As the post-festive buzz wears off, the cold weather and short, dark days can lead the ‘January blues’ to kick in. But it’s important to remember that our dogs still need the same level of care they would any other time of year – including walks, fresh air, and exercise.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “As our busy routines resume after the festive break, we know that it can be tempting to stay in and hibernate in the warmth when we get the chance, but it’s vital that we keep things as normal as possible for our pets.
“Christmas is such a fun time, family members coming and going, long wintery walks with more time on our hands, and time to spend playing with our dogs. Come January, things go back to ‘normal’, we all return to work and family visits are less frequent but it’s important not to forget to make time for your furry family member.”
Signs your dog may be struggling with January blues
Eating more
You might notice your pet appears hungrier over cooler months. There are lots of reasons why this could be happening. One theory is that even though our cats and dogs have been domesticated for years, the instinct to build up fat stores so they have the energy to stay warm over the winter still remains. It could also be that if we’re spending more time with them in winter, we’re around to see them eating so it seems like they’re more hungry. Don’t start feeding them more just because they seem hungry as this will lead to weight gain. Keep an eye on them and if you notice that they’re hungry all the time and are gaining or losing weight, contact your vet in case there could be an underlying problem.
Sleeping more
You might notice your pet prefers to nap a little longer, especially as evenings and mornings get darker. Again, there’s a good chance this could be similar to how shorter days affect us humans – less daylight hours in winter can affect hormones that control how much sleep we need, meaning your pet could be more likely to sleep more. It’s important to let your pet sleep as much as they need to – make sure your pet is still getting all the exercise they need though.
Stiff joints
As the temperature drops, pets who suffer from arthritis and stiff joints might find moving a little harder and start to slow a bit more. Try to keep them warm and comfortable, and discuss with your vet if you’re worried or think they’re getting worse. You can take a look at some joint care tips on our blog.
More shedding
You might find your pet sheds more during the autumn months due to the process of moulting as their thicker winter coat comes through, so you might find more hair around the home. Try giving them a brush more often and take a look at our fur-busting tips. If you’re noticing bald patches or itchy skin, this is a sign of a skin problem so contact your vet for help.
Helping your dog through the January blues
Company
Leaving your pooch home alone for more than four hours per day can cause feelings of loneliness, frustration, and misery so, as you return to your normal routine, remember to factor in your dogs’ fun time too. If you are going to be out of the house for longer than four hours, could you arrange for a friend, neighbour, or dog walker to go and see your furry friend? Or maybe consider booking them into a doggy day care.
Daily walks
Not getting enough exercise can cause health problems, such as obesity, but can also lead to long-term behavioural problems. Bored dogs are really unhappy dogs – they can show their frustration by chewing, barking, toileting in the house, being destructive, and over-grooming themselves (licking too much).
Home environment
As the New Year begins, it’s a good opportunity to remind ourselves that the animals in our lives need to have their 5 Welfare Needs met. Their environment is just one of these needs. They need a home that’s comfortable, where they can rest and feel safe. Dogs love to get outside in the fresh air for their daily exercise but they also love a cosy, warm home to snuggle up in. Make sure their bed is in a warm spot away from any drafts with plenty of thick bedding as the January chills make an appearance. They may also choose to hop up next to you for a cuddle and a fuss!
