Is Your Dog Depressed? The Warning Signs Every Owner Must See
Tanisha Kumari | Sep 11, 2025, 10:25 IST
Dog Depression
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Highlight of the story: Learn the real warning signs of dog depression that many owners miss. Find out why your dog may stop eating, lose interest in play, or sleep more than usual. Simple tips and expert advice will help you understand dog depression signs and bring back happiness to your furry friend.
Dogs are often full of joy, energy and love and they greet us with wagging tails and excited eyes but sometimes a dog may not act like its happy self. Just like humans, dogs can also feel low and even slip into depression.
This sadness is often perceived by many owners as laziness or stubbornness and failing to take note of the upheaval can exacerbate the problem. Dogs don't have the ability to articulate what they are feeling so it is imperative that we are observant for the signs of what might be wrong with their behavior, as this is the only way a dog can communicate a problem to their person. All pet parent wants their dog to live a happy and balanced life.
Common Signs Your Dog May Be Depressed
Another clear warning is a change in sleep habits as depressed dogs may sleep much more than usual or may seem restless even after resting. You may notice your dog spending more time alone in corners or hidden places around the house.
Appetite is also a good indicator as just as people some dogs lose interest in food when they are feeling low. Others may eat much more than before. Any sudden change in how much your dog eats or drinks should catch your attention.
When a dog feels low inside, the body often shows it on the outside. You may see weight loss or weight gain due to changes in eating habits. The coat of your dog may become dull because they stop grooming themselves properly.
Depressed dogs also move differently. Some may walk slowly with their heads down and others may avoid eye contact or stop greeting their owners at the door. These little signs are easy to miss but they tell a bigger story and even health problems like stomach upsets or frequent sickness can sometimes be linked to emotional stress. If the vet rules out medical reasons then the cause may be sadness or emotional pain that your dog is struggling with.
Why Do Dogs Get Depressed
A common cause in many homes is loneliness. Dogs are social animals and they may feel sad when left alone for long hours. Without attention and play their minds get tired and sad.
Sometimes, the loss of a companion whether human or another pet can trigger deep sadness. Dogs grieve just like we do so they may miss someone so much that their daily life feels empty and dull.
Helping a Dog Out of Depression
The good news is that dogs can bounce back from depression with the right care and spending more time with them is the first step. Adding small joys to daily life also helps. A new toy, a different walking route or a play date with another dog can lift their mood and even short moments of fun can bring life back into their eyes.
If nothing changes after weeks of care visiting a vet is important as sometimes depression links with pain or hidden illness. The vet can check health and may suggest therapy, behavior tips or even safe medicines.
Bond Between Humans and Dogs
Spending mindful time together builds stronger trust. Gentle touch, calm words and steady routines work wonders. And these easy little things not only save a dog in need but it will also strengthen the unique bond you have with each other. Dogs look at their families as their whole world. When that world feels stable and filled with love then they thrive. Depression in dogs is real and should not be ignored as the signs are often small at first but they grow if left unchecked. Not eating, not playing and losing energy are all warning calls every pet owner must take seriously.
Patience and care are the best ways to handle dog depression. A break in the routine, having a bit more time together and professional help if required can restore the joy in your furry friend and remember your dog is reliant on you to see the subtle signs of sadness and to help them back to happiness.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What breeds are most prone to suffer depression?
Border Collies, Huskies and German Shepherd are some dog breeds most prone to suffer through depression.Do happier dogs live longer?
Dogs with a happier and healthier lifestyle live longer than others.Will your dog feel betrayed if you get another dog?
Dogs do feel jealous if you start giving attention to another dog.
This sadness is often perceived by many owners as laziness or stubbornness and failing to take note of the upheaval can exacerbate the problem. Dogs don't have the ability to articulate what they are feeling so it is imperative that we are observant for the signs of what might be wrong with their behavior, as this is the only way a dog can communicate a problem to their person. All pet parent wants their dog to live a happy and balanced life.
Common Signs Your Dog May Be Depressed
common signs
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Another clear warning is a change in sleep habits as depressed dogs may sleep much more than usual or may seem restless even after resting. You may notice your dog spending more time alone in corners or hidden places around the house.
Appetite is also a good indicator as just as people some dogs lose interest in food when they are feeling low. Others may eat much more than before. Any sudden change in how much your dog eats or drinks should catch your attention.
Physical Changes Linked to Dog Depression
Depressed dogs also move differently. Some may walk slowly with their heads down and others may avoid eye contact or stop greeting their owners at the door. These little signs are easy to miss but they tell a bigger story and even health problems like stomach upsets or frequent sickness can sometimes be linked to emotional stress. If the vet rules out medical reasons then the cause may be sadness or emotional pain that your dog is struggling with.
Why Do Dogs Get Depressed
Reasons
( Image credit : Unsplash )
A common cause in many homes is loneliness. Dogs are social animals and they may feel sad when left alone for long hours. Without attention and play their minds get tired and sad.
Sometimes, the loss of a companion whether human or another pet can trigger deep sadness. Dogs grieve just like we do so they may miss someone so much that their daily life feels empty and dull.
Helping a Dog Out of Depression
If nothing changes after weeks of care visiting a vet is important as sometimes depression links with pain or hidden illness. The vet can check health and may suggest therapy, behavior tips or even safe medicines.
Bond Between Humans and Dogs
Bond between pet and human
( Image credit : Pexels )
Spending mindful time together builds stronger trust. Gentle touch, calm words and steady routines work wonders. And these easy little things not only save a dog in need but it will also strengthen the unique bond you have with each other. Dogs look at their families as their whole world. When that world feels stable and filled with love then they thrive. Depression in dogs is real and should not be ignored as the signs are often small at first but they grow if left unchecked. Not eating, not playing and losing energy are all warning calls every pet owner must take seriously.
Patience and care are the best ways to handle dog depression. A break in the routine, having a bit more time together and professional help if required can restore the joy in your furry friend and remember your dog is reliant on you to see the subtle signs of sadness and to help them back to happiness.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What breeds are most prone to suffer depression?
Border Collies, Huskies and German Shepherd are some dog breeds most prone to suffer through depression.Do happier dogs live longer?
Dogs with a happier and healthier lifestyle live longer than others.Will your dog feel betrayed if you get another dog?
Dogs do feel jealous if you start giving attention to another dog.