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Dogs feel sadness, too. From loneliness to routine changes, dog healers decode subtle signs a pet may be emotionally struggling.
That quiet stare may mean more than tiredness. Here’s what experts say about dogs’ loneliness deeply (Image-Canva)
“‘Kutte insaan nahi hote hai kya’ (aren’t dogs like humans too)” Rosesh Sarabhai’s iconic line from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai once invited laughter due to its exaggerated sentiment. But in 2026, it feels strikingly relevant.
Dogs may not speak, yet their silence is deeply felt. From subtle behavioural shifts to sudden withdrawal, experts say sadness in dogs appears in quiet and often overlooked ways. This is a reminder that while dogs are not human, their emotions are no less real.
When a dog greets a furry companion with an eager tail wag or gently seeks attention at the end of a long day, it feels instinctive to believe they experience feelings much like humans do. Yet sadness in dogs rarely announces itself; it unfolds slowly through altered routines, muted energy and quieter days that are too often dismissed as laziness or age.
Why Loneliness Hits Dogs The Hardest
Dogs have shared an emotional bond with humans for thousands of years. With modern lifestyles taking the centre stage, leaving dogs alone at home for long hours has become common.
Veterinarians and canine behaviour experts are warning that emotional well-being in dogs deserves as much attention as physical health. While dogs do not experience emotions in the same way humans do, dog healers believe that they can feel emotional lows triggered by loneliness, stress, loss or disruption of routine.
According to Adnaan Khan, Founder and CEO of K9 School and K9 Healers, it is a mistake to dismiss canine sadness as human imagination. “Dogs do not experience depression exactly the way humans do, but they absolutely experience emotional lows,” he explains.
“These are rooted in biology, attachment, routine disruption, and unmet needs. Emotional withdrawal, reduced engagement, and behavioural shutdown are real canine responses, not projection.”
Cry For Attention?
As dogs are pack-oriented mammals, isolation would signal danger, which is why being left alone, especially for long hours, can be deeply distressing. Modern pet parents may unintentionally underestimate how strongly dogs depend on social interaction.
When left alone or without mental stimulation, dogs may begin to display signs of loneliness that gradually turn into sadness. These signs often surface soon after the owner leaves home, but can persist long after they return.
One of the most common early indicators is excessive vocalisation. Barking, whining or howling shortly after an owner leaves is often interpreted as disobedience. Another widely misunderstood sign of emotional distress is destructive behaviour.
Experts note that destructive behaviour can stem from frustration, loneliness or boredom. When dogs feel isolated, negative actions sometimes become the fastest way to receive attention, even if that attention comes in the form of scolding.
“Behaviour is communication,” Khan notes. “When a dog cannot express discomfort verbally, it uses actions. Unfortunately, these actions are often misunderstood.”
When Energy Levels Suddenly Drop
Perhaps the most overlooked sign of sadness is loss of interest in activity. A dog that once raced to the door for walks or eagerly responded to toys may begin sleeping excessively or lying around without engagement.
Lethargy is one of the most confusing symptoms with ageing, but veterinarians caution against ignoring sudden behavioural shifts. If the changes are rapid and not age-related, it may indicate emotional distress. Dogs experiencing sadness or depression often disengage from family life, preferring to remain inactive for long periods.
Appetite Changes Signal Emotional Trouble
Eating habits play a crucial role in revealing emotional imbalance. Sad or distressed dogs may eat less, eat irregularly or refuse food altogether. Some may reject regular dog food but still accept treats or human food, a shift which signals emotional rather than physical discomfort.
Dog healers suggest that appetite changes should never be ignored. Any change in appetite can be a sign of depression, but it can also point towards something else. A veterinary check-up is necessary to rule out medical causes.
In contrast, some dogs may gain weight during periods of sadness, particularly when emotional withdrawal is paired with reduced exercise. Behaviour specialists recommend reviewing calorie intake alongside physical activity to determine whether weight changes are emotional or lifestyle-related.
Separation Anxiety and Prolonged Sadness
Loneliness often escalates into separation anxiety, a condition marked by panic-like behaviour whenever the human leaves. This may include pacing, drooling, destruction, or vocalisation. Even brief absences can feel prolonged to dogs that rely heavily on predictability.
According to Khan, sudden changes are particularly destabilising. “Dogs thrive on predictability. Relocation, routine changes, or prolonged owner absence can create confusion and emotional stress. Dogs don’t process change cognitively like humans; they experience it through stress responses.”
Common Signs Of Canine Depression
- One of the most important signs of depression is fatigue. Depressed dogs often sleep excessively and show little interest in interacting with their family members. While older dogs naturally slow down, sudden withdrawal is cause for concern.
- Another sign is hiding or withdrawing. Dogs may look for unusual places, such as under beds or closed corners, to avoid social interaction. This behaviour reflects a desire to self-soothe or escape from emotions.
- Loss of interest in walks, playtime, or meeting familiar people and dogs also signals emotional decline. Social breeds such as Labradors or Golden Retrievers, known for their enthusiasm, may appear particularly subdued when depressed.
- Excessive paw licking is another subtle signal. While grooming is normal, constant licking can indicate emotional discomfort. Over time, however, it can become a compulsive habit if the underlying stress is not addressed.
The Hidden Influence Of Human Emotions
Dogs are exceptionally sensitive to human emotional states. Khan explains that this sensitivity is deeply biological. “Dogs possess one of the most advanced olfactory systems in the mammalian world. They detect pheromones and biochemical changes released during stress, anxiety, or calmness. Dogs don’t just sense emotions, they smell them.”
This also means that chronic stress within a household can directly influence a dog’s mood. Grief, anxiety or emotional tension experienced by humans can impact dogs even when routines remain unchanged.
A dog’s decision-making is largely guided by smell rather than sight. Emotional data gathered through scent influences behaviour, reactions, and overall well-being.
Differentiating Ageing, Illness, And Sadness
One of the biggest challenges pet parents face is distinguishing emotional sadness from physical decline. Khan advises looking at patterns. “Ageing is gradual. Illness presents physical symptoms. Emotional sadness shows up as behavioural change without a medical cause.”
If veterinary tests rule out physical illness but behavioural changes persist, it is essential to evaluate emotional health, daily routine, stimulation levels, and household dynamics.
Helping Dogs Heal From Emotional Distress
To address canine sadness, it all starts with awareness. Mental stimulation, regular exercise, quality time and predictable routines can significantly improve emotional health. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and socialisation with other dogs help combat loneliness.
For dogs experiencing prolonged sadness or depression, seeking professional guidance from veterinarians, dog healers, trainers, or canine behaviourists may help. Sometimes, small adjustments such as longer walks, structured playtime, or calming environments make a profound difference.
February 03, 2026, 11:38 IST
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