Short winter days can take a toll on your pet’s mood, but there are plenty of ways to help your dog overcome the winter blues and maintain its vigor.
The winter blues, known clinically asseasonal affective disorder, affects nearly five percent of adults in the United States. While you might think SAD is exclusive to humans, our beloved pets are also vulnerable to the mood changes that often accompany winter. Being housebound results in restlessness for dogs just as it often does in humans.
So what can you do to help your dog fight off the winter blues? Here are six tips that might help.
Your dog’s appetite might increase during the winter months because it takes more energy to keep warm. Focus on feeding them a healthy diet that is filling and full of nutrients. Here are a fewfeeding tips for dogs to help them stay healthy during the winter months:
- Avoid feeding them toxins - The coldest months of the year are filled with plenty of holidays and gatherings complete with indulgent foods. Many of these party foods contain ingredients that can be toxic for dogs. Avoid feeding your dog yeast doughs, chocolate, or macadamia nuts, as these foods can make them quite sick.
- Pay attention to coat health - A dog’s coat is a helpful indicator of its overall health. If its coat isn’t healthy and shiny, you might want to take a closer look at what they’re eating. If they have intolerances or allergies, their coat can be negatively impacted. A veterinarian can perform an allergy test, or you can implement supplements into their diet.
- Prioritize meals that are easy to digest - Dogs need warm and fresh meals that are easy to digest. Consider boiled starchy vegetables, bone broth, and cooked chicken.
- Manage their caloric intake - Many dogs need extra calories in the winter to fight off the cold, while others become less active and need fewer calories. In either case, start by feeding your dog their normal amount and watching their weight. If they begin rapidly losing weight, increase their caloric intake. If they gain weight, cut back on calories until the weather warms up again.
It can be difficult to keep a regular exercise schedule during the winter, but staying active is one of the best ways to help your dog overcome the winter blues. Keeping up with a healthy diet and exercise will also help your furry companion stay in shape. You should still take your dog outdoors for walks whenever possible during the winter, but you’ll want to carry some indoor alternatives in y