Do dogs get sad when other dogs don't play with them?

Dogs can experience distress when separated from close friends. If an animal in the household dies, surviving pets can sometimes seem clingy, anxious or more sensitive to things going on around them. They might even seem depressed, losing interest in playing, sleeping, or eating. These changes could be a reaction to missing their friend, because they’re picking up on their owner’s sadness or a response to changes of routine. Remaining pets may begin to show signs of separation distress. These can include panting, pacing, whining, drooling, howling, barking, not eating treats while alone, or even refusing food entirely. Your surviving pets will now need to work out how to live without their old friend. They may have relied on each other in different ways and the loss could affect their confidence and dynamic.

Do dogs get depressed / sad after leaving their doggy friends. My whippet has spent the last two weeks and a half and my parents got a new puppy who’s about 4 months old. They both got along like a house on fire and my whippet hardly interacts with other dogs being an “only child”. We have been home for a couple of days and he seems sad. He normally gets a bit out of whack after coming back from my parents as we live interstate but this just appears a lot more “sad”. He seems sad, idk really how to explain it but not really wanting to play or just not himself.

Not all dogs are natural social butterflies. It sounds like this owner is doing a lot of things right for her dog from her intake form: the dog is well-fed, gets puzzle toys, and goes bikejoring. This dog is living a good life. But she’s still really impolite with other dogs. She’ll snap at other dogs for the smallest infraction and seems to be the self-appointed “fun police.” The way I’m reading this, our Socially Awkward Lab might be happier without other dogs around. She’s already living a good life, and it’s clear that being around other dogs is NOT fun, refreshing, or overall good for her. Don’t pressure your socially awkward dog. If your other dog loves dog parks and social outings, great! Leave SAL at home. She’ll be happier there, based on what we know about her. Putting her into situations with other dogs that make her uncomfortable just push her towards being more unhappy. The most amazing thing about being so protective of your socially awkward dog is this: the more freedom and space you give her, the friendlier she may become. It might seem like you’re kind of babying your pup – protecting her from the world. Think of it as respecting her wishes.