Signs Your Pet Might Be Feeling the Winter Blues—and What to Do About It

The mornings are still dark, the evenings settle in far too soon, and even the most outdoorsy among us have long since retreated inside—winter is in full swing. And you’re not the only ones experiencing the effect of these seasonal shifts. If you haven’t noticed, your pets aren’t immune to the winter blues: A dog who races their leash might linger in bed, and your cat who normally supervises your every move may spend longer hours curled in a corner. 

In many cases, these changes are just natural responses to shorter days. But sometimes, the symptoms can feel more concerning. The good news? There are several easy ways to support your pet’s mood and energy—and clear signs that it’s time to call their veterinarian.

How Pets Experience Seasonal Mood and Energy Shifts

Do pets also experience the “winter blues” phenomenon? In a word: they can—though not in the clinical, diagnosed sense that many humans experience.

“Dogs and cats can experience seasonal changes in mood and behavior, although they are not diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder like humans,” explains Dr. Michelle Dulake, DVM, a veterinarian specializing in clean, science-backed approaches to pet wellness. “Shorter daylight hours can alter hormones such as melatonin and serotonin, leading to increased sleep, lower activity levels, reduced play, or mild behavioral withdrawal, especially in fall and winter.”

These changes, she notes, are often normal and temporary. The key is paying attention to what’s typical for your pet and understanding the difference between short-lived shifts in energy and more persistent changes. 

Signs Your Pet May Be Struggling With Seasonal Conditions

Pets don’t always signal discomfort in obvious ways. Here are the most common (and subtle) signs to watch for, according to Dr. Dulake. 

• They’re sleeping noticeably more or opting out of play. “Increased sleeping or reluctance to engage in play, walks, or social interaction” can be among the first clues, Dr. Dulake says. Many pets do nap more in winter, but take note if your pet seems consistently difficult to rouse. 
• Their enthusiasm dips. Look for a “decreased enthusiasm for activities the pet normally enjoys,” says Dr. Dulake, whether that’s greeting you at the door, chasing a toy, or jumping up for a walk. 
• They’ve lost their appetite or are gaining weight. Sometimes, pets eat more or begin to pack on the pounds because they’re taking shorter walks in the cold weather. While these types of changes can also be symptoms of something more serious, their effect alone can eventually become debilitating. Be sure to track any shifts in appetite or weight.
• They’re especially clingy or displaying signs of anxiousness. Some pets respond to changes in routine with heightened attachment or an uptick in other signs of anxiety, like vocalization. 
• They’re regressing in their training. “Litter box avoidance, house-soiling, or destructive behaviors can also emerge as stress responses,” says Dr. Dulake.
• They’re avoiding you. “Mild withdrawal, hiding, or irritability, especially in cats,” can also indicate stress or mood changes, according to Dr. Dulake.

Which Pets Are Most Susceptible?

Similar to humans, some pets feel the seasonal shift more sharply than others. “Senior pets may be more affected during winter due to arthritis, reduced mobility, or chronic pain, leading to lower activity levels and mood changes,” Dr. Dulake explains. “Pets with existing anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, or chronic medical conditions such as hypothyroidism in dogs may also show more noticeable behavioral shifts when daylight and routines change.” 

Highly active or working dog breeds can struggle with reduced exercise in the winter months, she adds, “while indoor cats can be especially sensitive to changes in daylight exposure.” 

For these pets, she notes, “even subtle seasonal shifts can feel more pronounced, making consistent routines, enrichment, and supportive nutrition especially important.”

Simple Ways to Support Your Pet's Mood and Energy in Winter

“Winter can be a quieter, lower-energy season for many pets, but a few simple steps can help support their mood and overall well-being,” advises Dr. Dulake. “Together, these small habits can help pets feel more like themselves all winter long.”

Keep Routines Consistent

If your schedule changes (e.g., later starts to the morning, fewer long walks), try to keep mealtimes, potty breaks, and play sessions predictable. Consistency is calming for pets, especially those prone to anxiety.

Prioritize Movement

You yourself may be inclined to stay in bed, but moving with your pet can make a difference (for both of you). On colder days, aim for shorter, more frequent walks rather than fewer, longer outings. Indoors, rotate toys, play chase games, or try short training sessions that get your pet moving and engaged.

Add Mental Enrichment

Dr. Dulake recommends supplementing the decrease of outdoor stimulation with additional mental enrichment, such as puzzle toys. Think of it as giving your pet something to do, not just something to eat or chew.

Increase Natural Light Exposure

“Natural light exposure, such as time near sunny windows or daytime walks, also helps support healthy sleep and energy patterns,” Dr. Dulake says. Open the blinds, move a bed closer to the window, and aim for outdoor walks earlier in the day when possible.

Consider Nutritional Support

“Nutritional support can be helpful during this time, too,” Dr. Dulake says, noting that Fera Pets offers supplements that can be added to a winter wellness routine. “Their fish oil, which contains omega-3s, supports brain and emotional health, the Whole Food Multivitamin Topper helps fill nutritional gaps, and the functional mushrooms from their Mushroom Blend act as gentle adaptogens that support stress response, immune health, and emotional balance,” she says.

Before giving your pet any supplement or introducing any diet changes, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian, as well as if any of the noted behavioral or mood changes are persistent or worsen.  

When to Call a Veterinarian

Mild seasonal changes can be normal, but Dr. Dulake warns that “changes that persist, worsen, or interfere with daily routines warrant a veterinary check to rule out pain, metabolic disease, or anxiety-related concerns.”

While your family may tend to slow down in winter, your pet should still feel like themselves. If you notice lethargy that lingers, meaningful appetite changes, increased anxiety, or any behavioral changes that disrupt daily life, schedule a visit with your vet to rule out underlying medical causes, pain, or anxiety-related concerns.