As the clocks go back and daylight fades, many UK pet parents notice their dogs seem flatter, sleepier or less keen on walkies. While true Seasonal Affective Disorder is not officially diagnosed in dogs, shorter days and winter weather can influence a pet’s energy, sleep and behaviour. The good news is that a few simple changes to routine, environment and enrichment can make a big difference.
What seasonal mood changes look like in dogs
Look out for a cluster of these signs across late autumn and winter:
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Lower energy or reluctance to exercise
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More daytime sleeping or restlessness at night
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Reduced enthusiasm for toys, games or training
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Clinginess, mild irritability or seeming withdrawn
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Changes in appetite or mild weight gain
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Indoor accidents in pets that are usually house trained
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Increased barking when left alone or when routines change
If symptoms are severe, sudden or your dog seems unwell, speak to your vet to rule out pain, arthritis, hypothyroidism or other health issues that often flare in colder weather.
Why winter affects UK pets
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Less daylight reduces outdoor time and natural light exposure, which can affect circadian rhythms and activity levels.
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Colder, wetter walks can shorten exercise and social contact, especially for small, short-coated or elderly dogs.
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Routine disruption around the clock change and holidays can add stress for dogs that thrive on predictability.
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Environmental boredom increases when dogs spend more hours indoors without enough mental stimulation.
At-a-glance checklist for brighter winter moods
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2 to 3 short walks daily, matching breed and age
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10 to 20 minutes of indoor enrichment, twice a day
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Consistent feeding, training and bedtime windows
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Warm, draught-free sleeping spots and dry coats after walks
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Light exposure in the morning near a bright window
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Regular social contact and calm alone-time training
Daily routine tweaks for the darker months
Keep a consistent timetable
Dogs feel safer with predictable patterns. Aim to feed, walk, train and settle your dog at similar times each day, especially the week after the clock change. Use timers or calendar reminders to keep things steady.
Front-load morning light and activity
Schedule a slightly longer morning walk to catch daylight. Position breakfast and a short training session near a bright window to support natural wakefulness.
Add micro workouts on rainy days
On days when roads are icy or it is bucketing down, break exercise into three mini sessions. A 10 minute scent game, a 5 minute indoor fetch on carpet and a 10 minute puzzle chew can equal a decent stroll for many dogs.
Warm and dry matters
Winter comfort reduces grumpiness. Use a well-fitted coat for short-haired or senior dogs, dry them thoroughly after walks and provide a cosy bed away from draughts. Consider a non-slip mat for older dogs who struggle on cold floors.
Indoor enrichment ideas that beat winter boredom
Sniff and search games
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Scatter part of a meal across a snuffle mat or folded towels.
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Hide low value treats around one room and cue your dog to find them.
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Lay simple scent trails with a treat every few steps.
Puzzle feeding and lick mats
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Rotate puzzle feeders so novelty stays high.
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Use lick mats with dog-safe toppings to promote calm licking.
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Split meals between bowl and enrichment to prevent overfeeding.
Training bursts for brainwork
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Practise cues like settle, touch, middle and place.
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Teach a new trick each week, such as spin, bow or tidy toys.
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Add two-minute impulse control games before going out or greeting guests.
Low-impact indoor play
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Soft toy tug with clear start and stop cues.
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Hallway fetch on carpet with small, safe throws.
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DIY obstacles using cushions for gentle step-overs.
Outdoor adjustments for UK weather
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Plan around daylight by checking sunrise and sunset. Even 15 minutes of daylight helps.
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Choose better footing by sticking to gritted pavements or parks with good drainage.
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Short and frequent walks beat one long, miserable trudge in sleet.
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Mind the salt on pavements. Rinse paws after walks to prevent irritation.
Support for seniors and sensitive breeds
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Spread exercise into shorter bouts to protect joints.
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Warm up with 3 to 5 minutes of gentle lead walking before letting off lead.
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Book a winter health check to review weight, teeth and arthritis management.
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Consider raised beds, orthopaedic mattresses and ramps to the sofa or car.
Sleep and settling tips
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Keep evenings calm with chew time, a short sniffy walk and lights dimmed.
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Offer a predictable bedtime routine, including last loo break and water check.
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If your dog is restless overnight, increase daytime enrichment rather than moving bedtime later.
Nutrition and weight management in winter
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Monitor body condition weekly. Extra naps plus less exercise can lead to creeping weight gain.
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Use part of daily food for training and puzzles to avoid extra calories.
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Keep fresh water available. Heated homes can be dehydrating.
When to speak to your vet or a behaviourist
Contact your vet if your dog shows sudden behaviour change, persistent lethargy, stiffness, ongoing stomach upsets, marked weight change or anxiety that lasts more than two weeks. For separation struggles or anxiety, a qualified behaviourist can create a tailored plan.
Winter wellbeing planner
Use this simple framework to keep on track:
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Move: two or three daily sessions that add up to your dog’s usual quota
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Think: 10 to 20 minutes of puzzles, scent work or training, twice a day
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Connect: short social encounters or calm cuddles
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Rest: quiet, cosy sleep spaces and a set bedtime
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Light: morning daylight exposure by a window or outside
FAQs
Do dogs get seasonal depression
Not in the clinical human sense, but many dogs show winter-linked dips in energy and mood. This is usually related to less daylight, weather and routine changes rather than a medical disorder.
How can I cheer up my dog in winter
Keep routines steady, increase sniffy enrichment, use puzzle feeders, schedule daylight walks and give them a warm, comfortable place to rest.
Are light boxes safe for dogs
Do not use human light therapy devices without veterinary guidance. Prioritise natural daylight by walking earlier and opening curtains wide.
What if I work long hours in winter
Batch prepare enrichment, schedule a trusted dog walker for a daylight visit and use timed feeders or toys to break up your dog’s day.
By planning for shorter days and giving your dog a warm, stimulating environment, you can protect their mood and keep them active until spring. If you are ever unsure, your vet can help tailor advice to your dog’s age, breed and health.
