It can be very disheartening when your dog seems down. For humans, depression is a common mental health disorder that can cause prolonged sadness and loss of interest. Talking to a therapist or taking a survey can help you point in the right direction. However, dogs rely on us to advocate for their feelings, which is why talking to a professional is so important.
That’s not to say your dog isn’t sad. While dogs’ emotional responses aren’t as complex as humans’, they can still experience feelings of sadness, confirms Caroline Wilkinson, Certified Animal Behaviorist and Founder at Barket Place. Experts recommend talking to a professional for potential medical or environmental causes for your dog’s sadness first, rather than attributing it to a neurological cause.
Read on to learn how to tell if your dog is sad, potential causes, and ways you can cheer your dog up.
Signs Your Dog Is Sad
A study shows 74% of dogs show signs if they’re experiencing poor mental health. For example, if your dog is sad, they’ll likely display changes in one or more behaviors. According to Wilkinson, these depression-like signs may indicate your dog is sad:
- Destruction: Some dogs show destructive behavior, such as damaging household items, when they’re feeling distressed
- Vocalizations: Dogs use noises to express themselves, so they may bark or howl when feeling upset
- More frequent accidents: If your dog is stressed out or anxious, they may eliminate inside
- Fatigue or low-energy: You may notice your dog sleeping more or withdrawing from play and interactions
- Changes in appetite: When dogs are sad, some will stop eating or eat less than usual
- Weight fluctuation: Your dog may gain weight due to being less active or lose weight due to eating less
- Excessive grooming or scratching: Nibbling, licking, and chewing are stress-relieving behaviors for dogs, but some dogs may go overboard in an attempt to soothe themselves
What Triggers Sadness In Dogs?
Your mood or depression
A dog’s stress level often matches their owner, which can result in them mirroring your mood. In fact, dogs can pick up on depression and anxiety symptoms quite well.
This is a gentle reminder that caring for yourself is also an extension of caring for your dog.
Loss of a friend
A study of 159 dogs who lost an animal companion saw changes in everyday routines. 83% of dogs consumed less food, and 42% showed a change in sleeping patterns after loss.
Just like people, dogs need time to grieve. Provide them with extra comfort and patience as they do so, and they’ll likely feel better within a few months.
Changes in routine
“Many dogs thrive on a routine, as it helps them trust what’s going to happen throughout their day,” explains Wilkinson. “When they have changes in routine, this can cause them to feel unsettled and sad.”
Changes in routine might include a different schedule or moving to a new home. While it can take up to six months for your dog to become comfortable in a new routine, you can help them adjust by offering a safe space to relax and toys they enjoy playing with.
Prolonged isolation or lack of stimulation
“If a dog’s needs aren’t met and they aren’t given stimulation and enrichment, they may start showing signs of sadness,” says Wilkinson. Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time may also show depression-like signs, such as shutting down.
Have you been busier or more stressed than usual lately? Your dog may have noticed and withdrawn as a result. Take some time to walk and play with your dog. If you’re unable to or your dog is home alone for an extended time, consider hiring a dog walker.
Past or recent trauma
“If your dog has had past negative experiences, such as neglect or mishandling, they may be pessimistic about new situations,” says Wilkinson. For example, if your dog was recently in a fight or if they’ve been rehomed several times, they may show signs of sadness.
The key to addressing your dog’s trauma is teaching them they’re safe. Wilkinson explains that you can encourage your dog to feel more optimistic by working with a canine behaviorist. They can share training exercises, like nosework or redirection, which help improve your dog’s emotional responses.
Chronic pain or illness
According to Wilkinson, pain and illness can contribute to a wide range of behavioral responses, from aggression to anxiety and sadness. For example, a dog who’s lost interest in activities or food they usually like could be in pain or feeling unwell.
While an injury or illness may cause your dog to feel sad, a vet visit is still in order to rule out any larger underlying medical issues. After receiving treatment, your dog’s mood should improve once they can return to their normal routine and activities.
Fear
It’s not uncommon for dogs to experience fear, which can lead to sadness, especially if there is repeated or prolonged exposure to fear. Common causes of dog fear include car rides, loud noises, and unfamiliar people or animals.
“Fear responses usually cause a dog to feel anxious and hyper-alert,” says Wilkinson. “However, if your dog feels scared for a long time, they may seem sad until they can rebuild trust.”
To help your dog overcome fear and feel safe, you can offer comfort as needed, avoid forcing them to face their fear(s), and seek professional help from your vet or an animal behaviorist if needed.
Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Better
If your dog is behaving differently because of a routine or emotional change, you can help them feel better within weeks or months, says Dr. Leslie Sinn, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Veterinarian at Behavior Solutions. It’s not common for dogs to experience chronic sadness.
According to Dr. Sinn, these tips can help improve your dog’s mood:
- Spend more quality time with your dog than usual to provide extra comfort
- Engage in activities your dog enjoys, such as walks, playtime, or massages
- Make time for your dog to play with people and animals they get along well with
- Enjoy a new experience together, like learning a new trick or playing with a new toy
- Offer a comfortable space for your dog to relax, especially when you’re away
As your dog improves, stay on top of their health
Dr. Sinn suggests the following to help your dog stay happy and healthy:
- Offer a nutritional diet: Nutrition is an impactful part of your dog’s health, and a balanced diet is essential.
- Maintain good dental health: Your dog’s oral health affects much of their overall well-being. Care for your dog’s teeth with regular brushing and dental exams.
- Prioritize exercise and socialization: While all dogs’ exercise needs vary, walking, training classes, and playing with puzzle toys are simple ways to implement movement and socialization.
- Make regular vet visits: When dogs become sad or depressed, there’s often a medical concern. Regular vet exams can help you monitor your dog’s physical and mental health.
Is It Possible for a Dog to Have Depression?
While humans can be prescribed medication for depression specifically, there aren’t any approved medications for depression or sadness in dogs. Depression isn’t a recognized diagnosis for dogs but challenging situations like trauma, routine changes, and illness can cause dogs to seem depressed, explains Dr. Sinn. Often with a little help and attention, dogs can turn around to become confident and secure in their environment again.
If spending more time establishing a routine or relationship with your dog doesn’t work, depression is still more likely to be an underlying symptom than a cause for your dog’s behavior. That’s why a vet will make sure that medical conditions are ruled out through lab work, a physical examination, and other tests.
