How to Tell if Your Dog Is Depressed

Co-authored by Jaimie Scott

Last Updated: April 11, 2024 Approved

Dogs can suffer from depression, just like humans. This depression usually comes about as a result of a change in routine, such as the loss of a companion, moving house or a new addition to the household. It manifests itself both through behavioral changes such as loss of energy, pacing, and lack of appetite, and through changes in body language like a drooping tail and ears. It is important that owners recognize the signs of canine depression, so that they can take steps to improve their dogs’ mental health.

Some advice from veterinarian, Pippa Elliott MRCVS: "Dogs do get depressed, for sure. However, never jump to conclusions. If your dog is acting out of character, first rule out a health problem by a trip to the vet, before assuming the problem is low mood."

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Identifying Changes in Behavior

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1
Think about whether your dog has become withdrawn. Most healthy, happy dogs are highly sociable creatures. If your dog is not greeting you as excitedly when you come home – less of a tail wag, less energy and movement – or loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, they may be depressed.
- Instead of running to the door to greet visitors, a depressed dog may slink away and find an out-of-the-way corner to curl up and go to sleep.
- Be particularly concerned if your dog hides from you. Dogs that hide are usually injured, sick, or depressed. ^{[1]
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- On the other hand, depressed dogs sometimes follow their owners around everywhere they go, yet show no desire to interact.
2
Look for a change from active to inactive. Happy dogs have seemingly endless energy. For every mile you walk, he goes four – out-and-back, and out-and-back again. They nag you to throw the ball repeatedly, and your arm grows tired before their enthusiasm runs out.
- However, when depressed, your dog no longer pricks their ears up when you get their lead, and instead of charging off across the park, they trudge head-down at your heel. When you stop to talk to friends, they may sit, or even lie down.
- This change from active and energetic to inactive and lethargic may indicate depression. ^{[2]
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If your dog wanders from room to room and can’t find a place to settle down, they may be depressed.
All dogs sleep a lot, particularly when their owners are gone. However, you should be concerned if your dog continues sleeping when you get home, or if they stay curled up instead of coming to the window or door for things that once attracted them, like the mail carrier or a passing dog. ^{[3]
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5
Note changes in your dog’s diet. Most dogs will eat less and lose weight when depressed. On the other hand, just like humans, some dogs may eat more as a form of comfort. ^{[4]
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Research source} Watch for:
- Refusing treats that they once loved.
- Weight gain or weight loss.
Tearing up shoes or chewing on walls, books, furniture, or pillows are often signs of lack of exercise, which may lead to depression. Depressed dogs may also be more prone to have accidents in the house. Try not to be angry. Take them out more to ensure they have plenty of time to pee or poop outdoors.
If your dog begins to growl, snap, or otherwise act aggressively when you try to interact with them, this may be a sign of depression. ^{[5]
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Part 2

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Observing Your Dog's Body Language

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1
Pay attention to your dog’s eyes. Dogs squint, making their eyes appear smaller, when they are in pain, stressed, or depressed. ^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source} Depressed dogs may also be reluctant to make eye contact with anybody, even you.
- Of course, some dogs have "sad" eyes at the best of times, due to naturally droopy eyelids rather than depression, so exercise a little common sense when interpreting sad eyes as a sign of depression.
Depressed dogs tend to display a lack of responsive ear movements to noises going on around them. For example, your dog may fail to prick up their ears at the sound of things that normally interest them, such as you calling their name, or their collar and lead being fetched prior to a walk.
Licking or chewing their paws is a comfort mechanism for dogs, and can be a sign of depression. ^{[7]
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Depressed dogs tend to keep their heads lowered when standing or sitting. When lying down your dog prefers to rest their chin on the ground, and rarely raises their head in response to activity going on around them.
When a dog is depressed, the tail is held down or between the legs and doesn't wag as readily. When you encourage your dog to wag his tail, the motion is subdued and half-hearted. ^{[8]
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Depressed dogs tend to stand in a passive way, with their heads down and tails lowered, barely reacting to encouragement. Your dog may give the impression of feeling sluggish, and will lack interest in what's going on around them.
When dogs are stressed, they tend to shed much more heavily. ^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source} If you pet your dog and your hand comes away covered in hair, or if you are suddenly having to vacuum much more often, your dog may be depressed.

Part 3

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Knowing What to Do Next

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If your dog is behaving in an unusual manner, it is wise to get them checked out by a vet. There is often a cross over in symptoms between depression and sickness, and it is not always easy to tell the difference because both sick and depressed dogs tend to be off their food, and are reluctant to exercise. ^{[10]
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2
Understand what may have triggered the depression. A healthy dog is unlikely to become depressed for no reason, therefore it is helpful to know if a recent event has impacted your dog's mental well-being. Dogs are routine driven, so the most common trigger for canine depression is a change of routine. Changes in routine that can trigger depression may include:
- Stress: In doggy terms stress includes anything that stops him from getting the attention he is used to.
- A stay-at-home owner who now goes out to work.
- A new baby, or puppy, in the household.
- The sudden loss of a companion (human or canine).
- Moving house.
- Being re-homed.
- Major building work or renovations in the home.
3
Spend more time with your dog. Go for more walks, play games your dog likes (fetch, tug-of-war), try a canine sport like agility, train your dog to do tricks, head to the dog park. When you watch TV, sit on the floor at your dog’s level instead of in a chair. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is fun for both you and your dog. Spending enjoyable time with you is the best way to help your dog overcome his depression.
- Dogs that don't get enough exercise and playtime are more prone to getting excited and anxious. ^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jaimie Scott
  Dog Owner Trainer
  
  Expert Interview. 16 June 2020.}
If your dog has recently lost a canine companion, consider getting a new one. If your dog is home alone for long hours, try daycare a few days a week or having a walker come by. Also plan trips to the park so that your dog can socialize. ^{[12]
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Reward your dog's positive behaviors. ^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Jaimie Scott
Dog Owner Trainer

Expert Interview. 16 June 2020.} The mistake many owners make when dealing with a depressed dog is that they fuss over them when the dog is behaving abnormally.
- For example, if you make a fuss out of your dog when they don't eat, you inadvertently send them the message that they are doing a clever thing by not eating.
- A much better way of handling the situation is to put the food bowl down and ignore the dog until they decide to eat. Then once they take a mouthful, heap them with praise.
- This reinforces positive rather than negative behaviors and will help to lift your dog from their depression.
Try to keep a depressed dog in their regular routine, since this helps them feel secure, and reassures them that all is well with the world.
It is possible that your dog has a chemical imbalance and may need drugs like Prozac, as well as a behavioral modification program, to overcome their depression.

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My dog will not wag his tail when I come home from work, won't eat and snaps at me if I stroke him. Is this depression?

Community Answer

Possibly. I would call your local vet or dog trainer for advice about this. Try a different brand of dog food and entice him to eat it.

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My dog gets mad or growls when I pet her. Is this a sign of depression?

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It actually sounds like she might be in pain. Perhaps you're touching her somewhere it hurts or she's afraid you'll touch a spot that is sensitive. I recommend taking your dog to the vet to get checked out.

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Is it possible for a dog to die from depression?

Catherine

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No, however I would take it to the vet if I were you. If you already have then just go along with what the vet says.

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When looking for signs of depression in your dog, keep their usual body language and habits in mind. A dog who is usually submissive may not get up to greet strangers, so this behavior is not out of the ordinary for them and should not be a cause for concern. On the other hand a generally outgoing and sociable dog that refuses to get up could well be depressed.

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A canine that is depressed while you are home is not a good sign. Lack of attention, walks, leaving them alone in the yard may suggest you don't know what's in their best interest. Canines are pack animals; leaving them alone for days, weeks, months, a lifetime alone, could be considered abusive.

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Being leashed, penned up or otherwise restrained in our urban or suburban lives causes at least some stress.

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How to Tell if Your Dog Is Depressed

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Identifying Changes in Behavior

Observing Your Dog's Body Language

Knowing What to Do Next

Community Q&A

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