Do you feel a little down knowing that winter is near? Did you know that pets do, too? The change in season can be tough on an animal, especially those that spend a lot of time outside. Seasonal depression can negatively affect pets; they may gain weight, sleep too much or become irritable.
Here are some ways to put the pep back in your pet this winter:
Brighten the lights. Sitting in a dark room can be sad and lonely for anyone, including animals. Even on very chilly days, open the drapes and let in some sunlight. Turn up indoor light when possible, or even replace bulbs to create a more day-like environment in the house.
Encourage play time. Cats love playing, and they are easy to play with indoors. Make toys and drag items around for them to chase; these activities will keep them busy and allow them to burn some energy. Dogs can get a great workout by playing tug-of-war or wrestling.
Recalculate food quantities. When your dog or cat isn’t getting outside and running around like they are in warmer months, they do not need to be eating as much. Less food means your pet won’t gain so much weight, giving them more energy.
Go outside. Even if you let cats out during the summer, it is smart to train them to walk on a leash during the winter. It may seem impossible, but with a little patience you can make it happen. Bring dogs outside on regular walks – if it’s cold, even a walk around the block can serve a dog well.
Courtesy of Pet Insurance
http://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-behavior/Pets-Get-the-Winter-Blues.aspx
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