How to Help Your Depressed Dog: 12 Effective Ways to Bring Back Their Tail Wags

Have you ever looked at your furry friend and thought “My dog seems sad”? It’s heartbreaking to see our canine companions lose their spark. Dogs just like us humans, can experience depression and anxiety. The good news? There are many ways to help them bounce back!

At our veterinary clinic, we see many pups suffering from the doggy blues. If your once-playful pooch is now moping around the house, don’t worry – you’re not alone, and there’s plenty you can do to help.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Depressed: The Warning Signs

Before we jump into solutions, let’s make sure we can recognize the signs. Your dog might be depressed if they show three or more of these symptoms:

Signs of Dog Depression

• Disinterest in play – No longer excited about favorite toys or games
• “Sad” facial expression – Those droopy eyes can tell a story
• Low energy levels – Unusual laziness or lethargy
• Hiding or avoiding you – Seeking isolation instead of company
• Unusual vocalization – Excessive growling, howling, or whimpering
• Sleep changes – Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
• Decreased appetite – Not interested in their favorite treats
• Clingy behavior – Suddenly wanting to be with you constantly

My dog Cooper once showed several of these signs after we moved to a new house He would hide under the bed and barely touched his food for days It was heart-wrenching, but with some patience and the right approach, he eventually adjusted.

What Causes Depression in Dogs?

Dogs thrive on routine and stability. Major life changes or distressing events can have a huge impact on their emotional well-being:

• Death of a family member (human or animal)
• Moving to a new home
• A new baby or pet in the household
• Changes in the family’s work schedule
• Injury or illness
• Boredom and lack of stimulation
• Separation from a loved one

Even seemingly minor changes like rearranging furniture or changing your work schedule can affect sensitive dogs.

12 Effective Ways to Help Your Depressed Dog

1. Visit Your Veterinarian First

This is the most important step! Some symptoms of depression can actually have physical causes that need urgent attention Your vet can rule out medical issues and may recommend treatments including

• Pain management for underlying conditions
• Medications for anxiety or depression if needed
• Specialized nutrition plans

During our visit with Cooper, we discovered he had developed some joint pain that was contributing to his mood change. Treating this made a huge difference in his overall demeanor.

2. Establish a Consistent Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit who benefit enormously from predictability. Try to:

• Feed your pup at the same times every day
• Walk and exercise at consistent times
• Maintain regular play sessions
• Keep bedtime consistent

When we established a strict routine for Cooper after our move, he started to show improvement within days. He began to anticipate our walks and mealtime with more enthusiasm.

3. Increase Physical Activity

Exercise is a natural mood-booster for dogs! It releases endorphins and provides mental stimulation:

• Take longer or more frequent walks
• Play fetch or tug-of-war
• Visit a dog park for socialization
• Try swimming if your dog enjoys water
• Consider hiking on new trails

I noticed that Cooper’s mood always improved dramatically after a good 30-minute play session. The physical activity seemed to reset his emotional state.

4. Provide Mental Stimulation

Bored dogs often become depressed dogs. Challenge their minds with:

• Puzzle toys that dispense treats
• Hide treats around the house for them to find
• Teach new tricks or commands
• Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting
• Try scent games that engage their powerful noses

5. Increase Social Interaction

Dogs are social creatures who thrive on companionship:

• Arrange playdates with other friendly dogs
• Visit dog parks if your dog enjoys socialization
• Consider doggie daycare a few days a week
• Spend more quality time together
• If appropriate, consider adopting another pet

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

When your dog does show happy behaviors, reinforce them immediately:

• Praise enthusiastically
• Offer favorite treats
• Give extra pets and attention
• Use a happy, upbeat tone of voice

This helps create a positive cycle where your dog associates certain behaviors with rewards.

7. Create a Safe, Comfortable Space

Your dog needs a sanctuary where they feel secure:

• Provide a comfortable bed in a quiet area
• Maintain consistent temperature
• Consider a crate with the door open if they find it comforting
• Keep familiar toys and blankets available
• Use calming pheromone diffusers if recommended by your vet

Cooper’s special spot became the corner of our living room with his favorite bed and toys. This seemed to give him security during our transition.

8. Try New Activities Together

Novel experiences can reawaken your dog’s interest in life:

• Take a training class together
• Try dog sports like agility or nose work
• Visit new parks or walking trails
• Set up backyard obstacles for fun challenges

9. Consider Professional Help

Sometimes, our best efforts aren’t enough. Don’t hesitate to seek help from:

• A veterinary behaviorist
• A certified dog trainer with experience in emotional issues
• Animal communication specialists

10. Use Calming Aids When Appropriate

With veterinary approval, consider:

• Thunder shirts or anxiety wraps
• Calming music designed for dogs
• Pheromone diffusers or collars
• CBD products formulated for dogs (only with vet approval)
• Prescription medications if recommended

11. Maintain Your Own Positive Energy

Dogs are incredibly sensitive to our emotions. If you’re stressed or sad, they’ll pick up on it:

• Practice self-care so you can bring positive energy
• Speak in upbeat tones around your dog
• Smile more (yes, they notice!)
• Try to create a peaceful home environment

12. Be Patient and Consistent

Recovery from depression isn’t instant. Some dogs bounce back quickly, while others need more time:

• Don’t give up if improvements are slow
• Maintain consistent approaches
• Celebrate small victories
• Keep a journal to track progress

Special Considerations for Different Causes of Depression

If Your Dog Is Grieving a Loss

• Keep items with the scent of the lost companion
• Maintain as much of your normal routine as possible
• Allow them to investigate the absence in their own way
• Consider a memorial ritual that includes your dog

If Your Dog Is Adjusting to a New Home

• Bring familiar items from your previous home
• Create a safe space right away
• Explore the new environment together
• Maintain feeding and walking schedules

If Your Dog Has a New Family Member

• Ensure your dog still gets one-on-one attention
• Create positive associations with the new family member
• Never force interactions
• Reward calm behavior around the newcomer

When to Worry: Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention

While depression itself isn’t usually an emergency, watch for these concerning signs:

• Complete refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
• Aggressive behavior that’s out of character
• Self-injury or excessive licking/chewing
• Severe lethargy where they won’t move
• Any signs of physical illness alongside depression

If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Our Experience: A Personal Story

When we brought home our second dog, our first pup Bella showed classic signs of depression. She stopped playing with her toys and would sigh heavily while watching the new puppy get attention.

We made sure to give Bella special one-on-one time every day, maintained her walking schedule, and praised her whenever she interacted positively with the new puppy. After about three weeks, she started to perk up. Within two months, they were playing together and seemed genuinely bonded.

The key was patience and making sure Bella didn’t feel replaced. We learned that dogs, like people, sometimes just need time and reassurance during big life changes.

Final Thoughts: Hope for Your Depressed Dog

The good news is that most dogs recover from depression with proper care and attention. By identifying the cause, working with your veterinarian, and implementing these strategies consistently, you can help your four-legged friend find their joy again.

Remember that your dog’s emotional health is just as important as their physical well-being. The effort you put into helping them through difficult times strengthens your bond and improves their quality of life.

Has your dog ever experienced depression? What worked best to help them recover? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!

And if you’re currently dealing with a depressed dog, hang in there. With love, patience, and the right approach, those tail wags will return before you know it.

You can tell a dog is depressed by observing changes in their behavior, such as increased lethargy, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, changes in eating and sleeping habits (like sleeping more or less), social withdrawal, signs of anxiety or aggression, and destructive behaviors. Since depression can also be a sign of physical illness, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Dog depression can be treated with prescription antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), Clomipramine (Clomicalm), Trazodone, Amitriptyline (Elavil), and Sertraline (Zoloft), that are often used off-label under veterinary supervision. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, to help manage symptoms.

The duration of a dog’s depression can vary significantly, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on the cause and treatment. While temporary sadness might resolve within weeks, more complex or chronic underlying issues, like a chronic illness, may require longer-term management and support to improve.