Climate Change Impact on Dogs: What You Need to Know

Have you ever noticed? Dogs often exhibit quite noticeable mood swings during times of climate change. No matter the season—be it spring, summer, autumn, or winter—each has its own way of affecting a dog's emotions, and this, in turn, can impact us humans as well.

Heat Wave:

During the sweltering summer months, most dogs tend to lose their zest for life. On the hottest days of the year, you'll find them preferring the cool comfort of air conditioning indoors rather than playing outside.

You're probably aware that dogs with short snouts can suffer greatly during the summer, with many losing their companions to the heat. Similarly, doublecoated dogs find the summer challenging, and their owners can become quite exasperated with the shedding. These dogs are particularly sensitive to temperature and need regular grooming to improve the ventilation of their thick coats.

Chill Out:

In the dead of winter, dogs can also become listless. This is especially true for shorthaired breeds and those with slender builds, who lack the adequate fur and fat to withstand the cold. They need to rest, and rest often, during this season.

On the other hand, longhaired dogs, especially those with double coats, thrive in the cold. This is their time to shine.

Low Pressure:

While humans rely on weather forecasts, our dogs have long been known to detect changes in the weather through changes in air pressure. In fact, some studies suggest that dogs can even predict storms and typhoons in advance.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has found that changes in air pressure can significantly affect a dog's behavior. They might become restless, even exhibiting aggressive behavior in extreme cases. They can also become unusually excited and curious, especially before a storm or typhoon hits. Rest assured, these changes won't alter a dog's behavior permanently, but if their reaction is intense, owners should provide comfort and guidance.

The Question of Depression:

So, might a dog become depressed from all this? Let's delve into some authoritative data. A survey by the UK Veterinary Charitable Association revealed that 40% of dogs in the UK show clear signs of mood depression during the winter.

While dogs don't suffer from seasonal depression in the same way humans do, these 40% are suspected to be suffering from a psychological condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD in humans is characterized by a lack of energy, depression, decreased social interest, and fatigue.

Dogs with SAD tend to be more sleepy and less active during the winter. Researchers have treated these dogs similarly to how humans are treated for SAD, taking them outdoors regularly into areas with plenty of sunlight. The results have been remarkable, with the symptoms of SAD significantly reduced. The UK Veterinary Charitable Association discovered:

“The SAD symptoms in both humans and dogs during winter are due to an increase in melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Both humans and dogs have pineal glands that secrete melatonin. When sunlight hits the retina, the pineal gland stops producing melatonin, and the dogs no longer feel drowsy!”