Is your dog depressed? The signs you're probably missing

Dogs experience a wide range of emotions just like us. While they cannot express how they feel with words, they often show signs of sadness and anxiety in subtle ways. These signs can be easy to miss, but learning to spot them can make a big difference to your dog’s wellbeing.

Signs your dog might be feeling low

If you're worried your dog might be feeling low, ask yourself the following:

1. Are they avoiding interaction or spending more time alone?
2. Have they lost interest in things they enjoy?
3. Have you noticed an increase in toilet accidents in the house?
4. Have they started to show signs of restlessness or destructive behaviour?

If you answered yes to some of these questions, your dog might be showing signs of depression. Understanding what is causing these changes in behaviour can help you support them better.

What causes depression in dogs?

Moving homes

Moving homes is stressful for everyone and dogs are no exception. While they’re not packing boxes or doing the heavy lifting, they’re sensitive to changes in their environment. New smells, unfamiliar spaces, and disrupted routines can all affect their mood. Try to maintain familiar routines and bring comforting items like their bed or toys to help ease the transition.

Death of an owner or family member

Dogs form deep emotional bonds with the people in their household. When someone in their social group passes away, they can experience grief and emotional distress. You might notice changes in their appetite, sleep patterns, or behaviour. Dogs also pick up on the emotions of those around them. If the household is grieving, your dog might mirror that sadness.

Newborn babies

A newborn baby brings new sounds, smells, and routines, all of which can be overwhelming for a dog. They may feel confused or anxious, especially if they’re used to a quiet home. Preparing your dog in advance can help. Gradually introduce baby-related sounds, maintain their routine as much as possible, and give them plenty of reassurance.

New pet

Introducing a new pet can disrupt your dog’s sense of territory and routine. They may feel jealous, anxious, or unsure about the newcomer. Give your dog time to adjust, ensure they still get one-on-one attention, and introduce the new pet gradually to avoid stress.

Busy human schedules

Busy human schedules can unintentionally affect a dog’s emotional wellbeing. Dogs thrive on connection and routine. If you're suddenly out of the house for longer periods, your dog might experience separation anxiety, often shown through destructive behaviours. It’s important to plan your routine around your dog and help them gradually adjust to spending time alone.

Loud noises

Most dogs hate loud sudden noises, especially around Bonfire Night. Fireworks, thunderstorms, and construction sounds can cause intense fear and anxiety. You might find your dog hiding in unusual places or trembling. Creating a safe, quiet space and using calming techniques can help them feel more secure during noisy events. Take a look at our guide on keeping pets safe on bonfire night.

What should you do if you think your dog is depressed?

Visit the vet

First you should take your dog to the vet to rule out any underlying illnesses. Your vet might complete a full physical exam, blood work and other tests to rule out any problems with your dog’s physical health. If you are with Co-op Pet Insurance, you can speak to a vet anytime with unlimited 24/7 video calls through FirstVet.

Lifestyle changes

If your dog’s physical health is in good shape, your vet might recommend that you make some lifestyle changes for your dog. This might include taking your dog on longer walks and playing games such as fetch or puzzle toys to help stimulate your dog’s mind and improve their overall mood.

Visit an animal behaviourist

If you find that your dog’s behaviour does not improve with the lifestyle changes, your vet might recommend meeting with an animal behaviourist to understand the root cause of the problem.

In summary

In most cases, a few simple lifestyle changes should drastically improve your dog’s mood and behaviour. With the right help and support, your dog should get back to feeling like themselves: happy, playful, and full of life.