Do dogs get sad? How to help your downhearted dog

Updated 19/09/2023

Sad dogs: possibly the worst combination of words in the entire English language. 

No pet parent likes to think of their precious pup feeling down in the dumps, but sadly, it can happen.

While dogs do feel sadness, it can be hard to spot if you’ve got a dispirited doggo on your hands - after all, dogs are masters at keeping their true emotions and feelings under wraps. So often, it’s down to us - pet parents and pet sitters alike - to uncover the source of our canine’s woes, and know how to help them get back on their paws…

Do dogs cry? Can dogs get depressed?

While our pups can feel a range of dog emotions, the simplest answer to the question is that: no, dogs don't cry from sadness or emotion.

For us mortals, our sadness or depression may develop due to deep, complex, or psychological reasons. But for our canine pals, it tends to be caused by something in particular - for example, a change in environment, loneliness, or even grief. 

So, while we humans may cry when we're feeling down (or watching a particularly teary movie - guilty), your dog isn’t likely to start bawling simply because they've got the blues. 

Signs of depression in dogs

It’s not always as easy to tell if a dog is feeling sad or depressed. Other than simple pet parent intuition, there are a few tell-tale signs that your melancholy mate is suffering from a case of the blues.

The most common signs of depression in dogs include: 

• Whimpering, whining, or barking more than usual 
• Lethargy and loss of interest in walks and exercise 
• Generally being disinterested in things they usually enjoy
• Decreased appetite 
• Acting clingy or needing 
• Changes in sleeping pattern, or sleeping more often 
• Aggressive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior 
• Going to the bathroom inside the home 
  

It’s worth noting that these can all be signs of other illnesses or medical conditions - not just sadness. So, if your pup is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s best to take them to the vet to rule out anything underlying. 

Causes of depression in dogs

The first step in helping your sad dog get back on his paws is knowing what’s causing their sadness. Here’s a list of some of the most common reasons your dog might be feeling blue: 

Grief

Do dogs get sad when another dog dies? Yes, dogs can experience grief for those they've lost.

If, all of a sudden, your dog’s favorite playmate or much-loved family member is no longer around, it can cause both sadness and confusion. Have you recently lost another pet, or has a member of the family recently moved out of the home? If so, it could be a contributing factor to your pup's sadness.  

Loneliness

Dogs are super social, so it makes sense that feeling lonely would cause them to feel down. If you have recently lost another pet or if you’ve not been around as much, it’s likely your dog may be feeling lonely. Boredom and lack of stimulation is a huge driver of depression and other behavioral problems, especially in particularly clever and active dogs.

Change in environment

Dogs - and most other animals - are incredibly bonded to their home and their usual routines. A change in your doggo's routine or environment - for example, having to board them in a kennel while you go on vacation - can lead to your dog feeling sad, unsettled, and could affect their usual happy-go-lucky demeanour. These changes can also be seen if new family members appear – such as a new pet or a new baby.

Luckily, there are dog sitters who can step in and help with that, and keep your pooch on home turf.

Fear

This one speaks for itself - if your dog feels afraid or anxious or is exposed to a phobia, they’re likely to feel sad or act out in ways they wouldn’t normally, such as refusing their favorite treat or a game of fetch. 

If they are feeling threatened, they may even show signs of aggressive behavior. Fearful dogs are more likely to lash out.

Illness or injury

Do you feel down when you're under the weather or in discomfort and pain? You can bet your pooch does too.

If your dog is battling a health problem, especially a painful condition, it's likely they'll be feeling sad or showing signs of depression. Likewise, if your dog has recently had surgery, they may be feeling fragile or isolated, particularly if they have been crated or separated from your other pets while they heal. 

Remember, depression can also be a tell-tale sign that something else is up with your pup, such as an underlying medical condition. So, it's important to visit a vet or animal behaviorist as soon as your dog starts behaving out of sorts.

What to do if your dog is depressed

Our dogs never fail to brighten up our day - so how can we do the same for them in return? Luckily, sadness in dogs doesn't tend to be long-term. That said, if your dog seems blue for a few days on end, or if there are any major changes in their behavior (think appetite, bathroom habits, temperament), then your first port of call should be a trip to the vets. It’s important to rule out health conditions and pain as early as possible.

If your dog just seems a bit low, however, you may be able to brighten their mood by doing something fun together. Exercise and stimulation can be great for your doggo’s mental health, so why not go for an extra long or extra special walk together? You could also try arranging for a doggy playdate (if appropriate), playing with them some more, or dishing up their favorite dinner as a special treat. Toys and pheromone sprays can also help improve mood. Reward your dog when they seem happy and keep engaging them in the things that make them happy.

While it can be tempting to coddle your canine when they're feeling blue, try not to over-comfort them. I know - seems counterproductive, right? But studies show that this can actually reinforce your pup's sadness. So, it's best to not change your approach too much, and to keep item in their normal routine.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.