Your pet could be SAD (yes, really!)
Signs to watch for and ways to support them.
By Cat Malkin, MA — The Animal Muse
My client, Nancy, called me the other day, worried about her usually energetic goldendoodle dog, Buddy.
“He just feels flat,” she said. “Like someone turned down his volume.”
She took Buddy to the vet, and thankfully, everything checked out fine.
But Nancy sensed that something was clearly off.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: Wintertime can feel long and dark for both people and pets.
Even if your pet doesn’t have any medical issues, their mood and behavior shifts could be linked to seasonal changes.
Here’s what Nancy learned about Buddy and what might be happening with your pet if they’re feeling off, too.
5 common ways pets respond to seasonal shifts, along with ways to help them feel more balanced this time of year.
1. Holiday Aftershocks Are Real
The shift from holiday hubbub to the quiet of January can be disorienting for pets. When family members return to work and school, pets may feel anxious or unsettled or experience separation anxiety.
✅ What helps:
Create a predictable routine and ensure your pet gets sunlight to help them feel more secure and hopeful during winter.
2. Less Light, Less Energy
Fewer daylight hours can mean lower enthusiasm, slower engagement, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood shift linked to reduced daylight in humans.
Pets can experience similar changes.
They may show subtle shifts in their mood and energy, especially during the darker months.
You may notice:
- Low energy or sleeping more than usual
- Changes in appetite
- Less interest in play or walks
- More withdrawn or quiet behavior
- Clinginess or staying closer to you
- A general sense that something feels “off.”
✅ What helps:
More sunlight is the best remedy. When possible, offer them extra daylight and fresh air. Move their bed to a sunny window, take a short walk, or let them sniff around the yard.
3. Quiet Time Together
Pets can feel lonely or anxious when the house feels quiet or empty after the holidays.
What helps:
Spend a few quiet moments each day with your pet to help them feel safe and loved and to strengthen your bond.
4. Playtime and Enrichment Matter More in Winter
When cold weather limits outdoor time, pets can get bored, which often shows up as chewing, pacing, restlessness, or sleeping more than usual.
What helps:
Engage your pet with short, fun activities, such as food puzzles or indoor games, to lift their spirits and show you care.
5. Chase their Blues Away with Animal Communication and Reiki
Animal Communication uses telepathy to give your pet a voice, allowing them to share how they are feeling and what they need to feel better. Like human counseling, talking with your pet can offer insight into the root causes of mood changes or behavior shifts. It also empowers animals by making them feel heard and understood.
Distant Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that promotes deep relaxation and balance. It helps calm their nervous systems, feel more grounded, and process stress in a safe, noninvasive way. It also complements any medical care they’re already receiving and can cause no harm.
The Bigger Picture
With a bit of extra light, connection, and comfort, your pet can feel more like themselves again.
If they need deeper support, Animal Communication and Reiki can help ease their stress, bring clarity to their feelings, and restore emotional balance.
Book an Animal Communication and Reiki session to help your pet chase the winter blues away.
➡️ If you found this post helpful, please share it with another pet parent, drop a comment, or follow for more practical ways to support your animal.
Here are 5 common ways pets respond to seasonal shifts, along with ways to help them feel more balanced this time of year.
1. Holiday Aftershocks Are Real
The shift from holiday hubbub to the quiet of January can be disorienting for pets. When family members return to work and school, pets may feel anxious or unsettled or experience separation anxiety.
What helps:
Create a predictable routine and ensure your pet gets sunlight to help them feel more secure and hopeful during winter.
2. Less Light, Less Energy
Fewer daylight hours can mean lower enthusiasm, slower engagement, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood shift linked to reduced daylight in humans.
Pets can experience similar changes.
They may show subtle shifts in their mood and energy, especially during the darker months.
You may notice:
- Low energy or sleeping more than usual
- Changes in appetite
- Less interest in play or walks
- More withdrawn or quiet behavior
- Clinginess or staying closer to you
- A general sense that something feels “off.”
What helps:
More sunlight is the best remedy. When possible, offer them extra daylight and fresh air. Move their bed to a sunny window, take a short walk, or let them sniff around the yard.
3. Quiet Time Together
Pets can feel lonely or anxious when the house feels quiet or empty after the holidays.
What helps:
Spend a few quiet moments each day with your pet to help them feel safe and loved and to strengthen your bond.
4. Playtime and Enrichment Matter More in Winter
When cold weather limits outdoor time, pets can get bored, which often shows up as chewing, pacing, restlessness, or sleeping more than usual.
What helps:
Engage your pet with short, fun activities, such as food puzzles or indoor games, to lift their spirits and show you care.
5. Chase their Blues Away with Animal Communication and Reiki
Animal Communication uses telepathy to give your pet a voice, helping them tell you how they are feeling and what they need to feel better. Like human counseling, talking with your pet can offer insight into the root causes of mood changes or behavior shifts. It also empowers animals by making them feel heard and understood.
Distant Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that promotes deep relaxation and balance. It helps calm their nervous systems, feel more grounded, and process stress in a safe, noninvasive way. It also complements any medical care they’re already receiving and can cause no harm.
The Bigger Picture
With a bit of extra light, connection, and comfort, your pet can feel more like themselves again.
If they need deeper support, Animal Communication and Reiki can help ease their stress, bring clarity to their feelings, and restore emotional balance.
Book an Animal Communication and Reiki session to help your pet chase the winter blues away.
➡️ If you found this post helpful, please share it with another pet parent, drop a comment, or follow for more practical ways to support your animal.
