Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in dogs, explained

Lucy McNiven
29 September 2025 - 4 min read

The information in this article has been reviewed by Dr. Rebecca MacMillan on 29 September 2025. Although it may provide helpful guidance, it should not be substituted for professional veterinary advice.

A brown dog with a blue jacket outside on a cold, frosty day

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Just like their pet parents, dogs can feel a little down during the winter months. The shorter days, chilly weather, and longer nights can affect our furry friends more than we realise.

In fact, some dogs can even experience something like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of seasonal depression that can affect us too.

Here, we discuss seasonal depression in dogs, the signs your pup is feeling down, and ways you can make your dog feel better.

Can dogs get SAD? Understanding seasonal blues in dogs

A bulldog puppy sleeps quietly on a star-patterned blanket

The big question is: can dogs really get SAD? Technically, no. There isn’t any solid scientific proof that SAD affects dogs the same way it does humans.

But many pet parents notice during the colder, darker months their dogs acting a little off, sleeping more, playing less, or seeming a bit down. So, while it may not be true SAD, our pups can definitely feel the winter blues.

So, why is this? Well, there can be a few reasons. For example, one study from the University of Košice found that some thyroid hormones (TT4 and fT4) fluctuated in dogs, with the highest levels recorded in winter and the lowest in summer.

This suggests that there’s some physiological response to winter. It’s interesting, though this may not explain mood changes and doesn’t specifically look at the thyroid glands effects on behaviour.

There’s also a possibility that the mood of a dog’s pet parents can impact theirs, too. So, if you’re feeling the winter blues, studies have shown that your dogs may too, and researchers have proven that canines can pick up their pet parent’s anxiety through their sweat.

On a more practical level, one study found that pet parents were less likely to exercise their pets in the cold, which has knock-on effects for their mental health.

Their survey of over 3,000 dog parents found 48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold and 64% less likely in icy conditions. This is often why people ask “do dogs get sad in winter?” as they may naturally exercise their pups less.

Our guide on walking your dog in winter can help if you're struggling to exercise them in the colder months.

What’s the difference between SAD and regular blues, then?

In humans, SAD is a recognised condition that's intense, lasts a long time and impacts daily life, while regular blues is more temporary and typically doesn’t impact our ability to function.

So, while SAD in dogs isn’t a recognised condition, whenever we refer to it, we think of it as being similar to the human version of the condition – long-term, seasonal and relatively intense.

Does my dog have seasonal depression? Signs your pup is feeling down

A sad, tired-looking brown dog looks out of the window on a grey, rainy day

Here are some telltale signs your furry friend might be feeling the winter blues:

  • Eating less (or sometimes more!)

  • Hiding or not wanting cuddles

  • Not excited about walks or toys

  • Sleeping more than usual

What might cause SAD-like symptoms in dogs?

Just like us, dogs can be affected by changes in their routines and environment. The longer nights and colder weather can make a big difference to their moods!

A few common, everyday reasons:

  • Cold weather limits outdoor time – when it’s too icy or chilly, your pup may not get the same exercise or fresh air they’re used to.

  • Missing their favourite people – with kids back at school and you at work, your dog might feel lonely or bored during the day.

A few scientific reasons:

  • Less daylight affects mood – reduced sunlight increases melatonin (the sleep hormone), which can lead to lethargy or withdrawal.

  • Shorter days disrupt internal rhythms – less sunlight can throw off your dog’s body clock, leaving them feeling sluggish or low on energy.

How can you make your dog feel better?

A woman walks with her Labrador through a park, it's autumn and the trees are changing colour

If your pup seems a little blue this winter don’t panic – there are some simple ways to increase your dog’s mood:

  • Consider using a dog-safe light lamp

  • Give your furry friend extra cuddles and attention

  • Keep playtime fun and regular, and don't forget to keep your dog enriched indoors. You should still mentally stimulate your dog at home, when the weather stops you going out.

  • Let more sunshine into the house by opening curtains and blinds.

When to ask for help

A puppy looks up inquisitively at a woman vet sat next to them

If your dog seems down, like they’ve lost interest in everything they usually love, or just don’t seem like themselves, it’s time to check in with your vet.

A quick visit can help rule out any health issues and give you peace of mind. Many of the symptoms of SAD can be seen with a variety of other illnesses, including lethargy and reduced appetite. So it is important to rule out a medical condition before assuming they have seasonal depression.

Remember: it’s okay to ask for help!

You’re not alone (and neither is your dog)

If your pup seems a little down this season, you're not alone - and neither are they. With a bit of extra love, some cosy playtime, and attention, you can help lift their spirits until spring has sprung.

And if you’re ever unsure, a quick chat with your vet can offer peace of mind (and maybe a treat or two).

Get behaviour cover up to £20,000 as part of your overall vet fee limit on Complete Care

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FAQs

Are some breeds more prone to SAD?

Breeds most susceptible to change in mood based on weather are:

High-energy working breeds

Companion breeds that thrive on attention from their pet parents

Sensitive or anxious breeds

Older dogs (breed varies)

Can you use supplements to help a dog with SAD?

There are no supplements specifically designed, or proven effective, for treating SAD in dogs. There are many products that can help with general anxiety issues, but please chat with your vet before using any. Never give your dog a supplement made for humans.

What are some dietary changes I can make to help my dog?

Generally, just making sure your dog has a balanced, nutritionally sound diet will often be enough as you get them back on track. You could focus on providing foods high in tryptophan, an amino acid that turns into serotonin, which is high in foods like fish and turkey.

Complex carbohydrates, like pumpkin, can help stabilise your dog’s energy, too, and focusing on your dog’s gut health could improve their mental clarity.

Remember that any dietary changes should be made gradually to avoid stomach upsets and it may be best to consult with your vet first.

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Lucy McNiven
Business Management and Marketing student

Lucy is a full-time student at the University of the West of England, studying Business Management and Marketing. Having explored Southeast Asia extensively, she is an experienced traveller and hopes to visit Australia in the near future. Outside of university, she can be found spending time with friends or going on a long walk, especially if there's a slice of cake waiting for her at the end!