Just like their human companions, dogs can suffer from seasonal affective disorder, according to many experts. Here's what owners should look out for as the winter sets in and the days get even shorter.

The condition, also known as 'SAD', occurs in around five percent of adults every year and will usually last for around 40 percent of the year, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It can affect people in a number of ways and be difficult to deal with.

SAD is more than just “winter blues.” The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming, and can interfere with daily functioning.

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SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, people experience a shift in their biological internal clock or circadian rhythm that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.

A very sad looking brown and white Springer Spaniel dog in a house alone, with a dog chew stick in front of him.
It is not proved dogs can get SAD

Brains are complex things and forms of depression in dogs are not unheard of either, but PetMD explains that "depression in our animal companions is typically different from the type of depression seen in humans."

So what signs can people look out for?

SAD in dogs

Dogs can suffer forms of depression and one expert has said pet owners should be on the lookout for signs.

Rescue dog rehabilitator Liz Clifton said playing with your dog could be a good way of working off their stress. "Support your dog(s) by offering them a variety of ways to help them naturally relax, release their built-up emotions or tension and lower their base stress levels," she told the Mail.

She added: "Dogs instinctively release stress through chewing, sniffing, licking, sleeping, gentle shake offs, other movements, digging and yawning."

Signs that your pet may be more stressed than usual could be that they are sleeping more than they usually do, have less interest in playing or exercise, or are yawning more. The shake dogs do when they want to rid their fur of water could also be a sign something is wrong if it is happening more than normal. Other signs include being grumpy and misbehaving.

Clifton added: "'Sometimes a change in their usual routine or their environment could result in your dog feeling unwell for quite a while. Knowing what to expect throughout the day and feeling comfortable in their surroundings is very important for a dog."

Can dogs get SAD?

It is not clear whether dogs get SAD, but they are known to experience forms of depression.

PetMD says there is "no evidence" of SAD in pooches, but that "some dogs may also develop higher melatonin levels over the winter, which could cause them to sleep more than normal."

The experts added: "Currently, there’s no evidence that pups experience the emotional equivalence of seasonal depression that humans do. Pet parents may notice that their dogs are less active and sleepier than in the summer months."

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