Winter can be a tough time for our four-legged friends, especially in places like California or Texas where you don’t normally have to deal with much rain or snow. With the cold, rainy weather and early nights, it’s easy for our canine companions to get bored and start feeling the winter blues.
Decreased hours of daylight in the winter make dogs naturally produce more melatonin that can cause lethargy, sadness, and other behavioral changes. This is known as “cabin fever” and it can have serious impacts on your pup’s physical and mental health if ignored.
Warning signs that your dog may be experiencing seasonal depression:
- Excessive barking, digging, or chewing
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Loss of appetite
- Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy
- Unwillingness to go outdoors in cold weather
- Spending more time sleeping than usual
How Can I Help My Dog Combat Winter Blues?
It’s important to give your pup lots of love during the winter months as they adjust to changes the season can bring. Offering them extra opportunities for enrichment or getting out of the house a few times a week can make a major difference for their mood and prevent them from feeling stir-crazy.
Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to help your pet adjust to spending more time inside during winter:
- Regular Exercise: Even if it’s cold outside, try taking your pet for regular walks around the block, playing games with them inside the house, or taking them to daycare to let them socialize. This will help keep them active and reduce their feelings of cabin fever.
- Enrichment Activities: Give your pet puzzle toys, peanut butter filled toys, tasty chews, or hide treats around the house to keep them entertained.
- Invite friends over: Tell them to bring their dogs! Or arrange a meet up with another pup in your area so that your dog has company. An hour of play time or belly rubs from a friend are sure to make your fur baby feel better.
By understanding how cabin fever affects dogs during the winter months and following these tips, you can ensure that both you and your canine companion stay happy and healthy throughout the colder season.
If cabin fever is bringing your dog down,
bring them to daycare at Wag Hotels for some extra TLC!
Doggie Daycare is the perfect place to get your pup socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation even when rainy, cold, dark days have you stuck indoors. At Wag Hotels, pups can interact with their furry friends in a safe and comfortable, temperature-controlled environment while getting plenty of physical activity. Plus, there are lots of fun activities like agility courses, hide-and-seek games, and puzzle toys for mental stimulation — all tailored to your pup’s size and energy level.
We don’t just take in dogs for the day — we provide them with a home away from home. Whenever they feel like taking a break they can snuggle up in a soft bed or cozy space.
Our team loves to pamper your pup with lots of attention, cuddles, games, and treats! Why wait? Bring your dog to join the fun at Wag Hotels and try daycare today for free.