The Cure to Your Winter Blues Might Have Four Legs

Everett, WA– This morning, I woke up to the same gray, winter sky I have seen for the past two months. January in Everett feels less like a month and more like a sentence. The rain is sideways, and therefore best viewed horizontally from a warm bed. On days when it feels truly impossible to leave the comfort of my blankets, I feel a thumping tail on my feet. Barry doesn’t care about the existential dread of winter. All Barry wants is to chase a ball.  

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many of us feel a little down. For some, this manifests as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression tied to the lack of sunlight during the winter months. But relief might not come from a pharmacy—it might be lying at your feet, wagging its tail. Could a dog be the answer to beating the winter blues?

How Dogs Boost Mental Health

The bond between humans and dogs is more than just companionship. Science shows it can significantly improve mental health. Studies reveal that spending time with dogs triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," which promotes feelings of happiness and reduces stress. Petting a dog can lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, while boosting serotonin and dopamine—key players in mood regulation (Johns Hopkins).

A 2024 poll by the American Psychiatric Association revealed that 84% of pet owners said their pets positively impacted their mental health (APA).

Fending Off Loneliness

Winter can be isolating. Shorter days and chilly weather often lead to staying indoors and seeing fewer people. Dogs, however, provide unwavering companionship. Research in BMC Psychiatry found that pet ownership significantly reduces feelings of loneliness, especially for those living alone (BCM).

Dogs also encourage social interaction. Taking your dog for a walk or visiting a dog park can lead to spontaneous conversations and connections. These interactions help combat the isolation many experience during the colder months.

Staying Active in Winter

Physical activity is a well-known antidote to depression and anxiety, but it can be challenging to stay active when it’s cold outside. Enter your four-legged motivator. Dogs need regular walks, which means you’re more likely to lace up your shoes and get moving. A study published in Nature found that dog owners are more likely to meet daily exercise recommendations than non-owners.

Even on overcast days, getting outside for a walk exposes you to natural light, which helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can ease symptoms of SAD.

Bringing Routine and Purpose

Dogs thrive on routine, and their needs create a daily structure for their owners. Feeding, grooming, and walking your dog give you a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be especially grounding during winter’s unstructured days.

This sense of purpose can boost your mood and provide much-needed motivation during the darker months (BCM).

Local Business

A new business in downtown Everett is hoping to encourage locals to spend time exercising and socializing with their dogs while avoiding the rain by building a 6,000 sq foot indoor dog park. Pawsome Park and Lodge is currently open for daycare and overnight boarding but will be unveiling its indoor play area in coming months (Pawsome). 

The indoor park will allow dogs to run off leash in a comfortable, temperature controlled environment with ample room to run. Dogs will be required to show proof of vaccination and pass a behavior test.  

Wrapping It Up: The Winter Blues Buster

While winter can feel like a slog, the companionship of a dog can transform the season. From lifting your mood to keeping you active and connected, dogs provide countless benefits that brighten even the darkest days.

If you’re battling the winter blues, consider adding a furry friend to your life. Their unconditional love and infectious enthusiasm might be the perfect remedy to the season’s gloom.