Does Your Pup Have the Doggie Winter Blues?

Hey there, folks! It’s me, Winston—the French Bulldog who’s slightly allergic to winter and absolutely obsessed with naps. Lately, I’ve been catching more Z’s than usual. My humans think I’m just lazy (how rude!), but I suspect it might be something more. Could I have… the winter blues? You know, the same thing I hear humans complain about when they binge Netflix in fuzzy blankets for hours on end?

After a little digging (and not the garden-contaminating kind), I discovered that winter blues aren’t just for humans. Us pups can feel them, too—and for good reasons! So, grab a cup of cocoa and your pooch pal, and I’ll walk you through everything I learned about why dogs may get extra sleepy in winter and how I’m combating it with my very own self-care routine.

Why Do Dogs Like Me Feel Sleepier in the Winter?

Turns out, there are a few reasons why your furry friends might be snoozing their way through the colder months. Science-y stuff alert, but don’t worry—I’ll explain it in plain furball language.

1. We’re Sensitive to Your Moods

Did you know we dogs are like fuzzy little emotional sponges? If you feel gloomy because of the shorter days or chilly air, we might pick up on that and feel a little down ourselves. When you’re wrapped up in a blanket, sighing dramatically about the lack of sunlight, we look at you and think, “Yep, guess it’s cuddling and nap time all day.”

2. More Indoors, Less Outdoors

Winter often means less exercise and fewer adventures (hello, frosty paws and icy sidewalks). For someone like me who loves sniffing the breeze and barking at squirrels who are most definitely planning my demise, skipping those daily outdoor zoomies feels like a downer. Fewer walks = less energy burned = sleepy pup.

3. Sunlight Is a Big Deal

Just like humans, dogs have sleep-wake cycles tied to natural light. Fewer daylight hours in winter mess with our rhythm and might make us snoozier than usual. It’s like nature is telling us, “Go ahead, take that third daytime nap. You deserve it.” Who am I to argue with nature?

Feeling guilty you haven’t noticed your pup’s extra winks? Don’t sweat it! Now that you know the cause, let’s tackle it head-on with a foolproof plan that even my lazy bones love.

Winston’s Ultimate Self-Care Plan for Beating the Winter Blues

Here it is, my paw-perfect recipe to lift my spirits during these chilly months. Spoiler alert—it involves belly rubs (obviously).

1. Sunlight = Instant Doggie Boost

Whenever the sun does make its rare appearance in winter, I make the most of it. My human opens the blinds, and I plop myself on the comfiest spot by the window like the royalty I am. Sunshine streaming on my smooshy face = free serotonin.

Humans, take note! Open the curtains, position our favorite bed in the sunny spot, and watch your dog soak it all in like a canine yoga retreat.

2. Bring Some Playtime Indoors

Yes, it’s freezing outside, and no, I will not wear booties (fashion faux paw). But who needs the great outdoors when you have squeaky toys and hallway fetch? My human throws my favorite plush squirrel across the room, and we create our own mini adventures indoors. Bonus points if we sneak in tug-of-war—it’s my ultimate cardio before, you guessed it, another nap.

3. Upgrade the Winter Diet

Winter calls for comfort food—bring on the pumpkin spice lattes, please!! It’s important to give your pup plenty of nutritious, warm meals (think microwaved wet food, lightly warmed to take the chill off) that make them feel cozy from the inside out. Don’t forget hydration! Sometimes, pups would rather chew a toy than drink water, so you can trick them with broths or water-soaked kibbles. Stay hydrated out there!

4. Add Adventures Where You Can

Yes, park strolls might be shorter. But that doesn’t mean adventure completely stops. Sometimes we explore new neighborhoods, and it’s exciting sniffing fresh lamp posts—it’s like visiting doggy Disneyland! For even more fun, I suggest car rides. Just crack the window for my snoot to catch some brisk air, and I’m golden.

5. Cozy, Cozy, Cozy

Who doesn’t love staying cozy in the winter? My human makes my sleeping spots extra comfy with fluffy blankets because if I’m going to nap more, I might as well do it in style. Also, if you don’t already own a doggy sweater, fix that. They’re warm and fashionable, and guarantee compliments at the vet’s office.

6. Quality Time with Humans

Here’s the ultimate cure for a doggy’s gloomy winter blues—time well spent playing, snuggling, or just hanging out with our favorite humans (that’s you!). Talk to us, play hide and seek, or just give us pets while you work on your laptop. Feeling loved and needed is THE way to lift our spirits.

Winter Blues Be Gone

Well, dear reader, short days and cold nights might make me grumble (and snore), but I’m winning the fight against the winter blues with my tailor-made care plan. Whether it’s basking in rare sunlight, turning living rooms into playgrounds, or guilt-tripping my human into extra cuddles, I’ve figured out what works for me. And it can work for your furry best friend, too! Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a sunny spot on the couch calling my name.

Paws and snoozes,
Winston