Last Updated: 30/01/2026
Can Dogs Get Depressed
Have you ever wondered if dogs can get depressed? Read more from our vets on how you can help your dog feel better.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Is your pooch down in the dumps? These days most pets are considered to be well and truly part of the family, which means as modern pet parents we are much more closely attuned to their behaviour and affect.
While the jury is still out on whether dogs suffer from true clinical depression in the same way as humans do, we do know that dogs can display behavioural changes consistent with our experience of depression. Because we have to rely on our pooch's behaviour and body language to do the talking, it's difficult to tell without a little detective work whether their behaviour is a result of true depression, or a response to another medical issue.
Causes of Depression in Dogs
Changes to the environment or daily routine such as moving house or a pet parent working longer hours in a new job, along with big life changes such as births, deaths and marriage break ups can cause signs of depression in dogs. Dogs are finely attuned to our body language, tone of voice and emotional state, which means they can also pick up on grief and anxiety in their human family members.
Signs of depression in dogs
- Decreased appetite
- Lack of interest in activities they enjoy (eg. going for a walk)
- Less active
- Sleeping more
- Uncharacteristic signs of aggression
- Loss of housetraining
- Seeming disoriented or lost in familiar places
What to do if You Think Your Dog is Depressed?
Before deciding that your dog is truly depressed, the most important thing is to have them checked out by your vet. Any number of common health issues such as arthritis, kidney disease, ear infections and dental disease can cause symptoms similar to doggy depression, so it it is important to rule these out first.
More quality time
Once you've ruled out any medical issues with the vet, start by focusing on increasing the amount of quality time you spend with your pet. Pick an activity you know they enjoy, whether it is a game of fetch or a walk around the block and try to schedule it in a few times a day if you can. Over time your pooch will start to look forward to these little pockets of enjoyable activities in their day and should start to display more interest and enthusiasm.
Bust boredom with environmental enrichment
Environmental enrichment is all about stimulating your pooch's senses and keeping their mind active during the day when you are unable to interact with them one on one. It can come in many forms including interactive toys, forage feeding and offering opportunities for normal behaviours such as chewing, digging and swimming.
Try to keep things interesting by varying the offerings on a daily basis, rotate through toys regularly and keep you pooch on their toes by hiding them in different places.
Want to know more about environmental enrichment for dogs?Check out Boredom Busters for Dogs
Our Recommended Boredom Busters for Dogs
Supplements and Nutrition for Depressed Dogs
Nourish body and mind
Just as we know nutrition can play a role in managing mental health in humans, it can also make a difference to the mental wellbeing of our pets. Boosting the levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants in the diet can help to protect brain cells foster good neurological function. There is also some evidence to suggest that supplements containing the serotonin precursor, tryptophan, can also help to improve nervous health. Most importantly, to support general health and wellbeing, be sure to feed your dog a high quality, complete and balanced diet which is as specific as possible to their lifestage and breed stage.
Nutrition
Nutrition for mental function is particularly important in the case of senior dogs; research has shown that as dogs age, their brains become less efficient at utilising glucose as an energy source which in turn causes signs of cognitive decline. Feeding a senior diet like Pro Plan Bright Minds, enriched with medium chain triglycerides which can be utilised by the senior canine brain as an alternative energy source, can help bring the spark back to senior dogs.
Diets to Support Mental Function in Senior Dogs
Does my dog need antidepressants?
As dogs tend to show signs of depression in response to changes to their routine and social environment, in most cases antidepressant medications are not required. Increasing the amount of quality time you spend with your dog, along with some environmental enrichment and a good diet should be all that is required. If you pooch seems to get worse or is not perking up after a few weeks, seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Our dogs play such an important role in our lives, for many of us they are our best friends, confidants and emotional support. Taking some time out of your day to spend some one on one quality time with your pooch holds benefits for you as well as them, helping to further forge that special bond only dog parents know.
Articles recommended for you
Our vet authored guide to the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food plus tips and advice for introducing it into their regular menu.
See our guide to protecting your pet from parasites from our vet team.
Thinking of getting a fish? Check out our guide for setting up a tank and home care tips!
Looking to understand horse feeds better? This comprehensive guide covers feeding recommendations for horses of all ages and disciplines.
Does your pet suffer from anxiety? Check out our Vet-guide for treatment options to help your pet.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Fri Jan 30 2026
Edited by Dr Angie Armstrong BVScDr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
