Can Dogs Get Depressed?
A big change can leave a dog withdrawn and flat. Most recover with routine, time and attention.
Yes, dogs can get depressed, or at least show behavior that looks a great deal like it. A big change such as losing a companion, a house move or a new routine can leave a dog withdrawn, sleeping more, eating less and losing interest in play. Most recover with time, attention and routine, but a vet should rule out illness first. In an older dog, similar flatness can also point to canine dementia.
Signs of a Depressed Dog
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Sleeping more | Less active and slow to get up |
| Loss of interest | Ignoring toys, walks and favorite games |
| Eating less | Skipping meals or picking at food |
| Withdrawal or clinginess | Hiding away, or shadowing you more than usual |
| Excess licking | Repeatedly licking paws or the same spot |
Common Triggers
What sets it off
- Loss of a human or animal companion
- Moving home or a change in the household
- A new baby or new pet, which can also spark jealousy
- Boredom, isolation or too little exercise
- Picking up on an owner's stress or low mood
How to Help
- Keep a routine. Familiar mealtimes and walks give your dog security.
- Add exercise. More activity lifts mood for dogs just as it does for us.
- Enrich the day. Puzzle toys, sniff walks and training games engage the mind.
- Give calm attention. Be present and positive without forcing interaction.
- Check with your vet. If it lingers, rule out pain or illness and discuss options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a depressed dog?
Common signs include sleeping more than usual, low energy, loss of interest in play and walks, eating less, hiding or clinginess, and sometimes more paw licking. Because these overlap with illness, a change that lasts more than a few days deserves a vet check first.
What causes depression in dogs?
Dogs often react to change: the loss of a person or animal companion, a house move, a new baby or pet, a shift in routine, or long spells of boredom and too little exercise. Dogs are also sensitive to their owner's mood and can pick up on stress at home.
How can I help my depressed dog?
Keep to a familiar routine, boost exercise and play, offer new mental stimulation like puzzle toys, and give calm, positive attention without forcing interaction. Most dogs lift within days to weeks. Reintroduce social time gradually if another pet has died.
When should I take a depressed dog to the vet?
See your vet if the low mood lasts more than a couple of weeks, if your dog stops eating or drinking, or if there are physical signs like vomiting, limping or weight loss. Many conditions that cause pain or fatigue can look like depression, so it is important to rule them out.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
