While the cooler months are full of holidays and time with family, they also lead us to slow down quite a bit. Some people love this time of year, while others look at the calendar with dread.
Our pets are the same way (minus the reading the calendar part). If you’re wondering why your pet seems extra blue once the days get shorter, we have the answers below. Keep reading to learn how you can help them feel better!
Understanding Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression is often referred to as “Winter Blues” because it takes hold in the cooler months, when sunlight doesn’t last as long, we get sick easier, and we tend to spend less time outside. Officially known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in humans, this type of depression is linked to:
- Disruptions of the internal clock
- Lower levels of serotonin
- Higher levels of melatonin
While there are no studies specifically looking at SAD in animals, we know a few things. One study of sled dogs found that their melatonin levels were higher in Winter than they were in Summer. We also know that cats and dogs can recognize their owner’s moods and this may influence their behavior.
Reasons Pets May Get Seasonal Depression
Even without the studies, pet owners seem to notice their pets get sad in Winter months. This can be for a number of reasons.
If you get seasonal depression or anxiety, your pets may be responding to your mood. Maybe you’re not depressed, but you’re upset with the cooler weather or spending more time indoors because of it. Maybe they’re missing the things you would go out and do in the warmer months, like exploring nature or spending time sunbathing on the balcony.
If they’re like us, less exposure to the sun could also cause physiological changes. We know vitamin D and mental health in humans are linked. We need to spend time in the sun to process vitamin D, so less time outside (and less sun overall) means our body cannot keep up with it like it does in the summer.
Signs of Seasonal Depression in Pets
Depression symptoms in pets do not necessarily match those in humans. Look out for:
- Lethargy, fatigue, and/or excessive sleep
- Changes in appetite (both eating more and eating less)
- Decreased interest in toys, games, or exercise
- Hiding behaviors
- Clinginess
Seasonal depression is usually linked to Fall and Winter; if your pet experiences these symptoms year-round, you may need a different approach to their behavioral changes.
On the other hand, not all bouts of depression are linked to the season. Your pet may have a depressive episode during these months for another reason, like lifestyle changes or changes in their physical health.
How to Help Pets Deal with Seasonal Depression
Human response to seasonal depression may include light or talk therapy, outdoor exposure, or supplements or medication, but these don’t all transfer easily to your pet. In the end, helping them deal with things depends on your relationship and your pet’s preferences.
To start, make sure they have ample light exposure. Pull back your curtains as close to sunrise as you can, and leave them open until the sun sets. Take pets out for several short walks throughout the day if you can’t handle a single long one, and set up beds or hammocks by windows to encourage sun bathing.
Because you’re likely spending more time inside, make sure you offer more enrichment opportunities. Give your cats more vertical areas to play with scratchers or wall-ledges, and offer interactive toys that cater to their hunting instincts and avoid boredom.
You can play hide and seek with your dogs inside and offer their meals inside puzzle toys or snuffle mats. Letting them spend some time outside sniffing their environment, even if you only walk 5 feet in 30 minutes, may be more rewarding than a 2-mile walk. Try out different types of walks to see what works best in colder weather.
Apart from that, spend plenty of time connecting with them both physically and mentally. Brush them while you’re catching up on your shows, narrate your life to them, and consider taking this time to teach your pet a new trick.
All this effort tends to pay off.
When to See a Vet About Seasonal Depression
Because depression symptoms are often signs of underlying illness, we always recommend you consult your vet before making assumptions.
Signs that merit an emergency visit include:
- Collapse, inability to wake
- Not eating and/or drinking for 24 hours
- Sudden bouts of aggression
- Obvious signs of pain or anxiety
- Seizures or disorientation
Unfortunately, our pets cannot tell us what is wrong, and we may mistakenly attribute human conditions that match their symptoms of physical pain. By going to your veterinarian, you can rule out major issues and get professional advice dedicated to your pet.
In the end, our pets just need us to be there for them during their ups and our downs. Keep the relationship with your furry friend strong, and everything else will fall into place.
