Why Do Dogs Sleep More in Winters?
Nothing beats the feeling of looking out of your windows from your bed and watching the falling snow, not to mention the sub-zero temperature. Dogs have sharper senses, so they feel the same, and even twice, extreme comfort that we feel during winter. Apart from the “bad weather,” being less active, no exercises, and low metabolism are among the many reasons dogs sleep more in winter. Moreover, during this season, take note that dogs can also feel depression due to oversleeping. So, always consult vets for better mental simulation.
You can also blame your furry pal’s hormones for it. Like humans, our pets also produce melatonin. It is a hormone in their brain that helps in regulating sleep cycles. When there is too much melatonin produced because of dark and cold conditions, which also happens to people, pets have a higher tendency to sleep more. The production of melatonin happens through the pineal gland and is inhibited when light hits the retina.
Therefore, we can conclude that the production of melatonin can cause our furry companions to feel lazy, less active, and want to sleep more. With less light and sunshine during the winter, there would be higher levels of melatonin produced, making our dogs feel laidback and relaxed. Melatonin has quite a few different effects, but it will cause sleepiness, the most prominent. As dogs produce more melatonin because of gloomy winter weather, they can sleep more.
Nothing beats the feeling of looking out of your windows from your bed and watching the falling snow, not to mention the cold weather. Dogs have sharper senses, so they feel the same, and even twice, extreme comfort that we feel during winter. Apart from the “bed weather,” being less active, lack of exercise and slow metabolism are among the many reasons dogs sleep more in winter. Hormones heavily influence your a dog’s sleeping pattern. High levels of melatonin make the done want to sleep more. On the other hand, low production serotonin causes dogs to feel tired and lazy.
When there is less light in the surroundings, like the winter, our dogs would also feel more relaxed. However, just because they sleep more doesn’t apply certain medical conditions. Sometimes, our dogs also feel lethargic, like us.
Are Dogs Lazier in the Winter?
Many owners find their dogs become less active during the colder months. But is this laziness, or a measurable change in hormones?
Firstly, like in humans, dogs rely on melatonin to regulate their sleep cycles. With the shorter days and longer nights, your dog’s pineal gland produces more melatonin. This is because the pineal gland is sensitive to light, and secretes melatonin in the dark. Similarly, winter influences how much serotonin your dog produces. Your dog produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter, to regulate their mood. A reduction in sunlight leads to less serotonin production. With less serotonin in your dog’s system, they may become lethargic, more tired, and sometimes even cranky. But what else influences your dog’s energy levels during the winter?
If your dog has short hair, they may be less willing to exercise outside. This may give the impression that your dog has become lazy. However, it usually reflects a lack of ability to cope with the cold. The same goes for small breeds and breeds with shorter legs. With this in mind, the decreasing daylight hours of winter affect your dog’s metabolism. The shorter days signal to your dog that it’s time to slow their metabolism, promoting the deposition of fat. If your dog is unwilling or not given opportunities to exercise in the winter, weight gain is more likely, giving the impression that your dog has become “lazy.” If your short-legged or short-haired dog is unable to exercise enough outside, it’s important that you encourage exercise indoors to prevent weight gain and to maintain their mental health.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Your Dog’s Mood?
Regardless of the weather condition, understanding the cause of your dog’s sudden change in mood, whether circumstantial or medical, will help you take good care of your dog in the right way.
Dogs can suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. They can sense when the weather is about to change.
Depending on your dog’s breed, you will notice that he becomes more or less active. Some dogs show clear signs of irritation if the weather makes them uncomfortable.
Some puppies seek warm places like blankets or your bed; you might even notice that they are becoming cuddlier in the cold.
However, lethargy is a common symptom of many diseases. Make sure to consult your vet if you recognize a shift in your dog’s mood or abnormal signs.
Why Dogs can handle cold weather better than Humans
Winter is around the corner and although the temperature is dropping, your dog’s exercise schedule shouldn’t cool off with it. Whether it’s too cold for your dog or simply too much work to bundle up for a daily walk, your dog still needs to get adequate exercise!
When your dog doesn’t use their built-up energy every day, it can cause problems not only for their physical health, but also their mental health. Dogs may become lethargic and lazy which may lead to pet obesity or restlessness which can result in abnormal and undesirable behaviors.
If the temperature continues to drop in your area and you or your pup don’t want to brave the cold, check out a few ideas to keep your dog active even during chilly weather!
If you have a flight of stairs in your home, use them for a few rounds of intense fetch! Throw your dog’s favorite toy and have them bring it back to you. This will not only tucker out your pup, but will also burn a bunch of calories, too.
A simple and effective way to keep your pup busy while indoors is with pet-safe toys. To keep their interest high, introduce a new toy on a regular basis or rotate your dog’s toys to keep them entertained. Food or treat dispensing toys are becoming increasingly popular as they keep a dog’s interest for an extended period of time knowing a reward is in sight. Keep in mind, every treat adds calories to your furry friend’s diet. Please consult your local veterinarian before you make any big shifts in your dog’s diet.
Tell your dog to stay. Then, walk away and hide somewhere in your home. Once you’ve found your perfect spot, call their name in an energetic tone. Keep calling them until they find you and give them plenty of pets and praise once they do. This game can also be played with dogs who are unfamiliar with the “stay” command. Have a family member hold them in place until you hide. This game is not only a great way to get your furry friend moving, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pup!
Invite a few of your dog’s furry friends over for a play date. This will surely keep them active and entertained because after all, nothing is better than spending time with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever)!
Playing in the snow may be fun for your dog and is a great way to burn off some of their pent-up energy! If you allow your pup to play outside, frequently check the pads of their paws for any cracking or bleeding. Sidewalks and walkways can be icy and slippery and the rock salt used to add traction can irritate your dog’s paws. After every walk, check your dog’s paws for debris or ice buildup and wipe them down with a warm, wet cloth when they come inside. Keeping the hair between their pads neatly trimmed will help alleviate ice accumulation which will only further bother your pup.
Want a better way to give your dog some much needed exercise and socialization? Give your pup an exciting day of play at Dogtopia! They will enjoy a fun-filled day of safe socialization with other like-minded pups, interaction with our loving and highly trained team, plenty of exercise and best of all, the opportunity to burn off all their built-up energy. No matter the weather outside, our indoor open-play playrooms are the perfect option for your furry friend to get socialization, education and exercise. You’ll love picking up a tired and very content pup at the end of a full day of play. For more information, find a Dogtopia location near you.