Are dogs affected by weather?
Horace Daniel
2025-05-18 23:49:47
Count answers: 2
Grey skies, thunder, heavy rainfall all have an impact on your dog’s mood and behaviour, similar to the effect bad weather can have on humans’ energy and mood. Our canine companions can all have their own unique quirks when it comes to weather, some may be terrified of thunder, heavy rainfall and strong winds, while others can seem depressed and have a low mood during the winter period, while others get excited and enthusiastic – and some don’t react at all. According to a study carried out by the PDSA, a third of dog owners noticed their pet’s mood appears low during the colder months of the year. Many different factors can impact a change in your dog’s mood, including disruption to their daily routine, fewer opportunities to get out and about and enjoy the same amount of physical exercise as they get in the summer months, or as a result of stress or anxiety from fears and phobias. Strong gusts of wind and pressure drops can agitate our canine companions. Your dog might show signs of anxiety or restlessness, or might be unable to sit still when they are met with strong wind levels. Research carried out by Penn State University showed that some dogs experience a rapid increase of cortisol – the stress hormone – during thunderstorms, while other research shows that dogs can sense the changes in barometric pressure that predict a new weather front. During the colder periods, you may see a change in your dog’s appetite or they might show signs of reduced energy, which can be brought on by winter’s shortened days and gloomy weather and a lack of exercise and stimulation.
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