Is Your Pet Getting Enough Light? Shorter Winter Days Can Affect Your Pet

Seasonal changes affect us (and our pets) more than we might realize. Did you know that the difference in winter light can impact your pet’s behavior? If your pet is not getting enough light, he or she might start feeling (and acting) differently. This guide will help you understand how shorter winter days can affect your pet’s behavior and mood. 

Your Pet’s Internal Clock

Pets have their own internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which uses sunlight to determine how to properly regulate various health markers (like hormones) as well as sleep cycles and metabolism. When there’s less sunlight, it throws off this internal clock, which affects a dog’s entire body. 

Changes to Routine

Pets thrive on routine, and anything that affects that routine can be confusing, uncomfortable, and even anxiety-inducing for our furry friends. The lack of sunlight (and the colder temperatures) usually means more time inside. Reduced physical activity, combined with this overall change in routine, can leave pets bored, frustrated, and sometimes even depressed.

Chances for Weight Gain 

The lack of sunlight and reduction in physical activity can also lead to another undesirable side effect: weight gain. Most people don’t change the amount of food they give their pets to compensate for this lack of activity. Even just one extra pound on a tiny pet’s body can lead to significant health problems. 

Changes in Mood and Behavior

All of these seemingly minor winter side effects can build up until they start to affect your pet’s mood and behavior. Some pets seem to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Others feel anxious or stressed. This can lead to anything from lethargy to certain destructive behaviors like chewing or grooming excessively. 

How You Can Help

There’s not much we can do to control the amount of sunlight during winter months, but there are ways we can help our pets stay stimulated and engaged. Here are some ideas to help your pets through the winter blues:

• Keep their routine as consistent as possible. When they can recognize a routine, it will help them adjust to the changes in sunlight.
• Invest in interactive puzzles and toys to keep pets entertained indoors. You might even want to create an indoor obstacle course. 
• Focus on physical activity, even if it’s just playing fetch inside the house.
• Work with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s weight and make any necessary nutrition adjustments.
• Brush your pet more often to remove excess hair and keep their skin healthy. 
• Alert your veterinarian about any serious behavioral changes. Sometimes, these changes are signs of a larger health issue.

These tips will help, since the shorter winter days can affect your pet in ways similar to how they affect many humans.

Resources for Pet Owners Near and Far

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we believe it’s vital for pet owners to have access to information that helps them provide the best life for their pets. Our blog is full of helpful tips to make it easier to provide the optimal environment for your pets. We also offer specialty and emergency veterinary care in Bloomfield Hills. Call (248) 334-6877 to learn more.