It is not just human beings, but also pets that suffer from bouts of depression during winter called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a survey has revealed. A survey conducted by leading veterinary charity PDSA found that one in three dog owners see a considerable downturn in their pets' moods during the winter months.
Half of the owners reported that they pets slept for longer and 20 pct of them said that their pets were lees active during these months. Thirty pct of cat owners also said that their pet seems "sadder" and less playful during the season.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting approximately 340 million people in the world. No one is immune from depression - it occurs in people of all social classes, all countries and all cultural settings.
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"When considering our pets in this context, it's fair to say that the very poor summer we've had and the onset of dark nights, could certainly have an impact on our pets' mood," the Daily Mail quoted PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury , as saying.
"So, owners need to kick-start their pet's winter health routine with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet," Pendlebury added. SAD is believe to be caused by low levels of light that cause a chemical imbalance in the part of the brain, which regulates sleep, appetite, mood and activity.
![Fall in Mood, Energy Level During Winter is a Sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder]( "Fall in Mood, Energy Level During Winter is a Sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder")
People who experience winter depression may actually be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
No, experts think that the same process can affect animals too. "The cause of SAD in people is thought to be linked to the levels of melatonin in the body," said Pendlebury.
"The production of this hormone is inhibited when light hits the eye's retina. Therefore more melatoninis produced when it is dark, which is why it is also called 'the hormone of darkness'.
"When this hormone is released into the bloodstream it is thought to make us drowsy and a little down in the dumps,' she added. One in four cat and dog owners said that their pet's appetite increases in the winter.
In Pendlebury suggested that talking to pets and playing games may make pets active.
"Of course, the change in our pet's mood may be simply due to cold weather and fewer opportunities to stretch their legs outside, but diet and exercise can play a big part in perking up your pet.,' she added.
Source: ANI
LIN/C
Fall in Mood, Energy Level During Winter is a Sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder
People who experience winter depression may actually be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
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No, experts think that the same process can affect animals too. "The cause of SAD in people is thought to be linked to the levels of melatonin in the body," said Pendlebury.
"The production of this hormone is inhibited when light hits the eye's retina. Therefore more melatoninis produced when it is dark, which is why it is also called 'the hormone of darkness'.
"When this hormone is released into the bloodstream it is thought to make us drowsy and a little down in the dumps,' she added. One in four cat and dog owners said that their pet's appetite increases in the winter.
In Pendlebury suggested that talking to pets and playing games may make pets active.
"Of course, the change in our pet's mood may be simply due to cold weather and fewer opportunities to stretch their legs outside, but diet and exercise can play a big part in perking up your pet.,' she added.
Source: ANI
LIN/C
Some Common Human Injuries Also Common in Dogs
Like their human owners, dogs are at risk of suffering broken bones, torn ligaments, arthritis and congenital diseases.
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 'Man's Best Friend' Could Be a Useful Companion in Overcoming DepressionResearch has shown that enlisting the help of an unexpected companion -- a dog -- may also have a positive effect on overall health and well-being. | Advertisement
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