Can dogs get seasonal depression? Tips on keeping pups happy

Updated 23/09/2024

As our canine companions are often (furry) bundles of joy, a change in behavior can - quite naturally - worry us pet parents.

And as a cold winter hits, it’s normal for us to wonder whether dogs suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or if it’s plain old boredom. So, can dogs get seasonal depression? Take a look below as we explore just that.

Firstly, can a dog get depression?

Yes, it’s widely agreed that dog depression exists, but it’s not the same as depression in humans. As you’ll know, our furry friends can’t tell us how they’re feeling, but we can certainly observe symptoms of depression in dogs.

Things to look out for include lethargy, social withdrawal and a lack of interest in food and play - all signs dogs are feeling down. 

Unlike us humans, dogs don’t experience clinical depression - low mood in dogs is more likely triggered by an event, like the loss of a loved one, trauma or a house move.

So, what does this mean for the colder months? Can dogs get depressed in the winter or even suffer from SAD? Explore below to find out.

Can dogs get seasonal depression?

There is no evidence to suggest that seasonal affective disorder in dogs exists. However, there are a few reasons why dogs may suffer from lower mood during the winter months, such as less play, exercise and outdoor time due to the shorter, colder days.

In humans, SAD is triggered by the lack of sunlight throughout fall and winter. This change in sunlight affects our hormones - lowering serotonin levels (which regulates our mood), and increases melatonin (which affects our sleep).

Like us, dogs release melatonin - and a study on sled dogs showed an increase in levels during the winter. Does this mean that dogs experience SAD? No - but it certainly shows their hormone levels are affected seasonally, just like us humans.

And when it comes to the pups we call furry family members, a study discussed by Psychology Today found that around 40% of dog owners observed a significant drop in their pets’ moods during the winter.

So, can dogs get seasonal depression? Maybe - but there is certainly room for more research before we make any hasty conclusions.

What are the signs of winter blues in dogs?

As there is currently no evidence that dogs suffer from SAD, below we’ll take a look at the signs your dog is suffering from low mood. 

• Loss of appetite. Appetite levels can be a great indicator of your dog’s mood, so keep an eye on how interested they are in food if you’re looking for signs of SAD in your pup.
• Lack of interest. If they no longer leap at the call for walkies or sprint towards their favorite toy, it could be a sign of depression in your dog.
• Fatigue. If your pooch is sleeping a lot more than usual, it could be a sign of low mood.

If you’ve observed your furry pal with any of the symptoms above, your first port of call should be your dog’s vet. While your pup could be experiencing low mood, the above are also symptoms of other health issues, so it’s always worth seeking an expert opinion.

What can cause winter blues in dogs?

As SAD in dogs isn’t proven to exist at this point, it’s more helpful for pet parents to think about what causes dog depression, or low mood in their pups.

Firstly, if your dog has been cleared by your vet as healthy, the signs of low mood could be caused by cabin fever and plain old boredom caused by the winter months. 

The outdoors offer so much for dogs - new scents to discover, water to swim in and socialization with other dogs. With less time spent outdoors - whether that’s down to pet parent preferences or because it’s simply too cold out for walkies, dogs miss out on a whole lot of mental stimulation and exercise by staying indoors.

So, if you notice your dog feeling a little down and it’s the middle of winter, it doesn’t mean your pup’s suffering from seasonal affective disorder. Rather, it could simply be boredom, meaning you’ll need to find other ways to keep your pup happy indoors.

Ways to keep your pup happy in winter

The good news is, there are heaps of ways to keep your furry pal’s tail wagging in winter, before the symptoms of doggie depression crop up.

• Mental stimulation. With less time spent outdoors, it’s important to find ways to keep dogs engaged. Whether it’s an interactive dog toy, puppy play dates or a round of ‘find it’, there are so many ways to keep your dog happy during winter.
• Walkies. Even in colder weather, our four-legged friends still need exercise. So, if you’re worried about them getting cold, invest in a waterproof coat and keep them moving while you’re out.
• Balanced diet. Check with your vet that your furry pal is getting all the vitamins and minerals they need, and having the right amount of calories per day. Don’t be tempted to give your dog supplements - while omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognitive function, always consult your vet first.
• Quality time. Spending more time one on one with your pup - whether it’s cuddles on the sofa, a massage or a game of fetch in the garden, it’s sure to boost your pup’s mood. If you need to be away from home, find them the perfect pet sitter to keep them company and provide loving in-home care.

Do cats get seasonal depression?

Just like dogs, there is no evidence that cats get seasonal affective disorder. The best thing you can do for your kitty is to get to know what’s ‘normal’ behavior for them, and contact your vet if you notice any changes.

When to contact your veterinarian

If you’re wondering what to do for a depressed dog or you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s behavior like loss of appetite or increased sleep, contact your vet. While these symptoms might be a sign of low mood, they also indicate your pup might be suffering from another health issue. 

So, as a rule of thumb, if you notice any marked changes in your pooch, be sure to reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

How can I keep my dog mentally stimulated?

Along with increased walkies and interactive games like fetch, you can get pretty creative when it comes to engaging your pup’s brain. Check out our blog for tips on mentally stimulating your dog to keep tails wagging.