Do Dogs Get the Winter Blues?

Does your dog seem a little less energetic during the colder months? In this episode, we explore whether dogs can experience the winter blues and how seasonal changes might affect their mood. Learn the signs to watch for, how your own behavior plays a role, and practical tips to keep your furry friend happy and healthy all winter long. Don’t let the cold weather bring you or your pup down—tune in for insights and solutions!

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Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Transcript

Welcome to the USA Dog Behavior podcast! I’m Scott Sheaffer, here to help you understand the world of dog behavior. Today’s episode: Do Dogs Get the Winter Blues?

Winter is here. Temperatures have dropped, darkness descends well before 6 p.m., and for some, the winter blues are setting in. Also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this condition can express itself in humans as a lingering depression, fatigue, and social withdrawal. But what about our canine companions — does the change in season also affect their mood? The short answer is: probably. The longer answer is a little more complicated.

What pet parents interpret as SAD in a dog might be a combination of physical factors as well as changes in human behavior. Below are some of the possible signs of SAD in dogs and what you can do to help bring some pep back into their furry step.

First of all, can dogs feel depressed?

Yes, they can! We don’t know that they’re actually depressed, of course, because we can’t interview them. That being said, it’s very likely they do experience something like depression, based both on their behavior (like humans, depressed dogs tend to appear withdrawn, lethargic, and disinterested) and the fact that dogs have been known to respond positively to antidepressants. If you put those things together, you tend to think, yes, dogs are getting depressed.

While we can’t sit a dog down and ask them directly whether they feel the winter doldrums, humans and dogs share certain chemical similarities, which would suggest dogs might be susceptible to the changing of the seasons. Like humans, dogs produce melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate one’s sleep cycle. When it gets dark outside, the body produces more melatonin, which creates a feeling of drowsiness. Scientists believe that an overproduction of melatonin when the days become shorter can contribute to SAD, and given that dogs produce the hormone as well, they may also be susceptible to the condition.

What are the signs your dog might be experiencing SAD?

The biggest sign that your dog might be experiencing depression, seasonal or otherwise, is if they start seeming indifferent and lose interest in the things that previously brought them pleasure, like food, toys, or playtime. Pretty much what you would see in a human that’s experiencing depression.

You should rule out physical ailments before immediately assuming that your dog is depressed. Physical discomfort might cause a dog to act lethargic or disinterested, and it’s important to address any underlying physical issues before trying to address the emotional issues. Your dog could simply be sick.

What role do pet parents play in all of this?

Dogs are very sensitive to their owners. While you may not be able to sit down and have a conversation with your dog, they are attuned to the subtleties in your body language and facial expressions. So, if you seem more lethargic and depressed, your dog may also start to seem down. Dogs are also sensitive to changes in routine, so if, in an attempt to avoid the cold, dreary weather, you’ve been taking your pup out on fewer walks and exercising them less, they may start to feel anxious and bored. 

Winter doesn’t have to mean perpetual gloom for you or your dog, though. It’s possible that less daylight means that pet parents are going out less and spending more time with their dogs inside, which would likely make their dogs happier. In short, dogs are always watching their owners for clues on how to behave and respond to their environment, so a change in their mood could be a reflection of a change in yours — positive or negative.

How can you help your dog if they seem depressed?

Whether you’re trying to prevent your dog from feeling depressed, or trying to help a dog who already seems to be displaying symptoms of SAD, physical and mental stimulation are the keys to boosting a dog’s sense of wellbeing. And if you’re not sure how best to keep them stimulated, you can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned walk, which engages a dog both physically and mentally.

When you take a spirited walk, especially in cooler weather, do you ever feel worse when you come back? No! You feel better. So does your dog. So, while dogs may be sensitive to the changing seasons, as long as you keep them properly engaged, they’ll normally be okay. If you put most dogs in a cave without sunlight but they have enough stimulation, they’ll be fine.

Looking for hands-on training for your team? Explore our Training Workshops for dog clubs, municipal animal services, and rescue organizations at USADogBehavior.com. 

Thanks for tuning in. If you enjoy quick insights into dog behavior, don’t forget to subscribe for more bite-sized episodes and leave a review if you find these episodes helpful. See you next time, and go love your dog.