5 Ways to Combat Seasonal Depression in Dogs

Are winter blues bringing you down? If so, you might not be the only one suffering in your household. Though there isn’t definitive proof that dogs suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), recent studies show that grass rats are affected by light reduction.

When placed in a room with light that mimics the shorter and lower intensities of winter, the rats in the experiment demonstrated an increase in depression symptoms. While this isn’t a direct experiment on dogs, it does suggest that animals are prone to seasonal fluxes in mood just like humans.

To help keep your dog healthy and happy during the winter months, let’s look at how to detect signs of SAD in dogs, and what you can do to combat seasonal depression in your pet.

What Are the Signs?

Signs of depression may vary depending on your dog’s personality. Generally, however, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following behavioral changes:

  • Your dog is more withdrawn. You might witness less enthusiasm for playtime and hobbies your dog normally enjoys.
  • Your dog is more lethargic. If your dog is sleeping more than normal, this could be a sign of seasonal depression.
  • Your dog can’t seem to calm down. Your dog may suddenly have trouble sleeping and relaxing.
  • Your dog has a change in appetite. Your dog may no longer interested in foods or is eating more than normal.
  • Your dog is expressing behavioral changes. As with humans, your dog might start behaving differently, only your pet might express moodiness through chewing, trying to escape, accidents, and aggression.

*It’s important to note that dogs showing any of the above symptoms should always be checked out by their veterinarians to rule out any underlying health issues.

How Can You Combat SAD in Dogs?

If your dog is expressing any of the above symptoms, and your dog’s veterinarian has ruled out underlying diseases, try out the 5 following ideas for helping boost your pet’s mood.

1. Take Your Dog on Walks

Staying active can do wonders for lifting your dog’s mood. Try taking your dog on daily walks in a variety of different settings. Don’t just take your dog around the block. Let your furry friend explore nature trails, parks, and other novel places to stimulate brain activity and improve moods.

2. Create Fun Indoor Play

Are your dog’s toys from summer, when the weather was perfect for outdoor play? It’s quite possible that now is the time to invest in new, interactive dog toys. By playing with your dog using exciting and engaging toys, your dog will benefit from the fun and won’t feel as gloomy or stuffy inside.

3. Get More Sunlight

Be it through opening the blinds or just lounging about on a sunny day, sunlight is directly related to mood. Not only will it help your dog feel happier, but it will also improve your mood, too.

4. Spend More Time with Your Dog

Quality time with your dog is key to securing a strong, healthy bond with your pet. While it’s easy to get caught up with work and family matters, especially during the beginning months of the year, try to slow down and give your dog regular bursts of attention.

5. Use a Calming Supplement

If your dog seems more anxious in response to seasonal depression, a calming supplement might also help improve your pet’s mood. At Allivet, we offer a large selection of calming supplements to aid in combating seasonal depression in dogs.

Zesty Paws Calming Bites

Zesty Paws is a chewable tablet that comes in peanut butter or turkey flavor, making it easy for your dog to eat. These tablets contain pure L-theanine, which helps calm your dog by stimulating alpha waves in the brain to promote relaxation and stress relief. They also contain thiamine, hemp, valerian root, and organic chamomile, which all work to help your dog with hyperactivity, anxiety, and aggression.

Vetri-Science Composure Calming Supplements

Vetri-Science Composure is a bite-sized chew tablet that comes in bacon or peanut butter flavor. This calming supplement also helps your dog relax without altering your dog’s energy levels or personality. They start to work within 30 minutes of consuming, helping to quickly provide your dog with much-needed relaxation.

In summary, humans aren’t the only ones who might be susceptible to depression in the winter. If your dog is experiencing seasonal blues, it’s important that you talk with your pet’s veterinarian to work out a plan that keeps your dog healthy and happy no matter the season.

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