The Surprising (& Not So Surprising) Reasons Your Dog is Depressed

Even the happiest pup can get the blues. Dogs may be a separate species, but they still experience emotions. These emotions may be different from the human variety, but a dog’s feelings, when dysregulated, can lead to mental health problems akin to depression.

Dogs show a range of symptoms related to depression. Unlike humans, however, dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong. Another problem is that depression in dogs manifests similarly to underlying medical conditions, such as chronic pain. Are you worried that your dog is in a state of melancholy or unsure what’s causing their funk? Let’s explore the tell-tale signs that your dog is depressed.

Common Signs of Depression in Dogs

When dogs are depressed, their behavior will change, but it’s hard to say exactly how. However, if your dog’s behavior seems unusual or abnormal, this may be a sign. Some dogs get more withdrawn when they are depressed. Others become more clingy, exhibiting needy behavior at an increased rate.

If your dog is withdrawing from normal activities that they previously enjoyed, they might be depressed. Other things to keep an eye out for include decreased appetite, lethargic behavior, and changes in body language around humans or other pets. Dogs that normally love to play fetch, for example, may refuse the activity if they are feeling depressed. Overall, a depressed dog will withdraw from activities, lack energy, and seem like a shell of their former self.

Common Causes of Depression

Much like humans, dog depression can be triggered by various reasons. Sometimes, it’s obvious. Other times, however, the triggers are more subtle, nebulous, and context-dependent. There may even be a list of factors that build up your dog’s depression over time.

Experts believe that dog depression usually springs from a specific event. This could be the loss of a friend, an owner, or even a lifestyle change. Dogs are social animals and may show signs of distress when losing a member of their social group, which can affect their behavior and well-being.

Other triggers for dog depression include chronic pain, grief, trauma from injury or abuse, social isolation, and a lack of physical or mental stimulation. Environmental changes can also throw your pup’s mental state out of equilibrium. Big changes like moving, rehoming, the addition of a new baby or pet to the household, and even kids going back to school can throw your dog’s mindstate out of whack.

Dogs rescued from difficult circumstances like hoarding, abuse, or kennels may exhibit signs of depression or anxiety, but the severity can vary depending on the individual dog and their experiences. That said, even dogs with healthy homes and lifestyles with ample activity can still exhibit signs of depression.

Treating Dog Depression

Fear not, dear reader! Dogs are incredibly resilient creatures and respond well to positive reinforcement. For depressed dogs, especially ones dealing with big lifestyle changes, a little bit of love goes a long way. Strategies like spending more time with your dog, giving them extra affection or grooming, or providing stimulating enrichment can turn a depressed pup into a happy one rather quickly.

For dogs with more severe cases of depression, experts recommend professional behavioral guidance. If that fails to help, vets will likely prescribe medication to dogs. This may seem like a last resort, but certain medications can help bring unhappy dogs back into the light. Ultimately, the best remedy for dog depression, including severe cases, is a combination of environmental management, behavioral modification, and medication.