Mary Allen
Wintertime, good time! That doesn’t always apply to everyone. Do you know that feeling, especially in the gray November days, when the lack of light hits you and tiredness or physical weakness jumps out at you in the morning? There may well be a lack of motivation to master the day in an exhilarating manner. If this condition persists for a longer period of time, seasonal depression or winter depression may be the cause.
The Cycle of the Tides
If you look at nature, winter is the time when the biological rhythm takes a break. The survival of one’s own species, whether in the animal world or in the plant world, is taken care of and the cycle is over. However, winter also means that only those who are strong enough to provide new crops or offspring in the coming productive period survive in the meager period. It depends on personality, past experiences, possible illnesses, and external environmental conditions. Today’s civilized people often ignore this evolutionary principle, which is adequately compensated for by modern medicine, the range of nutrition, and social goals, and yet we humans struggle with the consequences, such as seasonal depressions.
Other Possible Causes and Consequences
In order for an organism to feel really good and for the corresponding messenger substances to be released in the brain, it needs certain external influences, such as sunlight. The sunlight ensures that the sun shines in living beings and that everyday life with its challenges can be mastered in such a way that body, mind, and soul can cope positively with stressful situations. If this source is missing or if the concentration is too low, homeostasis, i.e. the hormonal balance, gets upset. The consequences can be that everyday tasks are perceived as more stressful and sometimes acted with a certain aggressiveness. It is also possible that one or the other dog withdraws lethargically into its inner world to protect itself from mental overstimulation. Food intake can go to two extremes, one suffering from loss of appetite and the other from binge eating. Any mobile activity can be very strenuous or overly active.
Winter Blues in Dogs
Just as humans suffer from winter depression, so do dogs. Because today’s family dog adapts very well to people and their lifestyle. By November at the latest, dogs accompany their humans in the pre-Christmas period, and to be honest, this time can only get by with little relaxation. Gifts need to be bought, family reunions are being organized and the Christmas market is also tempting. Our working hours do not necessarily adapt to daylight. This means that some dogs can only be walked for a walk at dawn or in the dark in the afternoon/evening. Do you remember the paragraph about sunlight/daylight? We also transfer our mood to the dog. He gets to know how we tick and can take over some things as well as react to our mood.
How Do You Know If Your Dog is Depressed?
Depressed dogs appear tired in their movements and appear to have weights in their lips. The skin on her face pulls down and her gaze appears without sympathy. They often run crouched and the tail is not in motion. Your waking and sleeping patterns may change. Your dog may sleep a lot during the day and roam around at night. He can only be moderately motivated to go for a walk or play, and his eating behavior can change to a lack of appetite or never being full. Your dog may react to environmental stimuli with inappropriate aggressive behavior or with fear.
Are There Dogs That are More Likely to Suffer From Depression?
The probability is higher in percentage terms for senior dogs, since everyday life can be difficult due to age-related pain. Dogs that are not confronted with enough or too many new stimuli in their first weeks of life, the socially sensitive phase, often react more sensitively compared to a dog that has been allowed to learn external stimuli in a healthy mediocrity. This is due to a higher stress level. Bitches who are going through the cycle of false pregnancy and motherhood may also be more prone to it. After traumatic experiences, for example, the loss of a fellow animal or a family member or after an operation, depression cannot be ruled out.
What Can You Do to Help Your Depressed Dog?
In order to find out whether it is a case of depression, it is advantageous to consult a veterinarian with additional behavioral advice. Changes in behavior can have many different causes. Once you’ve been diagnosed with your dog being depressed, be careful not to reinforce his mood. Pay a lot of attention to motivating your dog to do activities that he has previously enjoyed. Every little distraction that helps your dog get out from under that gray cloud of depression is a reminder of just how much fun life is.