Can Dogs get Seasonal Depression in Winter?

Shorter days, grey skies, cold noses. For many of us, winter comes with a bit of a mood shift. You might also find yourself looking at your dog and wondering whether they are feeling the winter blues too.

Maybe your usually bouncy pup is sleeping more, or they seem less excited about walks. It is natural to wonder how the winter months affect your dog, especially if you’ve heard of seasonal depression in humans. Let’s have a look at what the science says.

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal affective disorder, often shortened to SAD or seasonal depression, is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It normally appears in autumn and winter, when there is less daylight, and then lifts again in spring and summer.

Experts think this seasonal depression is linked to shorter days, changes in our body clock, and shifts in serotonin and melatonin, the chemicals that help regulate mood, sleep and energy levels.

What are the symptoms in humans?

It affects everyone differently, but common signs of SAD include:

• A persistent low mood
• Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
• Feeling tired all the time
• Varying sleeping patterns, or sleeping more or less
• Changes in appetite, often craving carbs and sweet snacks

Because SAD is a form of depression, it needs proper support and treatment. If you think you might have seasonal affective disorder, keep on top of your vitamin D and sunlight intake, treat yourself with grace, and above all, consult a doctor.

Can dogs get seasonal affective disorder too?

At the moment, there is no clear scientific evidence that dogs suffer from seasonal affective disorder as an official diagnosis, as studies have almost exclusively looked at humans. But anecdotally, many pet parents notice their dogs getting sleepier, quieter or less playful in the darker months.

So while we cannot say for certain that dogs get seasonal affective disorder exactly like humans do, we can say winter affects dogs’ mood and behaviour, and that is still worth paying attention to.

What can affect your dog’s mood in cold weather?

When winter arrives, life shifts for both of you. There’s less daylight and more walks in the dark, outings cancelled on account of weather, spending more time indoors, and changes in routine around Christmas. Put all of that together, and it’s easy to see how a dog’s winter blues might start to look like seasonal depression, even if the root cause is mainly less activity and stimulation.

Changes in your dog’s behaviour in winter

Every dog is different, so the most useful thing you can do is watch for changes from your dog’s normal behaviour, such as:

• More sleep than usual, or napping at odd times
• Less enthusiasm for walks or play
• A “meh” response to toys they usually love
• Clinginess, or choosing to be alone more
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Seeming tense, easily startled or just not quite themselves

Some of this can be perfectly normal slow winter living. A long snooze after a wet walk and a big dinner is relatable. It only becomes a concern if the changes are big, come on suddenly, or carry on for a while.

If your dog suddenly seems very low, stops eating, or has other worrying symptoms, it’s time for a proper check-up. These things can be linked to physical health problems too, especially in older dogs.

How can pet parents support their dog through the winter blues?

Make the most of the light

Try to grab daylight walks whenever you can. If your dog isn’t a fan of the cold, a well-fitting coat can make those outings more appealing.

Boost physical and mental stimulation indoors

If the walk was cancelled on account of the weather, there’s still plenty of fun to be had inside:

• Hide a few treats and play hide-and-seek
• Offer longer lasting chews to give your dog something satisfying to work on
• Play games!
• Use puzzle feeders and snuffle mats for enrichment

We have plenty of eco friendly options to help lift your dogs’ spirits. Our toys are made from natural materials and are brilliant for tug and fetch. If your four-legged friend has a lot of energy to exorcise, our chews offer a long-lasting challenge that keeps jaws and brains busy.

And for dogs that get a bit twitchy in the evenings, calming snacks like our Fish Crunchies with Chamomile add a soothing treat to the bedtime routine.

Keep their body comfortable

Stiff joints would put anyone in a grump. Senior dogs, big breeds and very active dogs might feel their aches more on damp winter days.

Alongside your vet’s advice, joint supporting treats such as our Mighty Mussel Munchies can be a tasty way to support mobility. Add in a snug bed away from draughts, soft flooring where possible, and a towel ready at the door for soggy paws, and you have yourself a happy pup, whatever the weather.

Helping your dog feel brighter this winter

Whether or not dogs suffer from seasonal depression, one thing is clear: Winter affects all of us. Less light, more layers, more time indoors… it’s a lot!

By keeping walks as bright and regular as you can, topping up on exercise and enrichment at home, and choosing natural, high-quality treats and toys, you can turn the darker months into something gentler and more enjoyable for you both.

If you’re ready to put together a little winter care package for your best friend, you can explore our full range for dogs and pick out a few new favourites to see them through until spring.