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Can Dogs Get Seasonal Depression? Yes: Here’s How to Care for Them

Can dogs get seasonal depression?

If you’re asking yourself, “Can dogs get seasonal depression?” the answer is, “Quite possibly!” The colder months and shorter days can cause mood shifts in your furry friend, affecting their overall well-being. Andrea, founder of Litty Minds, an educational resource hub/center, says that she has "seen numerous questions about the topic, and requests for information.” 

Understanding how these changes impact your pet’s happiness is the first step in preventing seasonal depression in dogs. Whether you just bought a sprawling house in Santa Fe, NM, or in a cozy apartment in Bend, OR, or renting a home in Savannah, GA, it is important to find ways to take care of your dog’s mental health. In this article, we’ll explore how to recognize the signs and offer tips on keeping your dog active, content, and healthy throughout the year.

Recognizing the signs

According to one of the experts we asked, “Similar to humans, dogs can feel the effects of time changes, shorter days, and reduced sunlight, which often disrupts their sleep patterns — a key factor in emotional regulation and what we might describe as ‘seasonal depression.’” says Brianna Dick, owner and behavior consultant of, Pack Leader Help: Rehabilitation & Training. We’ll dive deeper into this topic below, so keep reading to find out some conflicting answers we received from the pros. 

Seasonal changes can subtly affect your dog's mood, especially as daylight decreases in winter. The step is recognizing these signs of change in your pet. According to Candace Gasper of Kinn Inc., “Signs of seasonal depression in dogs include increased sleep, decreased interest in play or walks, and changes in eating or grooming habits.” 

Meghan Rowland of Fitdog says that dogs can experience their own version of winter blues. “Just like us, dogs can experience seasonal changes in mood as the days get shorter and colder. During the winter months, some pups might show signs of lethargy, a lack of interest in play, or even changes in appetite or behavior — what we’d call their own version of "winter blues.” 

Establish a routine

Establishing a routine in your daily life is a healthy habit for yourself as well as for your dog. “Maintaining a consistent routine is essential for your pet's overall well-being. Regular schedules not only provide structure, which dogs and pets thrive on but also ensure your pet receives the necessary mental and physical stimulation to flourish during the cold weather months.” says Savanna Westwood of The Savvy Sitter

In order to help combat seasonal depression in your dog, Ingrid Cawthorne, the owner of Sales Tails and Paws Pet Sitting says, “Stick with a consistent routine, including walks during daylight hours, engage them in their favorite indoor activities such as puzzles, hide and seek or scent games. Don’t forget that a comfy resting place and lots of cuddles can make a huge difference in their mood!”

Spend more time together

"Dogs are emotional creatures, just like us,” says Kevin Matos, Founder and CEO of KaveMan Aquatics, Inc. “They can feel the shift in the atmosphere, whether as simple as temperature change or as complex as "the mood.”I've found that a little additional snuggle time goes a long way. This could include simply lifting a "no couch" restriction just for a few hours of the day with you. They'll notice the change!" Jeff Fullmer of Dogs Colorado agrees: “Creating a warm, cozy environment with plenty of soft bedding, companionship, and natural light can also help alleviate symptoms.”

Kirsten Krupps of Shutter Hound Pet Photography advises you to try keeping their spirits up “with fun indoor games, puzzle toys, or even a short walk during daylight hours to soak up some natural light. And don’t forget the snuggles — extra love and a cozy routine can make a big difference!”

Antigone Killingstad of TAILored Pet Services suggests a few activities that you can do with your dog to keep both of you engaged. “Baking treats together is a rewarding activity, and you can find great recipe ideas online. Painting with your dog's paws can create unique and memorable art. Doga, or yoga with your dog, can improve both your physical and emotional well-being, while also strengthening your bond.”

Appeal to their senses

During the winter months, we all tend to spend more time inside avoiding the freezing cold outdoors. Over time, this can cause your dog to become understimulated and bored. Joshua Leeds, President of iCalm Pet suggests that if your dog or cat seems unsettled by shorter days and changing routines, “Playing music designed specifically for pets can be a highly effective way to help them relax and feel more at ease.”

The superpower and strongest sense for most dogs is their nose. “When your dog engages their most powerful sense, they experience a surge of settled calming chemicals.” Rachel Monteith, The Dog Psychologist says, “This rapidly drops stress levels and initiates a happier demeanor. To do this, simply scatter a few small treats into grass, a thick pile rug, hide around a room or in a shrub. Find them together, encouraging your dog and praising when they locate them. This will build your bond as well as help manage any periods of sadness.”

Similarly, “At This Lil’ Dog of Mine, we have some go-to tips for helping pups through these shorter, chillier days!” Mark, the owner, says, “Try playing mental-stimulating games like hide-and-seek with treats, or using puzzle toys like a Kong filled with peanut butter to keep them engaged.”

Take care of yourself

“I’m not convinced that dogs suffer from seasonal affective disorder.” Sam Basso of Sam The Dog Trainer starts, “I am convinced, however, that dogs can mirror the feelings of their owners. So, assuming your dog is in good medical condition, and you observe your dog feeling low, master the concept of changing your dog’s mood state. In other words, what can you do to make your dog happy? It starts with you.” 

Dogs with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are highly attuned to their owners' emotional states, making it crucial for pet parents to consciously display positive expressions and upbeat vocalizations, even if they need to gently "fake it" sometimes. “While it's important to acknowledge when your dog shows signs of seasonal depression, avoid excessive coddling when they sigh or appear down; instead, focus on creating positive experiences through outdoor activities and scent-work adventures where you can both engage in playful "discovery" walks,” recommends Sparky Smith, Canine Psychologist of the Dog Parentology Podcast.

Kayla Lane-Obee of Citizen Hound Management agrees that “If your mood is low, dogs may be sensitive to it, or it may mean you're not headed outside as much as they're used to. Consider enrichment games indoors, or just bundle up the both of you!”  

Originally posted on apartmentguide.com