“I just adopted a dog and she seems sad” – 6 Reasons why

If you just adopted a dog and she seems sad, it's usually stress, not a sign that something is wrong with her or with you. Everything in her life has just changed – new people, new smells, new routines – and most newly adopted dogs are quiet, withdrawn or clingy for the first days or weeks. With patience, a predictable routine and a vet check to rule out illness, most dogs come out of their shell within a few weeks to a few months.

Congratulations on giving a dog a new home! If you are still deciding what kind of dog to adopt, we weigh the pros and cons of retired breeding dogs.

However, not every adoption is a fairy tale, and it's hard to watch your new dog seem sad and depressed. Dogs can show depression-like behavior, too, due to stress, past experiences or health conditions.

This article will help you understand why a new dog can seem down even when you try your best to make her comfortable. We will also provide some useful tips that you can use to solve the problem.

Why does an adopted dog seem depressed and sad?

If an adopted dog seems depressed and sad, you can associate these issues with normal or abnormal reasons.

For instance, your dog might look gloomy during the adjustment period, which is often due to exposure to a new family. Past experiences or thoughts about previous owners can also keep your dog depressed and sad.

Likewise, health or psychological issues can also contribute to depression, which can sometimes even require extensive medical attention. In short, there can be multiple reasons why your new dog seems sad.

Thankfully, you can solve these issues by building a positive environment around your dog by allowing him to build his confidence. Furthermore, you can also seek professional help if things go out of hand.

Top 6 reasons why your adopted dog seems sad

Although dogs get along with a new family with some effort, you might have to give an additional push to make things work.

The best thing would be to dive deep into the problem and evaluate your dog’s past history to determine the cause.

Here are the top reasons why an adopted dog might develop depression.

1Adjustment period

Adjusting to a new family takes time, and this is often called the adjustment or decompression period. Many shelters use the "3-3-3 rule" as a rough guide: about 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine, and 3 months to feel truly at home.

However, the adjustment speed might differ for different dogs, especially when your dog does not have sound mental health. Furthermore, you may also see behaviors like growling or refusal to leave the crate.

So, if an adopted dog looks depressed, it can primarily mean that he is going through an adjustment period. Just give your new dog some time and allow him to settle into his new environment.

2Thoughts of the previous owner

Dogs form strong bonds with their owners, and losing that person is a big change.

So, if your adopted canine looks sad, it might be missing its previous owner. Furthermore, similar actions or environments resembling past experiences with the previous owner can trigger these emotions and make your dog sad.

However, helping your dog adjust to his new environment can ease these thoughts and make him comfortable.

3Past trauma

Not every rescue dog has been mistreated – many are given up because of an owner's move, illness or money troubles – but some have had bad experiences that still affect them. In short, one possible reason why your dog might seem sad or fearful is past trauma.

Time in a shelter can be stressful as well. Even good shelters are noisy, busy places, and a dog that has spent weeks or months in a kennel may need extra time to get used to normal home life.

So even if you have provided the best crate and food for your newly adopted dog, it may take a while before she trusts that your home is safe.

4Learned helplessness

Like humans, dogs can also develop a condition known as “Learned helplessness,” which occurs after a dog experiences stressful situations repeatedly. In short, your dog may think or surrender itself to situations and avoid changes, even if that means adapting to a new environment.

Your dog loses hope and fails to overcome the chaos due to a lack of control over its life. Dogs in this state often seem shut down: they move little, show little interest in play, and may not react much to anything.

Thankfully, giving your dog small, positive choices and successes – such as easy games and rewarding her for exploring – can help her regain confidence. However, ensure that you allow your dog to cope with her environment at her own pace, without force.

5Psychological issues

An adopted dog that looks sad and depressed can also mean that your dog is suffering from psychological issues like stress, anxiety, separation anxiety, or fear.

These problems can usually be improved, but it takes patience and consistency. If it doesn't get better over time, a certified trainer, a veterinary behaviorist or your vet can help, and in some cases your vet may suggest anti-anxiety medication.

6Other health issues

Besides psychological problems, health conditions can also make your dog seem sad or depressed. Pain, parasites, kennel cough or other illnesses picked up in a busy shelter can all make a dog lethargic and withdrawn, and some problems don't show until the dog is in a new home.

So, whenever you adopt a dog, book a vet check within the first week or two. Call your vet sooner if your new dog won't eat for more than a day or two, has vomiting or diarrhea, is coughing, or seems very lethargic or in pain.

What to do if your dog seems sad?

Here are the things you can do to help your dog come out of depression:

1Give her space and a routine

Set up a quiet spot with a bed or crate where your dog can retreat and won't be disturbed. Keep the first weeks calm: skip big visits and busy outings, and feed, walk and go to bed at the same times every day. A predictable routine helps a new dog feel safe much faster.

2Build trust

Try to build trust with your dog and give her reasons to believe that she is safe with you. Let her come to you rather than reaching for her. Speaking gently, lying near your dog, or reading a book near him can strengthen your bond.

3Offer treats

After establishing initial interactions, offering treats has to be your next step. However, ensure that you do not invade or force the treats beyond your dog’s comfort zone.

4Perform some activity

Besides interactions and treats, you can watch TV with your dog, go out on walks, or provide some basic obedience training to strengthen your relationship.

Furthermore, playing indoor games or spending more time with your dog can make him comfortable. Likewise, arranging a doggy date or providing puzzle toys can also boost your dog’s confidence.

However, if you still find your dog sad, it would be best to seek professional help to make things better.

Wrapping Up

Seeing an adorable dog depressed is a heartbreaking scene. Thankfully, you can help your dog gain confidence and avoid being sad by building a strong relationship with your new fur friend.