Winter Blues in Pets: Recognize and Combat Seasonal Depression

Colder weather will be blowing across the land for many of us soon, and for many pets as well as people, it will trigger some kind of depression. Many people confess to having the “winter blues” or the “winter blahs” when temperatures drop, but most don’t realize that their pets can be affected just as adversely during the winter months. What causes the winter blues? There are several culprits that are common to both people and their pets.

What Causes the Winter Blues in Pets?

The causes of cold weather depression are often the same for people and pets. Drops in temperature can naturally trigger a sort of “hibernation” response, causing pets to sleep more and be less inclined to go outside. If your dog or cat is a senior, the lower temperatures can also aggravate arthritis and joint pain. You may see your pet start to limp or move more slowly. They may also get up later in the morning and take a while to get warmed up before moving freely.

The shorter days and longer nights of winter can also contribute to your pet’s winter blues. Many dogs and cats who are used to being outside develop cabin fever, just like people. Because pets are getting less sunshine, they are also getting less Vitamin D, which is vital to sleeping well, protecting against heart disease and regulating mood. Pets living in the north probably aren’t getting enough D unless they spent sufficient time outside on sunny days. With the sun going down earlier in the day during colder months, many pets’ internal clocks adjust accordingly. Because it is nighttime outside for longer stretches of time, they may go to sleep earlier in the evenings.

Signs Your Pet Has the Winter Blues

There are several indications that your pet has the winter blues that you shouldn’t ignore:

• Excessive sleeping, particularly during daylight hours
• Boredom – many pets with winter blues become destructive simply because they aren’t getting enough sunlight and outdoor exercise.
• Eating changes – either eating more or eating less – can indicate your pets have the winter blues. They may be overeating out of boredom or not eating enough because they feel lethargic and sad without knowing why.
• Compulsive or repetitive behaviors such as constantly barking or repeatedly doing the same thing over and over are often signs the winter blues in pets.
• If your dog is usually a good companion but has become hyper-vigilant or overprotective during colder months, he may be getting rid of his excess energy by being more aggressive, which isn’t a good thing.
• Loss of interest in indoor activities your pet usually loves may mean your pets’ winter blues are affecting his mood.

Ways to Counteract Your Pet’s Winter Blues

If you suspect your dog or cat is suffering from the winter blahs, first have them checked by a veterinarian to make sure there isn’t an underlying health problem. If it is winter depression, you can work with your pet to overcome the feeling of being down and bored.

• If your pet is bored and seems to be losing interest in his food, consider investing in a few inexpensive feeding tools that will require him to root around or solve puzzles in order to get to his food. This will stimulate his appetite and give him a chance to put his brain to good use.
• Develop games you can play with your pet inside the house. Play fetch with soft toys rather than tennis balls or hard toys so that you can play in any room in the house without worrying about knocking over lamps. Hide and seek can be great fun for both you and your pet and will get your metabolisms working.
• The brighter the light, the happier your pet will be during the winter. Open the curtains and let some sunshine in and keep rooms brightly lit during the day and into the evening so that the early setting of the sun won’t leave them pining for summer.
• If your dog or cat is less active during colder weather, cut back on their food so that they don’t gain unneeded weight and end up feeling sluggish.
• Take the time to teach your pet some new tricks they can show off when company comes or when they are able to leave the house. Stimulating their brain and giving them something new and interesting to focus on will give them a mental workout.
• Don’t let your own case of the winter blahs affect your pets. If you have cabin fever or are feeling restless and bored, bundle up and take some time to play in the snow with your pet. You’ll both feel better after some exertion.

If after  you’ve tried everything your pet still seems depressed, talk to a veterinarian again. Depression in animals is a very real thing and you’ll want to treat it as soon as possible so that both you and your pet can enjoy the winter months despite the colder temperatures.