Cold weather can make people feel
down, unmotivated, and depressed. It can do the same thing for dogs. Doggy daycare can help dogs with
the winter blues get back to their cheerful selves.
The "winter
blues" or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be a real problem for
dogs. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, a leading veterinary charity in
the UK, conducted a study on pet moods during colder months; they found that
40% of people recorded a definite downturn in their dog's moods. The dogs
were less playful, less active, and slept longer.The best remedy for SAD is
getting more sunlight. This increases serotonin in humans and dogs alike. A dog
with a healthy serotonin level is cheerful and easily motivated.
In the winter it can
be difficult for dog owners who work during the day to get their dogs out
in the sun. But there are a few things owners can do to combat the winter blues.
Try taking your dog for a walk as early in the evening as possible and
make sure to get out with your dog during the day on weekends, holidays, and/or
days off.
Another option is to enroll
your dog at a doggy daycare that has an outdoor area for the dogs (like Dingo's
Dogsitting!) or pay someone to walk your dog during the day while you are at
work. Dingo's Dogsitting has staff
members in the Swampscott and Beverly area's able to assist with daytime walks
and home visits.
If your dog's mood seems to match the
gray sky, make an effort to maximize his time out in the sun. Contact us at Dingo's Dogsitting to arrange a
visit and see how we can help. Your dog may still curl up by the fireplace
at night, but it will be from being blissfully tired after a day of play, not
from the dreary weather!
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