Gone are the long summer nights and hot days frolicking at the dog park. In their place are cozy nights in, basking in the heat of the fireplace. Or, as others see it, short days with little sunlight and frigid weather that makes it almost unbearable to walk your pooch, let alone get out of bed. Does this winter blues sound familiar? If so, you wouldn’t be alone. Your pet has a depression too.
Ten million Americans feel the same way each winter. This lack of motivation and increase in exhaustion during the winter months has a name: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Unfortunately, it might be affecting your two- and four-legged relationships more than you realize.
How SAD affects human and pet relationships
People experiencing SAD may notice an increase in depression and anxiety as daylight diminishes. As with any mental health disorder, SAD can be trying on relationships with significant others, friends, and family members.
“People who are depressed can shut down and be less interested in conversation, less motivated to socialize,” Colette Dowling, a New York psychotherapist who specializes in women’s mental health, told Bustle. “And yes, they can be less interested in sex.”
Related: How Pets Get You Through Tough Times
Fur family members can feel the effects of your seasonal depression perhaps as much as other humans. Your lack of motivation may translate to fewer walks or skipping your cat’s favorite game of laser chasing. If you think you’re a master at hiding your feelings from your pet, you may want to think again. Animals are practically spies when it comes to sniffing out our feelings. Studies show that dogs can mirror our emotions by smelling them.
Can pets experience SAD?
While pets can detect our emotions and mirror them, there is open debate about whether pets can experience pet depression. Studies suggest that the hypothalamic neurons in the brains of animals are sensitive to daytime light deficiency, similar to humans. While it’s not clear to what extent this may alter their mood, AKC’s chief veterinary officer, Dr. Jerry Klein has his own opinion on the matter.
“A more real possibility is that SAD indirectly affects dogs because of how their owners act and feel when they are depressed during periods of less light,” Klein told Newsweek.
Ways to boost your pet’s mood
If your best friend seems to have the pet depression even with normal play and a happy owner, there are a few lifestyle tweaks you can make. With a few changes, you’ll have a happy pupper or purring feline once again.
Increase light exposure
Move your WingPet’s favorite bed to a spot under the window that receives the most rays of sunlight. If you’re short on natural light, consider investing in a lightbox to boost melatonin and serotonin levels.
Don’t hibernate
While temping during cold, winter months, it’s important to take your pup out for his regular walks. If possible, plan your walks during the sunniest time of the day. For kitties, skip the cozy cat nap and spend some time encouraging her to play with her favorite interactive toy.
Introduce omega-3 fatty acids
While vitamin D can be toxic to cats and dogs in high amounts and not recommended as a mood-boosting supplement for your WingPet, omega-3 fatty acids will do the trick. Omega-3 fatty acids are most notably found in fish. While not all fish is healthy for your pets to eat, fish oil and sardines in spring water are the best way to introduce fish into your pet’s diet. As always, talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your WingPet.
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