Vet‑Approved Guide to Dog Depression in 2025 🐶❤️

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Is your furry friend acting down? 😔 Like humans, dogs can experience depression—often triggered by boredom, loss, changes, or unseen health issues. As a veterinarian, I’ll guide you through vet-approved ways to recognize and treat canine depression, helping your companion thrive again. 🌈

🔍 How Dogs Show Depression

• Withdrawal or low energy: Less interest in walks, play, or family time.
• Changes in sleep: Excessive sleeping or insomnia.
• Appetite shifts: Eating less—or more—than usual.
• House accidents: Forgetting bathroom habits.
• Pacing, hiding, whining: Signs of restlessness or low mood.
• Sudden aggression: Uneasy behavior or chewing.

⚠️ Possible Triggers

• Loss of a family member or pet.
• Routine disruptions—moving homes, new family, schedule changes.
• Boredom from lack of mental or physical activity.
• Underlying pain or illness—always ruled out first.
• Seasonal changes: winter blues or SAD-like symptoms.
• Owner depression—dogs mirror our emotions.

🩺 Vet Diagnosis Steps

There’s no simple test for depression, but vets can:

• Conduct a full physical exam + lab tests to rule out illness.
• Ask about behavioural changes and life events.
• Refer to a veterinary behaviorist if needed.

⚙️ Vet-Approved Treatment Plan

1. Treat Underlying Medical Issues

Arthritis, dental issues, thyroid disease, or infection can mimic depression. Treating these often restores mood.

2. Boost Activity & Enrichment

• Daily walks, fetch, scent games, doggy daycare for mental stimulation.
• Puzzle toys, training sessions, hide-and-seek to engage their brain.

3. Provide a Safe, Predictable Space

Set up a calm area with bedding, toys, low lighting. Maintain routines in feeding and walks to create stability.

4. Behavioral Training

Use desensitization & counter-conditioning to help dogs adjust to triggers or past traumas.

5. Medication When Needed

In persistent or severe cases, vets may prescribe anti-anxiety meds like fluoxetine or similar, alongside training. Treatment can last 6–12 months, under vet supervision.

🛡️ Preventive Measures

• Maintain regular vet check-ups to catch health issues early.
• Keep your dog busy with walks, training, and social time.
• Anticipate stressful changes (holiday, move) and prepare them with slow transitions and vet advice.

📅 What to Expect & When to Get Help

Many dogs improve quickly—within weeks—once stressors or illness are addressed. Chronic illnesses may require ongoing mood support. If symptoms persist despite changes, consult a behaviorist and consider more intensive intervention.

✅ Vet’s Final Tips

1. Rule out medical causes—always the first step.
2. Increase mental and physical engagement wisely.
3. Build a comforting, predictable routine.
4. Introduce training and behavioral therapies.
5. Use medication judiciously, under vet care.

With care and patience, most depressed dogs can bounce back, wagging their tails again! 🐕💛

Need help creating a care plan tailored to your pup’s depression? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for personalized veterinary guidance and support. 📱