Do Dogs Get More Sleepy When It’s Cold?

As the nights draw in, many of us are starting to feel the effects of the oncoming winter. That means chapped lips, icy fingers and an extra dose of sleepiness on those dark evenings. But it isn’t just us humans who struggle with the colder seasons. You might have noticed your dog struggling to get out of their blankets for their morning walk, and you’re not imagining it. Danielle Taylor, dog-walking expert and founder of Good Dog Pet Care Services, says that dogs find the cold just as hard as we do.

“Dogs, like humans, are affected by the colder and darker months of winter. Like us, the reduced daylight hours decrease serotonin levels and increase melatonin, which makes us all feel more sleepy and sometimes have a lower mood,” says Taylor. You might notice some changes in your dog’s behavior, such as a decrease in activity levels or appetite. They may even have unusual sleeping patterns. If your dog is older, ailments such as arthritis can flare up and cause pain. “This may reduce their desire to exercise and thus increase their time sleeping,” says Taylor.

Callie Harris is a vet and the DVM at Purina. She says that the increase in melatonin is because dogs have to stay as warm as possible in the winter, which is truer for non-domesticated dogs. Our pets have adapted to the seasons and environments in which they live, while wild dogs haven’t. However, it’s not unusual for domesticated dogs to struggle with the cold. This is particularly true for some breeds far more than others. You may have noticed your Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier being particularly shivery or pathetic on the cold mornings, and they’re not just faking it. They’re really not built for colder climes.

“Many breed and breed mixes are considered more cold weather pups like huskies, malamutes, and can really come alive with the colder temps,” says Dr. Harris. Axel Lagercrantz, pet expert and founder of Pet Media Group, says that breed and coat type can play a major role in how a dog handles the cold. “Breeds with dense or double coats such as huskies, retrievers and collies hold heat well and stay comfortable outdoors for longer. Dogs with short, thin or sparse coats such as bulldogs, dachshunds and boxers lose warmth quickly, so they often curl up earlier, nap more or stay closer to heat sources,” he says. Size also influences temperature tolerance: “Small dogs lose heat rapidly, while larger dogs with more insulation generally stay warm for longer.” How well they cope in the heat can impact whether or not they get sleepier faster.

Lagercrantz says that, as cold temperatures place extra demands on the body, increased sleep can occur. “Holding warmth uses energy and resting is one way many dogs conserve that energy. Some also eat more or seek cozier places around the house. These shifts can be completely natural as the seasons change,” he says. Age and health also play a role in how well a dog copes with the changes in temperature. Puppies cannot regulate temperature efficiently and tire faster in cold conditions, while senior dogs and dogs with medical conditions may also struggle. “Their bodies work harder to stay warm and extra sleep is a common response. Dogs not used to colder climates can show similar patterns until they adapt,” says Lagercrantz.

At the same time, some dogs may actually become even livelier during the winter. Movement can help to generate warmth, so bursts of activity are a totally normal response to feeling chilly. Dogs who are made for cooler climes, like Huskies, may also thrive as the weather cools. As most domesticated dogs live inside (and are pretty spoiled), the consistency and regulation of temperature can make things more tolerable.

Free virtual dental health check

Snap a pic of your pup’s teeth, and GREENIES™ will help you spot potential signs of oral health issues. 

Try It Out

However, says Dr. Harris, pet parents should always question if they notice their dog getting suddenly sleepy. “In this case, have them checked out by their local veterinarian. A sudden change in energy may indicate illness,” she says. “You should worry and seek care if it seems to have happened abruptly or interferes with normal day to day behaviors like going outside, eating or play time. Also, if the increased sleepiness is accompanied by any other symptoms like decreased appetite, nausea or changes in bathroom habits, that would be a cause for concern.”

Some seasonal sleepiness is totally normal, but as Dr. Harris says, you should remain alert to anything strange. If your dog is totally refusing walks, loses interest in food, seems withdrawn or avoids interaction, there may be more going on. Joint conditions, low mood and illness can be more serious in winter, and if your dog is persistently lethargic, it may be a little more than the sleepies. If you pay attention to your dog’s normal baseline for behavior, it makes it much easier to recognize when something is wrong. “If the change is subtle and the dog remains bright, relaxed and willing to engage, extra rest may simply be a response to the colder environment. But if the change feels out of character, contacting a vet offers reassurance and safety,” says Lagercrantz.

As the weather gets colder,  it’s essential to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and take note of any unusual changes. You also need to provide warmth, limit their exposure, and use appropriate clothing for sensitive breeds. Malamutes might not need an extra coat, but if you have a greyhound, they need to be properly wrapped up, for example. As always, take note of any unusual behavior changes and always call your vet if you’re concerned.