Can dogs suffer from seasonal affective disorder?

If your usually cheerful pup seems down during the colder, darker months, you might not be imagining it. While dogs don’t experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the clinical sense that humans do, there’s growing awareness that seasonal changes can influence their mood and behaviour.

In this article, we’ll explore what might be behind these low moods, the signs of depression in dogs, and gentle, practical ways to help your pet feel more like themselves again.

While dogs don’t suffer from SAD in the way it’s diagnosed in humans, many display behaviours that mirror its symptoms – particularly in autumn and winter.

Shorter days mean less daylight and often less time outside, which can reduce your pet’s physical activity and mental stimulation. These changes can easily disrupt a dog’s routine and lower their overall wellbeing. For some dogs, it’s enough to cause noticeable changes to their behaviour.

Before diving deeper into seasonal influences, it’s important to clarify that depression as diagnosed in humans isn’t the same for dogs. However, dogs can certainly experience prolonged periods of sadness or low mood.

The reasons behind this can be varied, from changes in their environment to illness, boredom or even grief. So if they’re low on energy, it helps to be aware of the most common behavioural signs.

Recognising the signs of depression in dogs can help you act early and provide the support your dog needs.

If you’re wondering, ‘how do I know if my dog is depressed?’, symptoms to look out for include:

• Low energy or reluctance to exercise
• Changes in appetite (eating less or more than usual)
• Sleeping more than normal
• Less interest in play, toys, or interactions
• Hiding away or appearing withdrawn
• Excessive licking or chewing (often as self-soothing behaviours)
• Whining, whimpering or unusual vocalisation
  

If these signs persist or seem severe, it’s important to consult your vet. Underlying medical issues can often mimic or contribute to behavioural changes, so you’ll want to rule those out first.

Any number of things can trigger a low mood in your dog, but seasonal changes may play a bigger role than you think. As daylight hours shorten, your dog might spend less time outdoors, which means fewer runs in the park, social sniffs and mental stimulation.

Colder, wetter weather can also make outdoor activities less appealing, not just for humans but for rain-averse dogs too. Combine that with disrupted routines during the festive break and you’ve got a recipe for canine blues.

Vets say that some breeds may be more prone to these changes, especially working dogs or those who thrive on lots of outdoor activity and engagement.

If your dog seems a little ‘off’ this winter, try the following mood-boosting strategies:

1. Stick to a routine: Dogs find comfort in predictability. Keep mealtimes, walks and play as consistent as possible, even when the weather isn’t ideal.
2. Get outside when you can: Take advantage of any daylight by heading out for walks. Even short outings can help lift your dog’s spirits.
3. Provide indoor enrichment: Puzzle toys, scent games and interactive play can help stimulate your dog mentally if they’re not able to run around in the garden as much as usual.
4. Encourage social interaction: Whether it’s playdates with other dogs or simply more one-on-one time with you, connection can go a long way.
5. Let the light in: Open curtains during the day and consider using pet-safe light therapy lamps if your vet recommends it.

Still worried about your dog’s mood? If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by logging into your My Petplan account and speaking with someone about your concerns.

If your dog’s symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, or they seem to be getting worse, it’s time to check in with your vet. What seems like a seasonal dip could also be the result of an underlying health issue that needs expert care.

Supporting a sad or withdrawn dog can be hard, especially when the darker days can affect us too. With small changes and lots of reassurance, most dogs bounce back quickly and return to their usual selves.