Lack
of sunlight, cold and snow, and curtailed outdoor activities can be
depressing for anyone, including our pets, and those winter blues can
have serious health consequences for dogs and cats, too, a leading
veterinarian warns.
Many
pets deal with the psychological effects of wintertime by sleeping
too much, overeating and avoiding exercise, a routine that can lead
to obesity and other illnesses, according to Dr. Elaine Pendlebury of
PDSA, a leading veterinary charity in Britain.
“Just
because it’s winter doesn’t mean your pet’s diet and exercise
plan should fall by the wayside," Dr. Pendlebury states in a
media release. "Even if your pet isn’t in the mood to
exercise, you should try to encourage them as much as you can. And
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.”
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According
to a PDSA survey of pet owners, 40 percent of dogs and 33 percent of
cats suffer symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition that
causes depression from lack of sunlight.
“The
cause of SAD in people is thought to be linked to the levels of
melatonin in the body," Dr. Pendlebury explained. "Light
inhibits the production of melatonin - a hormone which causes us to
feel drowsy and down in the dumps. Therefore, when it is darker, more
of this hormone is produced and that’s why it’s called ‘the
hormone of darkness’.”
The
symptoms displayed by pets - fatigue, depressed mood and decreased
interest in activities - are similar to those of people, according to
PDSA. A pet may hide in a corner and sleep all day, show little
interest in going outside, get up briefly and binge eat, and quickly
return to the corner hideaway.
According
to the PDSA survey, one-third of pets that suffer from wintertime
depression put on weight from consuming more calories than they burn.
The
PDSA survey also found:
- 68 percent of pets are ‘grumpier’ in winter months compared to summer.
- 51 percent of pets eat more in the winter.
- 48 percent of owners say it is harder to get their pets to exercise.
- 43 percent of pets have less energy.
- 59 percent of pets sleep for longer periods.
- 47 percent of pets demand more affection from their owners.
Pet
parents can help cheer up their dogs and cats, Dr. Elaine Pendlebury
says. "Owners need to kick-start their pet's winter health
routine with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet."
Don't be in the dark about this pet threat
Don't let your pet get the winter blues
Winter is most deadly time of the year for pets
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The Ruff Report's dogs and safety Home Page
PDSA
offers these tips to help brighten your pet's mood:
- Play hide and seek. This will get your pet's legs and brain into action. Hide your pet's favorite toy and encourage him to sniff it out. Make your dog work for his food as well by putting a savory food treat in an activity toy. Even cats will enjoy this.
- The name game. Use a group of friends, get them individually to call your dog and give a reward when he goes to the correct caller.
- Mobiles. Cat mobiles hung from a door or hook will create hours of fun.
- Boxes of fun. Boxes can be used to provide entertainment for your cat or dog by creating tunnels for your pet to run in and out of.
- Pet talk. Talking to your pet and giving it a cuddle will bring lots of cheer.
The Ruff Report is a column that appears on MySetterSam.com,
a blog written by Joseph A. Reppucci, a retired editor from The Patriot
Ledger in Quincy, Massachusetts. Mr. Reppucci worked as a reporter and editor on major daily
newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years. He is the author
of the book, The Hunt of Her Life,
a heartwarming story about his once-in-a-lifetime rescue dog. Find it on Amazon.com.
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