Like humans, dogs need mental health walks in the dead of winter, vets say

Seasonal depression is real. We don't want to go outside when it's cold and dark, and many people are less active in the winter months. But that shouldn't be the case for your dog, veterinary experts say.

"This time of the year, we hear some pet parents saying, 'I think my dog's got seasonal depression, they're not doing so great,'" said Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with the Wellness Pet Company, a natural pet foods brand.

During the winter, it's important our pet dogs continue to get exercise for their physical wellbeing and mental health. Because dogs "thrive on routine," Bernal said, it's key to keep going on walks outside during the colder months. Dogs that don't get enough outdoor time could develop behavior problems because they're not able to "get their zoomies out" properly indoors, Bernal warned.

There are also things you can do to give your dog extra indoor stimulation during frigid weather, including dental chews and puzzle toys. Those could be good options for when going outside really isn't a good idea, like when the risk of frostbite is high. Otherwise, dogs getting ready for their walk respond very well to positive reinforcement (treats), said Bernal, who keeps a special reserve of meaty jerky for Zoe, a 12-year-old Beagle who will not leave the house without them during winters in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

"I open the door and I'm like, 'Zoe, we're going,' and she looks at me like, 'Lord no, we're not,'" Bernal said, laughing. "But once we're outside, she's as happy as a clam."

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Weather-proofing your dog

Generally, dogs across the country suffer more from heat-related medical emergencies than cold-related issues, said Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer at the North American Veterinary Community.

“Be less afraid of the cold than you should be of extreme heat," said Varble, who is based outside Chicago.

Many dogs will adjust to the cold in no time, Varble said, because they "acclimate to the change in weather the same as we do." Once outside, play their favorite game or do their favorite activity, she said.

“Most dogs enjoy doing something outside," Vable said. "Start with the things they enjoy, because you won’t have to prod them.”

Look for frostbite warnings in your area, Varble said, which point to a dangerous combination of low temperatures and strong wind chill. If the weather is too extreme to spend time outside, Bernal recommends dental chews your dog can chomp on for hours, stimulating their brain. Puzzles that make dogs rely on their super powerful noses are also great, she said.

"It gives them a natural endorphin rush," Bernal said. "They actually feel really exhausted by the end of chewing."

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Winter coats are smart

In parts of the U.S. with brutal winters, like New England and the Upper Midwest, dog owners should invest in a coat for their dog, veterinarians say. That way, your pet can be more comfortable outside.

Dogs with short fur are more likely to need winter coats than dogs with long, thick fur, according to vets. Smaller dogs will also lose body heat much faster than large dogs, so consider your dog's body features. Winter booties are also good because they protect your dog's paw pads from salt on sidewalks and roads, which "can be very irritating to skin," Varble said.

Zoe the Beagle wears a white and red checkered coat, and a Labradoodle named Keeper that Bernal dog-sits wears a black Lycra body suit to protect his curly fur from the Massachusetts snow. A good rule of thumb is that if you need a big coat to be outside, your short-haired dog probably does too, Bernal said. Another easy signal for a doggie coat is when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, Varble said.

"If they're shivering, that's a sign they need it," Bernal said. "But if they start looking like they're getting quite warm, take it off."

Walks connect dogs to the neighborhood

Walks are worth it, period. Just like humans need "'"mental health walks," dogs need time exploring outside too, even if it's a shorter length of time than in more moderate weather, Varble said.

"Walking around the neighborhood and sniffing, it's kind of like scrolling through TikTok for them, and finding out what's been happening, like 'Hey, Fido was at this tree yesterday,'" Bernal said.

Zoe the Beagle never wants to start a walk, but will get outside when Bernal rewards her with the meaty treats, which she saves "only when I need that extra motivation," she said.

"I must admit, when we turn around and point back towards home, there is a faster spring in her step," Bernal said. "And then soon as she comes back, she collapses in her bed. And that's when you start to see the benefits."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daily walks fight seasonal depression in dogs, vets say