The key facts
- There is not yet enough convincing scientific data on seasonal depression in animals — Andrey Rudenko, ROSBIOTECH University
- Autumn changes in behavior may be explained by changes in owners' routines, shorter daylight hours, and possibly pain
- With lethargy, refusal to eat, weight loss, or signs of pain, a veterinary examination is needed; with difficulty breathing — emergency care
'Autumn Depression' in Animals: What Science Says
In autumn, owners often notice that their cat sleeps more and their dog is less willing to go for a walk. However, calling such changes 'autumn depression' is not quite correct: there is not yet enough convincing scientific data on seasonal affective disorder in animals. Andrey Rudenko, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, professor at the Department of Applied and Fundamental Veterinary Medicine at ROSBIOTECH University, told Gazeta.Ru about this.
Causes of Behavior Changes
According to the expert, one of the reasons is related to routine: after vacations and the dacha season, owners return to work, children go back to school, and the pet is left alone longer. Walks in the rain become shorter, and there are fewer shared games and new experiences. In response, a dog may demand attention more often or chew up things, while a cat may play less and spend more time hiding. The shorter daylight hours may also affect the distribution of sleep and activity, but, as Rudenko notes, attributing any change in behavior to a 'lack of sun' would be an oversimplification. 'In domestic animals, much depends on the apartment's lighting, feeding schedule, walks, and interaction with humans. The reaction is individual: some pets become calmer, while others feel more active in cool weather than in summer heat,' the specialist explained.
When It's Not the Season but Health
Physical comfort also matters. If a pet has stopped jumping onto the sofa, gets up slowly, avoids stairs, or becomes irritated when touched, pain must be ruled out. 'Such behavior cannot automatically be explained by age or an autumn mood,' Rudenko emphasized.
How to Help Your Pet
A healthy animal benefits from a predictable routine: consistent times for feeding, walks, and play. It is useful to give a dog the opportunity to explore smells and offer scent games, and for a cat — short play sessions, safe resting places, and puzzle feeders. The expert does not advise 'lifting the mood' with extra portions of food or prescribing vitamin D or sedatives on your own. The main guideline is how much the behavior differs from what is normal for the particular animal. 'If the pet rests a little longer but eats willingly, plays, and interacts, you can observe and adjust the conditions. If it suddenly becomes lethargic, refuses food, loses weight, constantly hides, or shows signs of pain, a veterinary examination is necessary. Difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or inability to urinate require emergency care regardless of the season,' Rudenko concluded.
