your dog if they seem depressed:

Increase enrichment and exercise.

Mentally stimulating toys, such as food puzzle toys, are an excellent way to increase your dog’s mental enrichment. Exercise options include a brisk walk around the neighborhood, agility training, and playing at the dog park. Tailor your dog’s exercise to match their level of mobility.

Maintain consistent routines.

Dogs love routine! As much as possible, keep your dog’s daily schedule the same. When your dog knows what to expect and when, they are less likely to feel stressed or depressed.

Daily playtime with you is a must, even if it’s only 10 minutes. Social interaction with other dogs at your local dog park can also boost your dog’s spirits.

Positive reinforcement training.

Training isn’t just for puppies. You can teach your dog a new trick or command, giving them immediate verbal praise or a treat to reward their good behavior.

Environmental stimulation

If you work outside the home, your dog is probably alone for much of the day. To stave off boredom and depression, provide your dog with mentally stimulating toys. You can also turn on music or turn the TV on to a channel your dog likes to watch.

For cases of severe depression, medications are available to manage it. These medications are typically used in tandem with behavioral strategies and are prescribed only after behavioral modifications alone are not enough.

Q6: When should I see a veterinarian?

Schedule an appointment with your vet if you notice these signs:

Worsening withdrawal
Physical symptoms, such as vomiting
Behavioral changes that last more than a few days

Dogs with a history of anxiety or compulsive behaviors can be at risk for depression.

Depression isn’t a medical emergency, but you don’t want your dog to linger in a depressive state. Schedule the appointment promptly.

Don’t Ignore Behavioral Changes

Dogs can feel sad sometimes, but their behavioral changes should not be ignored. Their behavior is a sign that something else is going on, warranting evaluation and management. With appropriate environmental support or medical care, many cases of depression can be effectively managed.

If you are unsure about your dog’s symptoms or behavior changes, contact your vet for more guidance and evaluation.