Are dogs affected by weather?
Lempi Stoltenberg
2025-06-16 05:02:23
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Can dogs be affected by seasonal weather?
My rescue has regressed quite a lot this week.
She's went from super confident to anxious and skittish on walks.
Her prey drive has also increased.
I can't think of any one thing that's set it off other than the weather has been crazy i.e. very cold one day, warm and humid the next followed by a downpour of rain.
It's also Autumn and so the leaves are starting to fall.
I'm just wondering if the weather can affect a dogs behaviour.
Is it possible that she's just adjusting to change?!?
Jayne Hickle
2025-06-03 06:40:22
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Wind, thunder, heat, gray skies–these can all affect Doggie’s behavior and mood. Some dogs are particularly scared of thunder, while others ignore it. Signs of phobia include panting, whimpering or barking, and hiding. According to a study conducted by Penn State University researchers, some dogs experience a rapid increase of cortisol — the stress hormone — during thunderstorms. Changes in barometric pressure can affect dogs’ behavior significantly, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Yours might become agitated — if he’s afraid of wind or storms — or he might become overexcited and curious, ready to pick up scents in the air and go exploring. Dogs, more perceptive to changes in the weather than we are, can feel changes in the static electric field that occur in the air, especially as a strong storm approaches. Stormy and extreme weather aren’t all that can affect your dog’s behavior — hot weather can affect Doggie’s behavior. For example, some dogs eat less and become less active when it’s very hot. They prefer to lie down on cool tile or near a source of airflow. Some dogs, just like people, become cranky and unwilling to go for walks or to do any exercise when the temperature is high. Sometimes referred to as the “Winter Blues” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression which occurs usually in the winter months when sunshine is scarce and daytime light levels are low. The PDSA found that about 40% of dog parents noticed a significant change in their pet’s moods during dark winter months.
Elwyn Yundt
2025-05-26 08:39:22
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Weather including snow and rain, temperature rise and fall, and change in even atmospheric pressure can affect the dog’s behavior, same as it has an effect on humans’ mood and energy levels. Dogs mostly slow down during hot weather, especially when they are used to cooler conditions. Extremely hot days put almost all breeds of dogs at risk of heat-related illnesses. The signs of heatstroke, and ensure that your dog has easy access to shade or air conditioning, and a fresh supply of cold water in the dog bowl. Dog behavior in cold weather depends on some breed, double-coated breeds like St. Bernard and Siberian Huskies become zippier in winter because of their well-adapted nature to cold. According to a survey, about 40 percent of dog owners noticed a downturn in the dog’s mood during the wintertime. Your dog can sense bad weather through changes in pressure, these shifts came before summer thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The change of weather affects your dog’s behavior, mood, energy, and comfort levels.
Horace Daniel
2025-05-18 23:49:47
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: 6
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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