What Is Dog Depression?
From my own work with dogs, I’ve seen how deeply their emotions are tied to the lives of the people around them. A big change in life—like the loss of a family member or a sudden change at home—can affect the way a dog’s mood shifts. Just like us, they can think, feel, and act differently when faced with upsetting experiences. Some dogs may become depressed, showing signs of sadness, decreased interest in activities, or becoming withdrawn and unlike their usual selves. These changes can raise real health concerns, and if ignored, they can take a toll on the dog’s health and overall well-being.
In my own care, I’ve noticed when a dog depressed from depression is left without help, it can lead to bigger problems. For example, a once happy pet may have stopped eating, start vomiting, show destructive behaviors, or become extremely lethargic. At this point, dog depression should be seen as a possible medical emergency, and a visit to a veterinarian is very important to identify the cause and rule out an underlying health issue. A caring emergency veterinarian can help guide what steps to take if the dog becomes too unwell. Watching for these signs and acting quickly can make all the difference in keeping a beloved pet safe and supported.
Anxiety & Depression in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & How To Help
When we talk about depression and anxiety in dogs, it’s not much different from what humans go through. I once had a fluffy mixed breed named Pumba who suddenly changed after my neighbor’s dog Bada died. He had always loved car rides, running around the terrace, and playing in dog parks. But after that loss, he seemed withdrawn, almost listless, and sometimes just sat in front of the mirror or hid inside the closet. At first, I thought he was simply bored, but the symptoms grew worse—he stopped eating, wasn’t drinking water, and even refused his favorite walks. The vet diagnosed him with depression and mild anxiety, saying that like us, dogs experience emotions when they are mourning.
According to experts and vets in Memphis, Southeast, and Concord, the causes of such changes can affect both an energetic pooch and a more withdrawn four-legged friend. A dog may feel sad when people around them have moved home, welcomed a baby, or lost someone close. My friend Jodie Richers also shared how her dog went into a deep funk when her dog Pumba died, showing similar signs of suffering—from hiding in the bedroom to refusing to cheer up even with treats. These intelligent creatures reflect the grief of humans, and without the right treatment, it can get much worse. The role of vets is vital in guiding people to understand the signs and find ways to help their furry friend heal, whether through gentle routines, favorite activities, or professional support.
Can Dogs Get Depressed?
Yes, dogs can suffer from depression, and while some people may think it’s uncommon in pets, experts disagree. Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, who is the executive director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, explains that while long-term depression in dogs is rare, situations such as big life change or stressful periods can trigger it. When I worked in a small animal clinic linked with Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, we would often ask a veterinary specialist in animal behavior to give an explanation when a dog seemed unusually down. In my clinical practice, I noticed that what may look like sadness in dogs often mirrors what people go through, showing us that emotional struggles are not limited to humans, even if true, long-term depression in pets is still considered rare.
Signs Your Dog Is Depressed
From my years working with pets, I’ve noticed that the symptoms of depression in dogs can sometimes look very similar to what people go through; the signs often include a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, a sudden shift in eating or sleeping habits, unusually low activity levels, or even unexpected aggression, and in some cases, constant howling or whining becomes their way of expressing sadness, which reminds me of a sweet Labrador I once cared for who stopped playing fetch after his owner moved away, showing clearly that dogs feel emotional changes deeply just like humans.
Signs Your Dog Is Anxious
From my experience with caring for dogs, I’ve learned that anxiety often shows up in many small but clear signs, and while some appear as quiet or passive behaviors like hiding, escape attempts, tail-tucking, or even trembling, others come out in more active ways such as pacing, panting, or sudden panic; these shifts are not only emotional but also physical, as the sympathetic autonomic nervous system raises activity in the body, sometimes leading to visible symptoms like skin lesions when they bite or lick themselves too much, digestive problems like diarrhea, and serious health issues such as dehydration when stress lingers, and I once worked with a rescue pup who showed reduced play and constant restlessness until proper care helped bring balance back to his life.
What Are the Symptoms of Dog Depression?
When I first noticed my own dog acting strangely, it reminded me of what John Ciribassi, DVM, president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, once explained—that dogs can experience depression just like people. Some of the most common symptoms include becoming withdrawn, inactive, or showing a sudden change in eating and sleeping habits. A once playful pet that always enjoyed long walks may suddenly mope, show low energy, or even avoid family members. These shifts can sometimes point to a deeper medical problem, like pain from arthritis, which is why vets always advise taking action with a proper checkup by a trusted veterinarian.
Over the years, I have seen depressed dogs display subtle yet telling symptoms—a decreased interest in favorite activities, looking sad with droopy eyes, ears pulled back, or even withdrawing to quiet corners. Some may start whimpering, howling, or become unusually clingy with their parent. Others show restlessness, a decreased appetite, or major changes in sleep patterns. According to experts like Beaver, these behaviors should not be ignored. They can be a sign your furry friend is struggling and needs both medical support and emotional comfort to feel better again.
What causes depression and anxiety in dogs?
From my own years of caring for pets, I have seen how a distressing event can completely change a dog’s life. Some symptoms of depression or anxiety may appear after the loss of an owner or a close companion animal, and the grief can deeply affect a dog’s emotions. I once fostered a dog whose owner died, and the reactions from the pet were heartbreaking — constant searching, less playfulness, and needing extra attention. Such events show that dogs are emotionally intelligent creatures, fully capable of experiencing emotions like sadness and suffer depression and anxiety just as humans do.
Even positive life changes can sometimes unsettle them. A move to a new house, the arrival of a baby, or adding another pet to the household can impact a dog’s emotions, routine, and symptoms of stress. These changes in a dog’s life — whether a new job schedule for the owner, a moving home, or a spouse entering the family — can throw the dog’s nerves haywire, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiousness, or confusion. My own pooch once showed down periods when our schedule shifted, proving how much even small life changes can disturb a dog’s emotions.
At times, the triggers for severe dog depression are linked to loss — a companion animal, an owner, or even trusted people at home. These incidents can cause grief within the community of the family, and the impact on the pet can be long-lasting. Just as humans feel stressing events, dogs too may face periods of depression, showing clear symptoms like withdrawal, lack of energy, and avoiding interaction. When their emotions go haywire, it’s often not just about the event itself, but also how it reshapes their routine and shakes the foundation of their life.
How do I know if my dog has depression?
From my own experience with caring for dogs, it’s often the small signs that tell you when something is wrong. A once playful pup may show symptoms of depression like reduced activity levels, sudden loss of interest in things once enjoyed, or even a worrying change in eating and sleeping habits. Some may show unusual aggression, while others express their sadness through howling or whining more than before. Just like people, our pets can struggle emotionally, and noticing these shifts early makes it easier to support them with patience and care.
How do I know if my dog has anxiety?
When I worked with anxious dogs, I noticed clear signs of anxiety such as trembling, tail-tucking, hiding, and reduced activity. Some became passive, while others showed active escape behavior like scratching at doors or running off. In certain cases, panic led to panting, pacing, or repeated escape behaviors, which made it obvious that the pet was struggling.
There are also physical symptoms of anxiety in dogs, linked to the sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity. These may appear as diarrhea, skin lesions, or even when the pet starts to lick or bite their own body excessively. Recognizing these patterns early helps prevent stress from taking a stronger hold.
Medications for Dog Depression
When dogs struggle with depression and even separation anxiety, I’ve seen how medications can sometimes be a safe path to healing. Experts like Karen Sueda, DVM, Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, explain that while dogs people share this problem, the way treatment works is slightly different. Just like humans may use antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, or Zoloft, pets may also be prescribed options like Clomicalm, an FDA-approved drug proven to be effective in many cases. I once fostered a depressed pup who became noticeably better within a few months, especially when behavior modification and environmental enrichment were combined with drugs. Some drugs can take months or even years to show full impact, but with the right guidance, dogs can be treated successfully, and it’s reassuring that these drugs—though designed for people—can also bring relief to our pets. While no one likes to lean on drugsbeaver, in certain cases I’ve seen the careful balance of treatment and love transform a dog’s life.
Bouncing Back From Dog Depression
When my dog Benji went through a rough week, I noticed him just lying around and licking his paws instead of climbing the stairs to our terrace like he usually loved to do. What helped him feel better was adding small joys—long car rides, playful afternoons at dog parks, and even letting him explore his own reflection in the mirror, which oddly made him curious and more active. For dogs coming from rescue or foster situations, it can take time, but mixing in a richer routine with games and fresh air makes a huge difference. Sometimes, though, a vet may suggest antidepressants to ease symptoms, especially when a dog struggles daily. From my experience, these little steps transformed Benji into the happiest dog again, reminding me that healing is possible when we support them with patience and love.
How can I help treat my dog’s depression or anxiety?
When dogs face depression or anxiety, it can last days or even months, depending on the situation and the severity. I’ve seen a dog struggling after the loss of a close animal companion, showing clear symptoms like moping, reduced interest in activities once enjoyed, and even a lowered mood. In such cases, the best support comes from owners who provide steady love, care, and constant attention, along with the guidance of a veterinarian to identify if the cause is emotional or an underlying medical condition. Sometimes a simple life change or a distressing event is the troubling reason behind the sadness, while other times it can be an illness that needs to be treated.
To help pets overcome these struggles, start with daily walks, extra playtimes, and interactive activities that keep them physically and mentally active. My own pup perked up when I used puzzle toys, games of fetch, and even stuffed treats that kept his body and mind engaged. These small steps boost mood and help a pooch feel less bored, especially when bouncing back from a troubling issue. Even something as simple as a fine car ride or multiple rides around the block, with plenty of praising and rewarding, can make them happier.
In more difficult cases, a vet exam may be needed to check for chronic disease, pain like arthritis, or conditions that affect seniors. Providing orthopedic beds, soft cushion support for joints, and even supplements are treatment options that can improve comfort and management. If needed, a veterinarian might prescribe anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, or even fluoxetine to calm nerves and address lingering symptoms. A behaviorist may also offer specialized techniques and management options that keep your pet’s needs in focus.
It’s also important to remember that dogs are social creatures, and interaction with people, other animals, or a trusted companion often helps. I’ve seen shy pups become brighter when enrolled in group classes, spending time at doggie daycare, or simply playing at the park. These safe moments of socializing encourage wagging tails, natural happiness, and help them feel more contented.
Above all, treating pet blues takes patience, plenty of TLC, and keeping your pooch busy in positive ways. Using reward behavioractive routines, such as giving treats for good behavior or adding new interactive toys, keeps them engaged. With affection from the family, steady support from the pet parent, and when necessary, an urgent visit to the vet for proper treatment of hidden ailments, your furry friend can bounce back, stay safe, and live a more joyful life.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Dog Depression
When veterinarians try to diagnose depression in dogs, they begin by talking with the pet parent about any behavioral changes and possible conditions or contributing factors. For example, a dog who has lost interest in activities they normally enjoy or is experiencing symptoms linked to a stressful home environment often gives the first clue. I’ve shared details with my own veterinarian about small mood shifts in my dog, and it made the process of understanding much clearer.
A thorough physical exam is then performed to identify abnormalities or rule out a medical condition. This may include blood work, urinalysis, and other tests to check overall health and see if hidden diseases are causing the low mood. Many times, what looks like sadness may actually be linked to pain or illness, so ruling these out is an important step.
In some cases, a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist is suggested for expert guidance. Together, the vet and behaviorist can map out the best steps to support recovery, ensuring the dog’s needs—both physical and emotional—are fully understood and cared for.
Recovery and Management of Dog Depression
The recovery from dog depression often depends on the cause, and in many cases it takes time for dogs to heal. I’ve seen pets experiencing sadness after sudden home changes, the loss of a family member, or even the arrival of a baby, and their reactions can be just as deep as ours. Helping them adjust back to their normal selves requires patience, love, and stability in daily routines.
The amount of time it takes to recover varies for each individual. If a hidden medical issue is the reason, proper treatment often resolves symptoms within days or weeks. In other situations, especially with chronic conditions or recurrent bouts, the problem needs to be carefully managed by a vet or even a veterinary behaviorist who can guide you toward the best steps for long-term care.
It’s important to remember that every individual pet responds to stressors uniquely and differently, so what works for one may not work for another. By working with a veterinarian, you can find the right path forward to ensure your dog gets the support needed to rebuild emotional balance and stability.
Prevention of Dog Depression
From my experience, simple steps can help reduce the risk of dog depression, starting with regular veterinary care so any health issues are quickly treated before a problem develops. Providing plenty of mental stimulation not only lifts a mood but also helps in preventing depressive episodes. Daily walks, steady training, and gentle socialization give structure while also managing anxiety. During big life transitions or sudden changes at home, keeping the environment calm and avoiding an overwhelming stressful event can ease the affect on your pup. With the right tools, guidance from a veterinarian, and emotional support from their trusted companion, dogs can stay balanced and better equipped to handle challenges.
How do you cheer up a depressed dog?
When a dog seems depressed, I always suggest starting with a veterinary appointment to rule out any underlying illness or chronic condition that may be a contributing factor. Sometimes medical concerns need proper management, and following a veterinarian’s instructions ensures the care plan is safe and suited to the individual pet. Alongside this, simple steps like increasing activity and regular exercise can help cheer your furry friend, giving them both physical release and emotional comfort.
What activities are good for depressed dogs?
Mental stimulation is important for depressed dogs.
Daily walks, games of fetch, puzzle toys, and socialization with other pets and people can boost a dog’s mood.
How do you get a dog to eat when they’re depressed?
If you are unsure how to safely encourage your depressed dog to eat, speak with your veterinarian.
They may recommend changing the food, adding lean chicken, or in some cases, giving an appetite stimulant.
How can I help my dog with depression?
One way to support dogs who seem bored or depressed is to increase mental stimulation through daily walks, fun games like fetch, or engaging puzzle toys that can boost mood and keep them active. In some cases, medical management may also be needed, where a vet might suggest anti-anxiety medications such as fluoxetine to ease difficult symptoms and help your pet feel more balanced.
How to tell if your dog has depression?
From my own experience, you can often tell when dogs are struggling by watching for certain symptoms of depression that feel very similar to what people go through. A sudden loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, lower activity levels, or a change in eating and sleeping habits can be strong signals. Some pets may even show unusual aggression, while others express sadness through constant howling or whining, making it clear that their emotional health needs as much care as their physical well-being.
How to get a dog for anxiety and depression?
To qualify for a service dog for depression, you usually need a letter from a licensed mental health professional such as a psychiatrist. This document explains how your condition prevents you from performing major life tasks and why the assistance of a trained dog is necessary on a daily basis. In my experience, these dogs not only help with routines but also provide comfort that supports both emotional balance and practical needs.
Can dogs suffer from depression and anxiety?
Yes, dogs can suffer deeply when a major change or distressing event happens in their life, and I have personally experienced pets showing clear symptoms of depression and anxiety. The loss of an owner or a close companion animal often leads to visible grief, which can affect a dog’s emotions in lasting ways. Just like humans, they feel sadness when routines break or bonds are gone, and their emotions show us that they truly struggle with these invisible battles.
What breed of dog is best for anxiety and depression?
Over the years, I’ve seen how 13 small emotional support dog breeds can make a real difference for people struggling with anxiety or depression. Some of the most comforting companions include Chihuahuas, Poodles (Toy, Miniature, Standard), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Corgis, Pugs, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers (often called Yorkies), and fluffy Bichon Frises. Each dog has its own way of bringing calm, whether it’s through affection, playfulness, or simply being present, and in my experience, these breeds are especially gifted at offering steady emotional support.