January blues are not just for people, as dogs can feel down in the dumps too.
Dark mornings, disrupted routines, and the sudden absence of owners who were at home all the time during the festive season, can leave dogs out of sorts, new research from the Guide Dogs organisation suggests.
Much like their owners, around one in four dogs are lethargic and lacking in energy, while about one in seven appear anxious or bored.
The findings, from a survey of 2,000 owners, could indicate that dogs are affected by their humans’ January blues, with 94 per cent of owners agreeing their pets pick up on people’s emotions.
But it may also be due to changes in daily life, as 23 per cent of owners said they had cut walks short, and 17 per cent had reduced play time, amid darker mornings and changes to routine.
Tim Stafford, director of canine affairs at Guide Dogs, said: ‘Dogs are incredibly attuned to their owners’ feelings, and when routines are disrupted or we feel low, it’s no surprise that they might reflect those changes.
‘However, whilst dogs are receptive to our feelings, we might not be as good at recognising theirs.’
He added: ‘January is a challenging month for dogs and their owners, so it’s particularly vital to pay extra attention to your dog’s behaviour at the moment.
‘We know that dogs thrive on routine and consistency, so whilst January can be tough, by focusing on re-establishing structure and following our tips on exercise and stimulation, we can easily help our dogs (and ourselves) feel better.’
The findings, from a survey of 2,000 owners, could indicate that dogs are affected by their humans’ January blues, with 94 per cent of owners agreeing their pets pick up on people’s emotions (file image)
But it may also be due to changes in daily life, as 23 per cent of owners said they had cut walks short, and 17 per cent had reduced play time, amid darker mornings and changes to routine (file image)
Much like their owners, around one in four dogs are lethargic and lacking in energy, while about one in seven appear anxious or bored (file image)
The charity found, among dog owners, that 57 per cent struggle with the dark days and cold weather of January, with about a third facing financial worries and 39 per cent finding it difficult to get back into a routine.
Meanwhile, common changes noticed among dogs in January included lethargy, which was reported by 27 per cent of owners, anxiety, reported by 15 per cent, and boredom, which 13 per cent said their dog was experiencing.
More than half of owners, 59 per cent, said they had noticed a change in their pet’s behaviour in January.
Guide Dogs recommends people stick to their routines around regular walks, meal times and play times, as dogs feel secure when they know what to expect.
Getting outside is important, as even cold, fresh air and exercise can release endorphins for dogs and people, boosting mood.
Although it can be tempting to make a phone call or listen to music during a dog walk, experts also say it is important to engage with a dog by playing games, letting them stop and sniff, and practising key skills like loose-lead walking.
Mental stimulation, such as teaching a dog new tricks or using puzzle toys, can keep their mind active and distracted from any dips in mood.
Also, snuggling on the sofa when it is cold outside can reduce stress for dogs and their owners, with shared, calming activities like grooming helping to feel more connected.
More than half of owners, 59 per cent, said they had noticed a change in their pet’s behaviour in January (file image)
Almost half of the dog owners surveyed by OnePoll acknowledged that their mood and energy levels influenced how they cared for their dogs, with 23 per cent admitting to cutting walks short or skipping them altogether, and one in five people rushing through them.
Dog playtime and training sessions were reduced in 17 per cent of cases, as January leaves many struggling with low energy levels.
About one in five people noted that dark mornings caused delays in leaving the house, disrupting their dog’s routine, while, as many owners returned to work in January, 13 per cent said their dogs were spending more time alone compared to the festive season.
However dogs might be the key to emerging from the January blues, with 88 per cent of owners agreeing walking their dog improved their mental wellbeing.
The survey found that 45 per cent of owners have made New Year’s resolutions to be more active, using dog walks as an opportunity to improve their fitness.
