Many of us are missing the sunny skies that accompany spring as we move into the season of winter weather, gray skies, and chilly nights. Humans frequently experience seasonal affective disorder at this time of year. Fortunately, it’s simple to help your dog get over the winter blues. Experts say that SAD can also cause the winter blues in our dogs.
SAD, also known as seasonal affective disorder, is a form of depression that frequently affects people, especially during the winter when we spend less time outside, have fewer opportunities to enjoy bright, sunny days, and experience shorter daylight hours. Evidence suggests that dogs are also impacted by the lack of sunlight at this time of year, despite the fact that the disorder frequently manifests in humans as symptoms of depression.
Similar to humans, dogs can develop SAD due to the winter’s short, gloomy days and longer, colder nights. Lethargy, neediness, behavioral changes like aggression and inappropriate pottying, and a general sense of “blah” are examples of symptoms in dogs. In severe or protracted situations, even hair loss can happen.
According to a survey conducted by the British veterinary group PDSA, 1 in 3 dog owners notice their pet is less playful and seems down or depressed during the gloomy winter months. The following are some signs that your furriest family member may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Light boxes commonly used by humans for SAD have been found to be effective in treating dogs, too. So, how do you combat Seasonal Affective Disorder in your dog? with artificial sunlight, like some humans do. The idea behind the light box is that it will balance the body’s production of melatonin by illuminating a space with fake sunlight, maintaining regular sleep patterns and moods.
Light boxes come in a variety of sizes and prices, but for best results, they should be used for 30-45 minutes each day.
Along with light therapy, giving your dog mental stimulation (such as enjoyable training exercises, brainteasers, treat puzzles, or scent games) can help to boost his self-esteem and cheer him up until the sun is shining once more.
What kind of changes have you noticed in your dog, and is he/she suffering from SAD?
Do Cats and Dogs Suffer From SAD as Humans Do?
The conclusive response, in the words of certified animal behavior consultant Steve Dale, maybe. Nobody knows for sure. ”.
Dale claims that the hormones melatonin and serotonin, among others, are similar in our brain chemistry to that of dogs. The brain produces more melatonin and less serotonin as the amount of daylight decreases. Both of these modifications may be detrimental to mood. Pets could therefore develop SAD, but there may also be other causes. The issue, in his opinion, is that SAD in animals cannot be reliably measured or diagnosed.
There is scant research on SAD or mood disorders in animals. Owners believe that their pets experience depression during the winter months, according to a survey conducted by the People’s Dispensary of Sick Animals (PDSA) in the United Kingdom. However, the research was not objective and relied more on human perception than on scientific methodology.
Is Your Pet Responding to Your Behavior?
Your own sadness or lack of energy could be one reason for your pet’s pessimism. “Pets’ moods mirror our moods,” says Dale. “Cats and dogs can detect our moodiness if we’re around the house all day.” ”.
This is consistent with a recent study published in The Royal Society’s Biology Letters, which confirms dogs can cognitively recognize emotions in humans and other dogs. This ability goes deeper than simply learning behaviors—dogs can apparently recognize moods based on abstract mental representations.
It’s possible, too, that your pet is bored. According to Dale, dogs spend more time outside with people in June than they do in January, so your dog might not be getting enough exercise and mental stimulation at that time.
Some dogs sleep more and are less active during the winter, according to Becker, but this raises the question of whether this is due to their owners’ lack of engagement with their pets or actual seasonal depression. ”.
How can you spot Seasonal Affective Disorder in dogs?
“Commonly observed pet symptoms include grumpiness, increased sleeping, and increased appetite.” Give your dog the chance to play and be outside if you start to notice these symptoms,” Steph advises.
How much our dogs are responding to our behavior is yet another unknowable. Since we spend less time outside and have fewer outdoor social opportunities in the winter than we do in the summer, your dog may also be feeling the effects of a change in routine. “.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of dog depression?
- A decrease in appetite.
- Sleeping more than usual or appearing lethargic.
- Demanding more affection or being clingy/needy with their owners.
- visiting the rooms of the house where their companion spent the most time
- A change in vocalization (meowing, barking, howling, etc.
Do dogs get sad how seasonal changes affect your pet?
A large portion of them typically struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD, a type of depression that manifests in the winter because we are inside more often, According to research, pets respond similarly to seasonal changes. Your pet develops the SAD because of the chilly, dark, and extended winter nights.
Can the weather affect my dog’s mood?
Similar to humans, your dog’s behavior can be impacted by seasonal changes such as thunderstorms, heat waves, dark skies, wind, and heavy rain. A third of dog owners reported that their dog seemed depressed during the winter, according to earlier PDSA research.