Why Dogs Love Napping in Winter: The Science Behind It

Melatonin

Not just any melatonin, but a distinction to be made from Melatonin Gummies

Both humans and dogs naturally produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleepwake cycles. However, when light stimulates the retina, the pineal gland slows down its production of melatonin.

This means that during winter, when outdoor light is significantly less abundant than in summer, and with the shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures discouraging outdoor activities like walks, dogs tend to have much higher levels of melatonin in their bodies compared to summer.

Melatonin can induce a sense of laziness in dogs and reduce their desire to be active. Consequently, as melatonin levels rise, dogs naturally feel more inclined to sleep.

But it's not just melatonin; a lack of exercise and a slower metabolism during winter can also make dogs more prone to excessive sleepiness.

So, how can we prevent our canine companions from becoming excessively sleepy?

Since melatonin plays a significant role, methods like taking your dog out for walks are wellknown. Some people even install fullspectrum light bulbs in their homes during winter to stimulate their dogs' spirits and prevent an overproduction of melatonin.

While the effectiveness of this method, reminiscent of reptile care, is debatable, selecting the right light bulb can certainly be overwhelming with the variety available.

As dog owners, if we want to keep our pets from being excessively sleepy, we should learn to employ mental stimulation techniques to spark their playfulness, whether indoors or outdoors.

How do we stimulate them? A simple trick is to hide their favorite toys and let them search for them, rewarding them with treats or praise once found. Any activity that gets their brain and sense of smell working can be considered a form of mental stimulation.

Just the words "mental stimulation" likely bring to mind several creative ideas. Obedience training can also be a form of mental exercise, but the simplest and most effective way is to play with your dog.

A popular game in recent years, known as the blanket game, is a great example of mental stimulation. Dogs might be puzzled: "Where did my human go?" Not all dogs will enjoy this game, though; for instance, Siberian Huskies might not be fans.