Winter is upon us. Much of the U.S. has experienced severe winter weather, with record-breaking snowfalls across the northern states causing tens of thousands of people and pets to be without power for long periods. With so many households suffering the stress of surviving without power and with limited transportation and communication,
people who merely have cabin fever or the winter blues might consider themselves fortunate by comparison. However, day after day of snow and ice and many unmitigated days of grey skies can cause the serious and debilitating mood changes associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder in pets as well as their owners, studies have shown.
A survey published last year by the UK veterinary charity People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, reported that:
1 in 3 dog owners surveyed reported a downturn in their pet’s mood during the winter, and they slept longer and were less active.
30% of cat owners said their cats seemed sadder and less playful.
1 in 4 dog and cat owners surveyed reported their pets appetites increased in winter.
The medical term for the winter blues is Seasonal Affective Disorder (appropriately abbreviated to SAD), and includes symptoms such as feeling blue or depressed, lack of energy, increased appetite and sleep. The US National Institute of Mental Health estimates that at least 6% of the human population in the US suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder in pets and people is not well understood but is thought to be caused by fewer hours and lower levels of natural light available in the winter. The most recent research suggests that a genetic mutation in the eye can reduce sensitivity to light. Reduced exposure to light is believed to cause lower levels of chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and melatonin in the brains of mammals such as humans and their pets. These are the “feel good” chemicals responsible for regulating mood, activity, sleep, and appetite, and the chemical imbalance can produce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in pets and people.
The treatment recommended by veterinarians for pet patients and doctors for human patients suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder includes:
Natural Light Therapy. Increase exposure to natural sunlight by going outside or sitting by a sunny window.
Light Box Therapy. Light boxes can be used by people or pets to increase exposure to simulated sunlight.
Diet and Nutrition. A diet that is well-balanced and nutritious will help maintain moods and immune system health.
Exercise. For both people and pets, 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day has been shown to improve mood.
Petting and Affection. Petting animals increases positive moods in both people and pets.
Even the most resilient pets and people may experience the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder at the onset of winter. If pet owners notice lower activity levels, or an increase in sleep and appetite, or a change in mood in their pets or themselves, schedule a visit with a medical professional to rule out the possibility of illness. If there are no physical causes, pet owners can mitigate these symptoms by taking the steps identified above. Read more at
Simon Cable, “Doggies in the Dumps as Now Even Our Pets Are Suffering from the Winter Blues,” 22 October 2007, <www.dailymail.co.UK/news/Article-488924/doggies-in-dumps-pets-suffering-winter-blues.html>, (12 December 2008)
Grace Ibay, “Seasonal Affective Disorder Linked to Mutation,” 4 November 2008, <www.geneticsandhealth.com/2008/11/04/easonal-affective-disorder-linked-to-mutation/>, (12 December 2008)
Medindia, “Seasonal Affective Disorder Could Leave Pets Moody in Winter,” 22 October 2007, <www.Medindia.net/news/seasonal-affective-disorder-could-leave-pets-moody-in-winter-28277-1.htm>, (17 December 2008)
ScienceDaily, “Seasonal Affective Disorder May Be linked to Genetic Mutation,” Study Suggests, 4 November 2008, <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103130931,htm>, (12 December 2008)
Health - General Information
Stress affects your pet’s health in many ways. Stress affects the health of your pet’s cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems. It can cause a pet to pluck out his feathers or lick out his fur. It can cause your pet to chew up your expensive shoes, and claw and spray your furniture. Chewing, clawing, over-grooming, overly aggressive behavior, spraying, and even an overly excited greeting can be signs that your pet is stressed.
Don’t underestimate the affects of stress on your pet. Unlike you, your pet doesn’t have a demanding job, drive a car in heavy traffic or an overscheduled life but he has his own stress. Domestic animals have been taken out of their own environments to live with human beings. It is stressful, even for domestic animals, to conform to behavior rules and environments imposed by human beings. It is helpful to remember that the behavior rules and expectations you have for your pet may be unnatural behavior for that animal.
There are many situations that can affect your pet’s level of stress and consequently his health. These situations may include a trip to the vet, an overnight stay at a kennel, being left at home alone for long periods, traveling in the car, the presence of other animals, changes of schedule, visitors who don’t like pets, certain forms of punishment and strange animals in the vicinity.
If you know the causes of stress in your pets’ life, you can keep him healthier and happier, and it may help you unravel certain health and behavioral mysteries that you have never been able to understand before. When you understand the behaviors and physical symptoms that indicate when your pet is under too much stress you will be able to take steps to relieve his stress.
Many stress-related health problems and behaviors can be reduced or eliminated through adequate exercise, proper diet and nutrition, a calm and predictable home environment and adequate companionship. You can learn more about these topics on other pages of this web site
Seasonal Affective Disorder in pets and people is not well understood but is thought to be caused by fewer hours and lower levels of natural light available in the winter. The most recent research suggests that a genetic mutation in the eye can reduce sensitivity to light. Reduced exposure to light is believed to cause lower levels of chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and melatonin in the brains of mammals such as humans and their pets. These are the “feel good” chemicals responsible for regulating mood, activity, sleep, and appetite, and the chemical imbalance can produce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in pets and people.
There are many situations that can affect your pet’s level of stress and consequently his health. These situations may include a trip to the vet, an overnight stay at a kennel, being left at home alone for long periods, traveling in the car, the presence of other animals, changes of schedule, visitors who don’t like pets, certain forms of punishment and strange animals in the vicinity.
Many stress-related health problems and behaviors can be reduced or eliminated through adequate exercise, proper diet and nutrition, a calm and predictable home environment and adequate companionship. You can learn more about these topics on other pages of this web site