How to tell if your dog is depressed?

Dogs cannot tell us in words when they feel low. As a clinician who evaluates behavior, I see how early recognition of depressive-like states can change outcomes: owners who notice subtle shifts can get medical causes treated sooner, reduce unnecessary punishment, and rebuild routines that restore a dog’s normal energy and interest. Knowing what to watch for protects welfare, strengthens your relationship, and gives you a clear path to act when your dog stops behaving like themselves.

How your dog’s mood affects their health and your bond

People bring dogs into family roles that vary widely—companion, working partner, therapy animal—and changes in a dog’s mood affect those roles. A dog that withdraws may stop greeting family members, decline working cues, or fail to engage with children. I typically see older dogs whose mobility limits activity and younger dogs who are overwhelmed by household change; both can show similar “low” behavior for very different reasons.

Recognizing depression-like behavior matters because it is a signal, not a personality judgment. Owners who act early can prevent escalation: restoring exercise, treating pain, or changing the environment often returns a dog to normal function. The emotional payoff is practical—less stress in the home—and relational: dogs that receive timely care tend to reconnect faster and show more trust.

Breed tendencies, age, and household role shape what “low mood” looks like. A high-drive herding dog that suddenly avoids walks is a different alarm from an elderly small-breed that sleeps more; both deserve attention, but the likely causes and solutions differ. Keep your dog’s baseline—usual energy, appetite, social habits—in mind when evaluating any change.

Fast checklist: Six signs your dog may be depressed

1. Look for these red flags right now: marked loss of interest in people or favorite toys, persistent lethargy beyond a day or two, changes in appetite or elimination, and unusual withdrawal or clinginess that is new.
2. One-minute check—three quick observations to help decide if you need action: is the dog eager for food (smell/taste response), readily motivated to move (stand or walk when called), and showing interest in a favored interaction (tail wag, eye contact, play posture)? If two or more of these fail, schedule a veterinary check.
3. Seek immediate veterinary advice if you see sudden collapse, inability to stand, severe refusal to eat or drink, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, self-injury, sudden aggression, or signs of disorientation. These may be medical emergencies that can look like depression.

What causes canine depression and how it shows up

Depressive-like states in dogs are not a single disease but an observable pattern of behavior likely linked to several biological and psychological processes. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play roles in motivation and reward in many species, and alterations in those systems may contribute to reduced interest or activity. Stress hormones like cortisol are also likely involved when a dog faces chronic stressors.

Behavioral withdrawal can be adaptive. In the wild, animals reduce activity when injured or when social circumstances change, conserving energy and avoiding further risk. In a home, that same withdrawal can look like sadness. The behavior is communicating reduced capacity or a need for change rather than a moral failing.

Pain, illness, and sensory loss frequently interact with mood. A dog that can no longer hear or see as well may appear less responsive and more withdrawn. Dental pain, arthritis, thyroid disorders, and gastrointestinal disease can all blunt appetite and activity, so “sadness” often coexists with an underlying medical problem that needs ruling out first.

When depression often appears: triggers, life stages and stressors

Major life events are common triggers. Many dogs become withdrawn after a household move, the arrival of a new baby, a change in caregiver, or the loss of a household member (human or animal). The timing often helps: a fairly sudden change in behavior within days to weeks of the event suggests a situational trigger.

Reduced stimulation is another frequent cause. Dogs that move from a busy household to long periods alone, or that lose regular walks and play, may slowly disengage. I see this in dogs whose owners start working longer hours, after surgery when exercise is restricted, or during prolonged confinement. The decline can be gradual, so keep a calendar of activity changes to spot patterns.

Chronic stressors such as unpredictable schedules, repeated punishment, or ongoing social tension at home can erode resilience and produce low mood over weeks to months. Seasonal changes and disruptions to routine—like long winters that limit outdoor time—may also reduce activity and social interaction, increasing the risk that a dog appears depressed.

Medical red flags—signs that need a vet visit now

Some signs require urgent medical assessment because they may reflect serious illness rather than—or in addition to—low mood. Sudden, marked loss of appetite, severe lethargy, collapse, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea, and difficulty breathing call for immediate veterinary attention.

Self-injury (excessive licking to the point of sores), abrupt aggressive outbursts, sudden disorientation, or changes in coordination suggest neurological or severe pain causes. A rapid deterioration in general appearance—weight loss, matted coat, visible pain when touched—also points toward a medical problem that can masquerade as depression.

When in doubt, treat severe or quick-onset changes as medical. A simple blood panel, pain check, or imaging often rules out treatable causes and prevents delay in appropriate care.

First moves: what owners should do right away

Start by documenting what you see. Note when the change began, what else changed in the household, the dog’s appetite and elimination, any new medications or exposures, and short video clips of the behavior. I find short videos extremely helpful when owners and vets discuss the problem.

Schedule a veterinary exam to rule out pain, metabolic disease, neurological problems, and other medical causes. Mention behavior changes specifically—saying “my dog seems depressed” is less useful than “my dog has stopped eating, sleeps all day, and no longer wants to play.”

While waiting for a vet visit, restore predictable parts of the dog’s routine. Offer short, low-stress walks; consistent meal times; and short, easy enrichment (scent games, puzzle feeders). Predictability is calming. Avoid scolding or punishment for lethargy; that typically increases anxiety and may worsen withdrawal.

Monitor for response. Small, planned increases in activity and interaction over several days may lead to measurable improvement if the issue is situational. Lack of improvement after a few days or any worsening should prompt faster veterinary follow-up or a behavior consult.

Improve their world: routine, environment and training strategies

Long-term recovery often combines environmental enrichment, predictable exercise, and positive-reinforcement training. Create a daily plan with short, structured activities. Aim for multiple brief exercise sessions rather than one long outing if the dog is low-energy; success builds motivation.

Enrichment should appeal to senses and natural behaviors. Scent work—hiding treats for the dog to find—engages the brain without high physical demand. Puzzle feeders slow eating and provide problem-solving rewards. Rotate toys so novelty remains and keep sessions short, positive, and manageable to avoid frustration.

Use positive-reinforcement training to rebuild confidence. Start with very easy, well-known cues and reward even small attempts. Gradual desensitization to stressful triggers (new people, noises, or situations) with paired rewards helps dogs relearn that those events are safe. If anxiety is prominent, work with a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist to design a stepwise program that avoids overwhelming the dog.

Helpful gear and products—what works and what’s safe

Choose tools that support enrichment and comfort without replacing professional care. Interactive puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can extend meal time and stimulate engagement. Use chew toys appropriate to your dog’s size and chewing style to prevent swallowing hazards.

Calming pheromone diffusers or sprays (dog-appeasing pheromone) and anxiety wraps may provide short-term relief for some dogs; check with your veterinarian before use, especially if the dog is pregnant, nursing, or on medication. A secure, well-fitting harness for walks increases owner confidence and allows safer, more frequent outings than a collar alone when joint pain or weakness is present.

Avoid unproven supplements without veterinary guidance; some products interact with medications or have variable quality. Gear is a tool, not a cure—combine it with medical evaluation and behavior modification for best results.

If things don’t improve: escalation, treatments and specialist care

If targeted changes—restoring routine, treating medical issues, and adding enrichment—do not produce steady improvement over a few weeks, seek a veterinary behaviorist (a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, DACVB) or an experienced, certified trainer. I often refer when the problem is persistent, when there is severe anxiety or aggression, or when medication may be needed to allow behavior therapy to work.

Medications can be helpful when underlying neurochemistry or severe anxiety prevents learning. When they are used, they are most effective paired with environmental change and training. A specialist can advise on options, dosing, and a plan for tapering once behavior improves.

Finally, remember that age-related cognitive decline may look like depression. If your senior dog shows new confusion, disruption of sleep-wake cycles, house soiling, or repetitive behaviors, discuss cognitive dysfunction with your veterinarian; some interventions can slow progression and improve quality of life.

References and further reading: sources we relied on

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Behavioral Disorders of Dogs—overview and common causes (Merck Vet Manual, Behavioral Disorders)
• AAHA Canine Behavior Guidelines: Canine-Behavioral Management and Treatment Recommendations (American Animal Hospital Association, 2015)
• Overall KL. Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals. 2nd ed., Elsevier, 2013.
• ASPCA Pro: Separation Anxiety and Related Behavior Problems in Dogs—assessment and management approaches (ASPCA Behavioral Medicine Resources)
• Fournier, G., et al. “Pain and Behavior in Dogs: A Clinical Guide.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice—review of pain-mood interactions.