Paw thing! Experts reveal the 9 signs your dog is suffering with the winter blues - and how to help them

It's not just humans who can suffer from the winter blues - the effects of shorter, darker days can also leave our four-legged friends feeling a bit 'ruff.'

As the clocks change and daylight dwindles, some dogs can become unsettled by the disruption to their usual routines. 

Their sleep-wake cycles are influenced by light, while hormones including melatonin and serotonin play an important role in sleep, mood and behaviour.

While researchers are still learning about the extent to which seasonal changes affect dogs - and whether some breeds are more susceptible than others - experts say owners should look out for changes in behaviour, appetite and energy levels.

James Milbourne, Joint MD at Canagan, and Fatima Maktari, an Oxford-educated food chemist and founder of Tribal Pet Foods, reveal nine potential signs that your pooch may not be having a ball - and what owners can do to help.

1. They’ve gone off their food

Experts have revealed nine potential signs that your pooch is suffering from a case of the winter blues 

A sudden change in appetite, whether your dog is eating less or more than usual, can be a sign that something has changed.

‘Changes in appetite can be another sign that your dog isn’t quite themselves,”' says Maktari. 

‘Around 90 per cent of serotonin is produced in the gut, so what and how your dog eats can play an important role in supporting their mood and energy levels. Eating right is really important.’

Milbourne suggests making mealtimes more engaging if your dog seems less interested in food during winter.

‘Try making mealtimes more appealing with good-quality protein, which provides the building blocks for serotonin, varied textures or a healthy topper to encourage their appetite,’ he says. 

‘Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats can also make mealtimes more mentally stimulating.’

2. They’re sleeping more

If your dog suddenly seems to spend much more time snoozing during the day or appears unusually lethargic, the changing season could be playing a part.

‘Dogs’ brains naturally produce melatonin, a key hormone responsible for relaxation and sleep,’ says Milbourne. 

‘When daylight hours reduce in the winter months, this can affect melatonin production, effectively putting your dog’s system into a type of ‘bedtime mode’ as it disrupts their sleep cycle.'

The result can be sluggishness, lethargy and fatigue during the darker months.

If your dog suddenly seems to spend much more time snoozing during the day or appears unusually lethargic, the changing season could be playing a part, says James Milbourne (pictured)

3. They’ve lost their mojo

Has your normally enthusiastic dog suddenly gone off walks, toys, playtime or even cuddles?

‘Another sign can be a complete loss of interest in things they would normally love, whether that is walks, toys, play or even wanting a fuss,’ says Maktari.

Nutrition may also play a supporting role, says Milbourne. ‘Dog foods containing ingredients such as salmon oil, which provides omega-3 fatty acids to support brain function, and sweet potato, which can provide slow-release energy and vitamin B6, can be beneficial.'

He adds that meat and fish are sources of tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to make serotonin.

Maktari recommends looking at how food is prepared, too. ‘A heavily processed diet can be less gentle on the digestive system, so foods that are gently cooked or pressed at lower temperatures can be a good option. This helps retain more of the natural nutrients in the ingredients and can make the food easier to digest.’

4. Their character changes

If your previously well-behaved dog suddenly starts stealing things, pestering you or getting into mischief, it could be a sign they are bored, under-stimulated or unsettled.

'If your dog is suddenly being a little more mischievous than usual, it can be a sign they are under-stimulated or unsettled by the seasonal change,' says Maktari.

She recommends adding more structure and stimulation to their day, whether that means an extra walk, a play session or a treat-based activity.

5. They become restless for no obvious reason

Dogs are creatures of habit, so a disruption to their usual routine can leave them unsettled.

‘You might see them start pacing or become more restless than normal if that routine changes,’ says Milbourne. 

‘They might also feel more tired if they are not sleeping as well and wander around trying to create some order and cope with the change to their usual structure.'

Keeping feeding times, walks and bedtime as consistent as possible can help provide reassurance during the seasonal transition.

6. They sit and stare at you

Working from home and suddenly finding your dog silently staring at you from across the room?

According to Maktari, they could simply be asking for some extra attention.

‘If you’re typing away on your computer and notice out of the corner of your eye that your dog is just sitting there constantly staring at you, they are giving you a pretty clear sign they need some fuss or attention,’ she says.

During seasonal changes, she advises giving them extra interaction, affection and reassurance.

Do you catch your dog silently staring at you from across the room? According to Fatima Maktari (pictured), they could simply be asking for some extra attention

7. They start shadowing you

An independent dog who suddenly follows you from room to room may be looking for extra reassurance.

‘This is sometimes called a ‘Velcro dog’, where they cling to you and follow you around all of the time,’ says Maktari. 

'It can be a sign they’re looking for extra closeness and security, so try and spend a little more quality time with them.'

Milbourne also suggests considering food containing natural botanicals such as chamomile, which he says can help promote a sense of calm.

8. They growl for no obvious reason

A normally placid dog that suddenly starts growling - whether in the garden, when being moved or even at a favourite toy - may be expressing frustration or irritability.

‘If your dog is normally calmer, a sudden increase in growling can be a sign that something isn’t quite right,’ says Milbourne.

His advice is to give the dog more space while keeping their routine consistent and ensuring they receive enough exercise, hydration and stimulation.

9. They become obsessed with self-soothing

Repeatedly licking or grooming themselves can sometimes be a sign that a dog is feeling anxious or unsettled.

‘They will often lick their legs or feet repeatedly as a way of calming themselves,’ says Milbourne.

Maktari suggests redirecting that behaviour with activities such as a lick mat, puzzle feeder or new toy, while ensuring the dog gets plenty of exercise.

‘Walks will also help burn off excess energy, reduce boredom and keep them physically and mentally stimulated,’ she says.

Of course, changes in behaviour should not automatically be blamed on the weather. A sudden or persistent change in appetite, sleep, temperament or behaviour can have many causes, including an underlying health problem, so owners should speak to their vet if they are concerned.