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My Dachshund is sad indoors but playful outside. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 6 years and 1 month old | 19 lbs

I have a 5 year old daschund girl she seems depressed she looks sad but if I take her out to play catch she runs around and plays like a puppy it seems like she moped around the house when she’s not outside playing. Please help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 23rd, 2019

It may be that Gidget is feeling a bit understimulated. Dachshunds are working dogs, and need a lot of activity to get out their energy, even with their small size. Spending more time on longer walks, playing games, etc can help. Doxies also love to dig, so if you can't interact all the time, setting up a game indoors such as a blanket with treats hidden inside may help encourage her to get out energy in a fun way. Filling a Kong or other puzzle toy with treats or food (or frozen wet food for extra challenge) can also help stimulate her mind when you can't interact.

If she continues to act depressed, or starts to show any other signs of illness, a vet visit to rule out any health issues is always a good idea.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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