Searches for ‘depression in dogs’ have risen sharply in recent weeks (Image: Getty)
Feeling less than enthused during the cold January slump is a feeling shared by many, including your pets.
In fact, pet owners worried about their pooches suffering from post-Christmas blues have caused a spike in online searches in the past two weeks, with the phrase “depression in dogs” soaring by 62%.
It turns out that among may be more common than previously thought, according to Dr Anna Foreman, an in-house vet at .
Your dog feeling down could be caused by a range of factors, including there being fewer people around compared to Christmas, the , and even putting on weight – which is known to cause a dip in moods.
With this in mind, these are the seven signs your may be suffering with depression.
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Dogs can often experience low mood around January due to the weather, less exercise and shorter days (Image: Getty)
Weather is known to greatly affect a person’s overall mood, with shorter days and less exercise being synonymous with depression – including among dogs.
Dr Foreman explained: “Like humans suffering from seasonal affective disorder, dogs can become depressed over the winter months.”
According to the vet, the seven signs to look out in your dog potentially warning of depression include:
- Being more lethargic
- Being quiet
- Lack of appetite
- Urinating in the house
- Defecating in the house
- Chewing on furniture
- Eating things they shouldn’t
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Scheduling walks with your dog and allowing them to get natural light will help lift their moods (Image: Getty)
Dr Foreman said: “Any of these signs can be linked with underlying medical problems as well as being related to depression, and so if seen, should be discussed with your vet.”
It is important to remember that if any of this unusual behaviour does take place, do not be too angry at them but rather try and use positive reinforcement to deter them from doing it again.
The expert explained: “Scolding a dog for acting out does not ‘punish’ them as such, as they do not associate the two events.
“Rather praising them for positive behaviour is more likely to be effective at reducing negative behaviours.”
When it comes to the type of dog more inclined to suffer from depression, these can include older dogs or rescue dogs.
Dr Foreman added: “Dogs who have previously been abandoned, or had some sort of other traumatic event occur are also more prone to depression – rescue dogs, for example, may have been through these situations.”
If you suspect your beloved pet may have a bout of the winter blues, fear not.
There are ways to get them back to their chipper selves, including scheduling as many walks with them as you can and allowing them to have as much natural light as possible.