Can dogs suffer from seasonal depression?

Now that Fall is basically here, we are starting to see the days getting shorter. Pretty soon the temperatures will drop, leaves will fall, and for many of us seasonal depression will kick in. But does seasonal depression effect our dogs too?

We know that dogs can suffer from anxiety and we do know that if they suffer from a loss, they can also get depressed. However, we wanted to know if they can also feel the effects of the longer nights and less sunshine. So we asked some experts to figure out whether or not dogs suffer from seasonal depression.

What did the experts have to say? And do our dogs get seasonal depression?

Is seasonal depression a thing that dogs have to deal with?

We actually got answers from a few different experts. And it seems like the consensus is that dogs can in fact suffer from seasonal depression. However, as some experts point out, there is no confirmed data as of now.

"Yes, dogs can experience a form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) similar to humans. Reduced daylight hours and less outdoor activity during colder months may lead to changes in mood and behavior in some dogs."

- Dr. Lisa Trout for Small Door Vet

"Yes, dogs can experience mood changes similar to seasonal depression in humans. They might be less active or more sluggish during the colder, darker months. Keeping them engaged with activities, sticking to a routine, and ensuring they get enough exercise can help."

- Dr. Gabre Denton for TeachMe.to

While both Dr. Denton and Dr. Trout gave us a yes in terms of seasonal depression, two of our other experts had a slightly different take, although they didn't deny it is a possibility.

"Seasonal affective disorder isn’t a recognized entity in dogs per se, but it’s not hard to imagine how increased darkness, cold temperatures, and less opportunity for outdoor play can breed boredom in our dogs "

- Dr. Rebecca Greenstein for Rover

"To date, there’s no evidence that dogs suffer seasonal depression in the way we know some humans do. Dogs might be less active and sleep more than during the summer, most likely due to colder temperatures and shorter light hours, which usually result in shorter walks, less play, and fewer outdoor adventures. We know that dogs are great at attuning to their caretaker’s emotional states so this could affect their behavior. If the owner is also less likely to go outside during the colder months, both dog and owner might become less active and more sleepy. However, if pet parents are winter lovers and gear them up to go exploring they are also likely to meet them up at that level. It will depend on each dog, their habits, and their environment, and also be influenced by the owners’ habits and behavior."

- Dr. Paola Cuevas, Veterinary Consultant

Honestly, both Dr. Cuevas and Dr. Greenstein gave us interesting insights into what our dogs contend with as we head into Fall and winter. And knowing that the weather and darker days can impact our pups makes perfect sense. Plus, their reactions to their owners certainly makes a difference as well.