Hey Vortex Fam!
It’s another Wellness Wednesday here at The Vet Vortex and today, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind (and possibly on your pet’s mind too) as the skies keep pouring down:
Does your pet get depressed during the rainy season?
As the rains continue to pour, bringing cooler temperatures and muddy paw prints into our lives, have you noticed your usually hyperactive dog just lying around… sighing? Or your sun-loving cat curled up in a dark corner for hours, refusing to play?
Let’s dive deep with all the nuance and truth your pet deserves.
What Is Rainy Season Blues?
“Rainy Season Blues” or "Monsoon Blues" in pets refers to behavioural, mood and energy changes some animals experience during prolonged wet, cloudy, rainy and humid periods. Just like some humans who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and feel gloomy during long periods without sunlight, pets can also show signs of seasonal affective changes.
How Does It Happen?
Rainy season blues don’t just magically appear because the sky is crying. There’s a fascinating mix of environmental, hormonal and behavioural factors at play - all working together to make your pet feel gloomier than a cat forced to take a bath.
Let’s break it down:
- Less UV light reaching the skin reduces natural Vitamin D synthesis, which affects calcium metabolism, immune health, and mood-regulating hormones like serotonin - the "feel-good hormone".
- Shorter daylight hours alter melatonin and serotonin levels, tricking your pet’s brain into thinking it’s "eternal evening". Increased melatonin makes them sleepier or sluggish, while reduced serotonin leads to a low mood.
- Rain discourages walks, playtime and garden explorations.
- Exercise deprivation leads to pent-up energy, boredom, weight gain and frustration.
- Some pets become restless, destructive or vocal indoors while others become lethargic, bored or withdrawn, because they lack their daily dose of endorphin-boosting exercise.
- Stimulation decreases, especially for highly active or intelligent pets needing environmental enrichment.
- This results in what’s called "the boredom effect", where, without adequate enrichment, your pet’s brain enters "sleep mode". This can lead to depression-like symptoms, increased vocalisation or attention-seeking and destructive behaviours (such as chewing, scratching, or tearing objects) out of frustration.
- Some studies suggest sudden drops in barometric pressure before rain can make pets feel sluggish or achy, especially if they have arthritis or joint issues.
- While not fully understood, it’s believed that lower pressure causes tissues to expand slightly, irritating nerves around joints.
- Combined with gloomy weather, pets with such discomfort become less willing to move or play, further worsening low mood.
Why Does It Happen?
Think about it. If your dog usually spends an hour sniffing every lamp post on walks or your cat loves sunbathing by the window, a week of rain can be quite… well… blah. The change in routine, reduced stimulation and fewer natural light hours can all contribute to mood dips. Some of the reasons include:
- Physiological reasons: Light exposure influences the pineal gland’s melatonin production, which regulates the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycles). In pets, decreased light triggers more melatonin, making them sleepy or unmotivated.
- Psychological reasons: Routine changes - fewer walks, no sunbathing, less socialising with neighbourhood humans or dogs, can lead to boredom, loneliness and mood dips.
- Behavioural reasons: Some pets dislike getting wet, hearing thunder, or walking on cold wet ground. Fear and sensory discomfort amplify avoidance and low mood.
Personal Story Time:
During my clinical rotations, I met Mocha, a spirited little Dachshund who came in looking utterly miserable one rainy week. Her owner said:
"She just lies in her bed all day and sighs like a tiny old lady. She refuses to play or go out."
After ruling out medical causes, we realised she was simply down from the lack of walks (and her beloved neighbour-dog gossip sessions). A few new indoor games later, Mocha perked up dramatically!
What Can Pet Parents Do?
1. Maximise daylight: Open all curtains and windows during daylight hours. Pets benefit from visible light even when it’s cloudy.
2. Indoor enrichment:
- Rotate toys daily to keep them ‘novel’.
- Use food puzzles, snuffle mats or DIY treat games.
- Play indoor fetch, tug or “find it” scent games with kibble.
- Teach new tricks - mental stimulation tires them out as much as physical exercise.
3. Rain gear: If your dog tolerates raincoats or booties, invest in waterproof gear and go for short walks. Many small breeds or short-haired dogs dislike getting wet directly.
4. Safe outdoor exposure: If you have a sheltered veranda or covered patio, let your pet enjoy fresh air without getting drenched.
5. Quality time: Simply spending extra time petting, grooming or cuddling can help pets feel secure and happy.
6. Monitor mood: If your pet shows extreme behavioural changes (e.g. refusing food, constant hiding, aggression), consult your vet immediately to rule out medical causes.
Quick Interactive Check:
- Does your pet sigh a lot during rainy days?
- Do they sleep more and play less?
- Do they refuse walks or hide more than usual?
If you answered yes, your pet might be feeling those rainy season blues.
What Can The Vet Do?
If mood changes persist, your vet will:
- Rule out underlying illness. Lethargy, hiding or refusing food can also indicate pain or disease.
- Assess behavioural causes.
- Discuss supplements or medications for severe anxiety or depression, if needed.
- Guide enrichment strategies tailored to your pet’s personality, age and needs.
Treatment
Most cases improve with:
- Increased indoor activities - Games, training, social interactions.
- Environmental modification - Light, warmth, dry areas to rest.
- Vet-recommended behaviour modification for severe cases
Prevention
- Routine sun exposure: Allow sunbathing by windows or outside when safe.
- Daily exercise: Even short indoor sessions prevent blues.
- Mental stimulation: Puzzle feeders, scent games and trick training.
- Consistency: Keep feeding and playtime schedules regular to maintain your pet’s mental stability during routine disruptions.
Prognosis
Excellent! With some creativity, your pet will likely bounce back to their tail-wagging, biscuit-begging selves once their environment becomes fun and stimulating again.
Zoonotic Implications
However, watch out for increased indoor parasite risks (e.g. fleas or ticks from damp environments) during this season.
Final Thoughts
The rains bring growth, cool breezes and muddy paw prints… but, they can also bring a gloom your pet doesn’t know how to express. Be your pet’s sunshine when the clouds hide it.
Tell me in the comments: Has your pet ever seemed down during the rainy season? What creative ways did you use to cheer them up? - you might just inspire another pet parent today!
Until next Wednesday, keep their tails wagging and whiskers twitching with joy.
Stay vortexy, stay warm and stay dry.
Check out previous post - AI in Veterinary Diagnostics: Separating Hype from Reality