PDSA advises on helping your pet to cope with the January blues

PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing says: “As our busy routines resume after the festive break, it can be tempting to stay in, but it’s vital that we keep things as normal as possible for our pets.

“Christmas is such a fun time, family coming and going, long walks and time to spend playing with our dogs. Come January, things go back to normal and we go back to work, but it’s important not to forget make time for your pet.

Signs that your dog may be struggling with the January blues:

* Eating more: Even if cats and dogs are domesticated, the instinct to build fat stores to have the energy to stay warm in winter remains. Do not feed more just because they seem hungry, because this will lead to weight gain. Keep an eye on them and if you notice that they are still hungry and gaining or losing weight, contact your vet.

* Sleep more: Fewer hours of daylight in the winter can affect the hormones that control how much sleep we need. Let your pet nap as much as needed, but make sure they still get the exercise they need.

* Stiff joints: When the temperature drops, animals suffering from arthritis and stiff joints may move a little harder. Try to keep him warm and comfortable, and discuss it with your vet if you are concerned.

* Loss: Your pet could molt as its thicker winter coat wears off. Give them a brush more often and check out our fur-busting tips. Bald breasts or itchy skin is a sign of a skin problem so contact your vet.

Help your dog through the January blues:

* Companionship: Leaving your dog alone at home for more than four hours a day can cause loneliness, frustration and misery. If you are outside, have a friend, neighbor or dog walker watch your dog. Or book in dog daycare.

* Walk every day: Not getting enough exercise can cause health problems, such as obesity and long-term behavioral problems. Bored dogs are really unhappy dogs – they can show their frustration by chewing, barking, grooming in the house, being destructive, and over-grooming.

* Home environment: The animals in our lives need to have their 5 well-being needs. Their environment is one of these needs. They need a comfortable home, where they can rest and feel safe. Dogs love to go outside for daily exercise, but they also love a cozy and warm home. Make sure his bed is in a warm place with big beds.