# Signs Your Dog is Stressed, Depressed or Sad: A Vet‘s Guide

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- Published: 2024-04-11
- Author: Savanna Read
- Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/)

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As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve seen firsthand how our canine companions can experience bouts of sadness and depression, just like humans. While they may not show it in the same way, dogs are emotionally complex animals who can struggle with their mental health.

According to a [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158881/) in the journal _Animals_, up to 74% of dogs display some signs of anxiety or depression. Depression can strike dogs of any breed or age, but risk factors include major life changes, lack of socialization, and health issues. As a responsible pet owner, it‘s crucial to be able to recognize the signs of depression in your pup so you can take steps to help them feel like their old self again.

## What Causes Depression in Dogs?

Dogs can become depressed for a variety of reasons. One of the most common triggers is a major change in their environment or daily routine. Dogs are creatures of habit who find comfort in a predictable schedule. When their world is turned upside down by a move to a new home, a shift in your work schedule, or the arrival of a new baby or pet, they can become stressed and emotionally unsettled.

The loss of a beloved owner or animal companion can also send a dog into a depression. I‘ve seen many heartbroken pups who sleep all day, refuse to eat, and lose interest in playing after the death of their canine best friend or an owner they were strongly bonded with. Dogs are highly social and many form very close relationships, so a major loss can be devastating to their emotional well-being.

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Valli Parthasarathy says, "A depressed dog may appear withdrawn and disengaged from their surroundings. They may stop eating or eat very little, sleep more than normal, and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed."

Some dogs may also grow depressed if they are not getting sufficient exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation. A dog left alone for long hours each day with nothing to do is likely to become listless, bored and sad. Intelligent, high-energy breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois have an especially strong need for engagement and enrichment. Without an outlet for their physical and mental needs, they often develop depression.

Health issues and chronic pain can also contribute to depression in dogs. A dog with severe arthritis or recovering from surgery may become withdrawn and lethargic because they‘re hurting. The natural aging process can cause some dogs to slow down and seem depressed. Studies have found that [over 70% of senior dogs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8007011/) have at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction, which can lead to confusion and anxiety. It‘s important to talk to your vet to rule out any medical causes behind symptoms of depression.

## Signs of Depression in Dogs

So how do you know if your dog is depressed? While they can‘t tell us in words, depressed dogs will often display telltale signs and symptoms through their behavior. Here are some of the most common red flags to watch for:

1. **Loss of appetite:** One of the most notable signs of doggy depression is a sudden disinterest in food and treats. While the occasional skipped meal is usually not cause for concern, depressed dogs often experience a significant and prolonged decrease in appetite. They may outright refuse their food bowl or take only a few bites before walking away. You might find that a depressed dog only wants to eat when you hand-feed them or doctor up their food with tasty toppers. This can be their way of seeking attention and comfort. Any major change in eating habits warrants a trip to the vet, as it can also be a sign of numerous illnesses.
2. **Lethargy and low energy:** Another common symptom of depression in dogs is a distinct lack of energy. While all dogs have their lazy days, a depressed pup may sleep excessively and be difficult to rouse for walks and playtime. They may plod slowly on their walks instead of forging ahead with a wagging tail. Stairs that were once bounded up effortlessly are now met with hesitation. Decreased energy paired with other symptoms like social withdrawal and appetite changes is a good indication that your dog is dealing with more than just the occasional "off" day. However, lethargy can also be a sign of injury or illness, so check with your vet to rule out any medical concerns, especially in an older dog.
3. **Social withdrawal and hiding:** Dogs are social animals who typically want to be near their owners and engage with their environment. A dog who suddenly becomes withdrawn and spends most of the day hiding in their crate or in a quiet corner of the house may be experiencing depression. You may notice that your depressed dog no longer greets you at the door with a wagging tail or seeks out petting and snuggles like they used to. They may stop following you from room to room in order to lie alone. While brief periods of alone time are normal for dogs, hiding and avoiding interaction for most of the day is a definite warning sign.
4. **Disrupted sleep patterns:** Depressed humans often have difficulty sleeping, and the same is true for our canine friends. You may notice that your sad pup is restless at night, pacing or shifting positions frequently instead of settling into a deep sleep. Conversely, other depressed dogs will sleep much more than normal during the day due to their low energy and lethargy. In a [survey of owners](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787820302331) of depressed dogs, over 60% reported changes in their dog‘s sleeping habits. Any major change in your dog‘s sleeping habits is noteworthy. Since pain and discomfort from health issues can also disrupt sleep, it‘s wise to consult your veterinarian if your dog‘s snoozing schedule suddenly shifts.
5. **Loss of interest in favorite activities:** Is your ball-crazy dog suddenly showing no interest in playing fetch? Have they stopped sprinting to the window to bark at squirrels? Losing enthusiasm for favorite pastimes is a common sign your dog is feeling depressed. While some waning of interest in play is normal as dogs get older, a sudden disinterest in toys and games is unusual, especially in younger dogs. A depressed dog will often be apathetic about activities that used to bring them joy, like going for car rides or visiting the dog park.
6. **Excessive vocalization:** While more vocal breeds are naturally prone to barking and whining, an increase in "sad" sounds like whimpering and whining can indicate a dog is depressed, especially when combined with other symptoms. Depressed dogs may bark for attention or pace anxiously while whining. Dr. E‘Lise Christensen, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, notes that "Dogs may vocalize more when depressed, with low-pitched whining or whimpering. However, excessive vocalization can also be caused by things like cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs, so this symptom alone doesn‘t necessarily equal depression. Noting whether the increased whining occurs along with appetite changes, low energy, and loss of interest in play can help determine whether depression is the likely culprit."
7. **Destructive behavior and accidents in the house:** Some depressed dogs will start acting out by destroying things around the home or having accidents inside, even if they are well housetrained. A dog who is feeling stressed and sad may try to soothe themselves by chewing inappropriate items or ripping apart pillows. Accidents can happen because a depressed dog simply doesn‘t have the emotional energy to hold it and wait to go outside. This is more likely if you‘re seeing other signs like hiding, disrupted sleep and loss of appetite. However, unusual urination or defecation can also indicate a medical issue, especially in older dogs, so a vet visit is warranted.

## Biological Changes in Depressed Dogs

Depression in dogs isn‘t just an emotional response — research shows there are biological changes happening as well. A [2018 study](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2018.00272/full) found that dogs displaying signs of depression and anxiety had lower levels of the "feel-good" hormones serotonin and dopamine compared to behaviorally normal dogs.

This suggests that, like humans, dogs may experience a chemical imbalance that contributes to feelings of sadness and listlessness. The study authors note that "Monitoring of serotonin concentrations in serum may facilitate early recognition of developing anxieties."

Other research points to changes in brain activity in depressed dogs. A [pioneering study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4494544/) used fMRI technology to scan the brains of dogs diagnosed with depression. The researchers found reduced activity in several key regions associated with reward-seeking and decision-making compared to normal dogs.

This mirrors findings in humans with depression and suggests that depressed dogs may have difficulty feeling excitement and pleasure from things that used to make them happy. As veterinary neuroscientist Dr. Gregory Berns, a co-author of the study, told _National Geographic_, "Dogs that responded more strongly to the hand signal pointing to the food bowl tended to be the more enthusiastic working dogs…The dogs that didn‘t respond as much had been identified by their handlers as the more shy, cautious dogs."

While more research is needed to fully understand the neurological underpinnings of canine depression, it‘s clear that there‘s more to it than just feeling down in the dumps. Depressed dogs are experiencing measurable changes in their brain and nervous system function, which highlights the importance of getting them help.

## How to Help a Depressed Dog

If your dog is displaying signs of depression, the first step is to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. Your vet can do a thorough physical exam and run any necessary tests to check for health problems that may be contributing to the symptoms. If a medical cause is found, treating the underlying issue often alleviates the depressive symptoms.

If your vet gives your pup a clean bill of health, the next step is to consider what changes may have triggered your dog‘s depression. If there has been a major disruption to their routine, like a move or a new work schedule, try to maintain as much consistency in their feeding, walks, and playtimes as you can. Spend extra time interacting with your dog so they feel secure.

For dogs mourning the loss of an owner or animal companion, it‘s important to be patient and give them time to process their grief. Surround them with love and engage them in favorite activities, but don‘t force interaction if they are not ready. If they remain lethargic, inappetent and withdrawn for more than a couple weeks, talk to your vet about medications that may help them cope.

Increasing exercise and mental stimulation is beneficial for virtually all dogs but can be especially helpful for depressed pups. Aim for at least one or two 30-60 minute walks per day and several shorter play sessions. Some mood-boosting activities to try:

- Nosework games where your dog searches for hidden treats
- Puzzle toys filled with kibble or soft food
- Gentle games of tug or fetch
- Teaching a new trick like "spin" or "play dead"
- A long sniffari walk somewhere with lots of interesting smells
- Playdates with a calm canine buddy
- Swimming or playing in a sprinkler
- Visits to a new park or hiking trail

Consider trying a doggy daycare a few days a week for socialization. In multi-dog homes, some one-on-one time with each pup is important so a depressed dog doesn‘t feel neglected or pushed aside. Make a point to give your sad pup some undivided attention each day, whether it‘s snuggle time on the couch or a special outing to their favorite swimming hole. Reinforce and reward any steps toward their typical personality and enthusiasm.

Here is a sample daily schedule to help a depressed dog feel more engaged:

- 7am: Breakfast served in a puzzle feeder or scattered in the yard for foraging
- 8am: 30 minute walk/explore in a quiet natural area
- 10am: 10 minute training session practicing a new trick
- 12pm: Lunch in a stuffed Kong toy
- 2pm: 15 minute nosework game, hiding treats around the house
- 4pm: 30-60 minute hike, swim, or play session
- 6pm: Dinner in a treat dispensing toy
- 8pm: Gentle brushing or massage
- 9pm: Bedtime in a quiet, cozy sleeping area with a pheromone diffuser

Some alternative therapies to discuss with your vet include:

- Dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) products like Adaptil, which mimic the calming scent of a nursing mother dog
- Calming supplements like Zylkene, Solliquin or Composure
- CBD oil from a veterinary-approved, THC-free source
- Acupuncture or acupressure to help relieve anxiety
- Tellington TTouch body work
- Calming music like Through a Dog‘s Ear

If your dog‘s depression persists despite your best efforts to help, talk to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications that may give them the boost they need to start feeling better. While most owners prefer to try natural solutions first, there is no shame in using science-backed medications when a dog is truly struggling.

I have seen many dogs make remarkable turnarounds once we found the right combination of environmental changes and pharmacological support. As veterinary behaviorist Dr. Jennifer Summerfield writes in her book _Train Your Dog Now_, "Antidepressants can be a powerful tool for treating dogs with depression, especially when used in combination with behavior modification. Many of my clients are amazed at the difference in their dog‘s mood and behavior after starting an antidepressant."

When my own Border Collie, Luna, went through a serious depression after losing her "sister" to cancer, medication was a lifesaver. While I made sure to keep up her exercise and enrichment, what ultimately pulled Luna out of the darkness was a course of Prozac prescribed by her vet. Within a few weeks, she was back to her sprightly, treat-loving self. It just goes to show that sometimes our dogs need more than extra love and attention to beat the black dog of depression.

The most important thing to remember is that patience and consistency are key when helping a depressed dog. Their sadness likely took time to develop and it will take time to resolve. Stick to a regular schedule of exercise, playtime and quiet bonding. Shower them with affection and praise when they show interest in toys or food.

Most importantly, don‘t neglect your own mental health while caring for a depressed dog. It can be emotionally taxing to support a pet through tough times, so make sure to carve out time for your own self-care and don‘t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or a veterinary professional.

With a solid treatment plan and a whole lot of TLC, the clouds will eventually part and you will have your happy, tail-wagging best friend back again. As a wise dog lover once said, "It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and as loving as they are."

By helping our dogs through depression, we become better versions of ourselves — more patient, more empathetic, and more appreciative of the precious time we have with them. The journey may be heartbreaking at times, but the reward of seeing our beloved companions thrive again is more than worth it.

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Source: [Signs Your Dog is Stressed, Depressed or Sad: A Vet‘s Guide](https://33rdsquare.com/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-depressed-or-sad-a-vets-guide/)