Pets: Seasonal Affective Disorder isn't just for humans

Published on Saturday 7 November 2009 10:52

IT'S not only humans who get the winter blues – millions of animals are affected too, according to a new poll from veterinary charity, PDSA.

The findings suggest that around eight million UK pets want to eat more, avoid exercise and are grumpier during the winter months. Vets believe they could be suffering from an animal version of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Now the clocks have gone back and daylight hours are diminishing daily, millions of owners are likely to see behavioural changes in their dogs, cats and other animals.

In the snapshot poll of UK pet owners, PDSA found that 68 per cent of pets are "grumpier" in winter months compared with summer.

Food and exercise also appear to become problematic with 51 per cent of owners stating their pets eat more in the winter, while 48 per cent say it's harder to get their pets to exercise.

As a result, more than a third of these pets reportedly put on weight as they consume more calories than they burn.

According to Elaine Pendlebury, senior veterinary surgeon with PDSA, animals can suffer from depression just like people: "According to our poll, some pets display similar symptoms of the human disorder, SAD, which include fatigue, depressed mood and lack of energy."

The PDSA survey also found that in the winter, 43 per cent of pets have less energy, 59 per cent sleep for longer periods, and 47 per cent demand more affection from their owners.

When comparing the data on cats and dogs there seems to be marked differences between the two species; 68 per cent of cat owners felt their feline friends ate more in the winter months compared with only 34 per cent of dog owners.

When it comes to exercise, 61 per cent of cat owners felt it was harder to motivate their cat to exercise, compared with 44 per cent of dog owners.

Elaine continues: "We know that some animals respond to daylight and climate changes, so the very poor summer we've just had, combined with the onset of the dark nights, could certainly have an impact on our pets' behaviour.

"The change in our pets' mood may be simply due to the cold weather and fewer opportunities to stretch their legs outside, but diet and exercise can play a big part in perking up your pet.

Even if you can't go out, there are various indoor games that you can play with your pet to help cheer them up."

PDSA is urging owners to kick-start their pets' winter health care routine to help perk up their animals. Elaine's advice to pet owners is very simple: "Just because it's winter doesn't mean your pet's diet and exercise plan should fall by the wayside.

"Even if your pet isn't in the mood to exercise you should try to encourage them as much as you can.

"When it comes to food, the old adage 'a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips' is just as true for pets as it is for people."

Elaine adds: "The cause of SAD in people is thought to be linked to the levels of melatonin in the body. Light inhibits the production of melatonin – a hormone which causes us to feel drowsy and down in the dumps.

"When it is darker, more of this hormone is produced, and that's why it's called 'the hormone of darkness'."

For further information on diet and exercise tips for your pet visit www.pdsa.org.uk