Have you ever heard of seasonal depression in pets? Yes, you read that right. Pets can get seasonal depression too, just like humans do. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about seasonal depression in pets – including the signs, when to call your vet, and the not-so-scary treatment options for your four-legged friends. 

What Is Seasonal Depression In Pets? 

Did you know that about one-third of pet parents report seeing a shift in their dog’s mental state and energy during the winter? This is according to veterinarian Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM, Veterinary Advisor for Myos Pet in New Jersey. Seasonal depression in pets, also known as seasonal affective disorder in pets, is a type of depression that correlates to the change in seasons. It often occurs in winter, but rare cases can happen in the spring or summer months as well. 

What Causes Seasonal Depression In Pets? 

While the exact cause can vary from case to case, it is often unknown due to the various factors that can potentially contribute to it such as: changes in sunlight, sleep patterns and shifting levels of melatonin (a chemical known to affect sleep which can be caused by those changes in sunlight, in and of itself). 

Signs Of Seasonal Depression In Pets

Here are some of the most common symptoms that pet parents should be on the lookout for: 

• Less energy and more lethargy
• Changes in both behavior and eating – overgrooming, excessive vocalizing, loss of appetite, etc. 
• Spends much more time sleeping

The decrease in energy and increase in a sedentary lifestyle may also lead to weight gain during these months. This can potentially cause a lot of health problems to your four-legged friends such as risk of arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain tumors. 

When To Call Your Vet For Help 

Whenever you’re concerned about a change in your pet’s behavior, it’s always a good idea to call your vet just to be safe. This way your vet can evaluate and diagnose for your fur baby to suggest appropriate treatment options. 

Treatments For Seasonal Depression In Pets

Although the name might sound scary, treating seasonal depression in pets usually means simple lifestyle changes and supplements. Here are a few suggestions by Dr. Ahn that can help make a big difference:

• Keep your home well-lit: open blinds to let the sun in and turn on lights in spaces where your pet often hangs out.
• Spend more time outside: change of scenery, fresh air, natural light is great medicine. If you’re busy and don’t have enough time to take your dog out, consider signing up for our Doggie Day Care where dogs enjoy playtime with other dogs and lots of one-on-one attention and love from our caring and experienced staff.
• With your vet’s approval, try introducing a supplement to your pet’s diet. Omega-3 supplement with fish oil and/or probiotics can improve your pet’s gut health, leading to improved behavior and overall well-being. 
• Spend more quality one-on-one time indoors: play a game, stream your favorite animal movie, bake some yummy treats, etc. You can even plan a dog-friendly event for your pup to socialize with other furry friends with Rocky’s Retreat facility rental service. 

We totally understand how worried you must be when your fur baby isn’t acting like themselves. By taking the preventative steps and suggestions above to keep your pup happy and healthy during the season changes, you can help both yourself and your pet feel so much better. If you’re looking for help with your pup, whether it be dog boarding or day care or more, contact us today to get started! 

We are the only Orlando dog boarding and Orlando doggie day care center that has an indoor heated pool for dogs. See it for yourself by scheduling a tour!

Rocky's Retreat | 2826 Shader Rd. Orlando FL 32808 | info@rockysretreat.com | (407) 295-3888