TEMPERATURES have plummeted as the Beast from the East grips hold of the country.

And if you’re struggling with the winter weather, you might not be the only one.

Animal experts say Seasonal Affective Disorder or ‘winter depression’ can also affect your pets.

Jennifer Dean, a technologist with pet food brand Webbox Natural, which is part of Pets Choice based at Whitebirk Retail Park, Blackburn, argues that because we share much of the same brain chemistry with dogs, our four legged friends could potentially feel low at this time of year, too.

She says: “There has been no definitive study to confirm categorically that dogs are affected by SAD in the same way humans are, but there’s much anecdotal evidence to suggest that they are.

“They might display a general malaise, a lack of energy or even loss of appetite.

“But there are things you can do to protect your dog and ensure they don’t suffer a drop in mental wellbeing during the winter months.”

Deprived of natural light, it’s believed a part of the human brain called the hypothalamus struggles to function properly.

It interferes with the body’s production of the hormones melatonin and serotonin, while also disrupting our internal clock, causing low mood, lethargy, poor sleep and even feelings of guilt and worthlessness in extreme cases.

SAD is said to manifest in dogs as aggressive behaviour or inappropriate soiling, as well as clawing at the furniture, demanding more attention or appearing withdrawn, as well as sleeping more than usual, less interest in going for walks or playing and a reduced appetite and weight loss.

Here are eight top tips to prevent that from happening:

GET OUT MORE:

Jennifer says: “A good way of improving mood is through exercise, as this increases the firing rate of serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing serotonin levels. Tryptophan (an amino acid) levels are also raised in the brain for a period of time after exercise, which can then be synthesised into serotonin to prolong the improved mood. Therefore going for longer or more frequent walks with your dog, or just simply playing in the garden with them, will help their mood.”

IMPROVE YOUR OWN MOOD:

“There have been recent studies which showed how dogs can recognise emotions in humans and other dogs. So if you’re suffering SAD, your dog might pick up on that emotion and become withdrawn, too. Dogs, like us, also get bored. So giving them a focused activity - such as teaching them tricks and rewarding with treats or giving them something to chew - can help to ‘take their mind off’ anything which is frustrating them. Meanwhile increased activity levels lead to increased serotonin and lifted mood.”

CHICKEN AND EGGS:

“Foods rich in tryptophan could help to increase the serotonin levels in the body and lift mood. And there are a number of dog-friendly foods which contain tryptophan - such as fish, eggs, and poultry. Chicken and egg whites are also an excellent source of protein.”

WHOLE GRAINS AND TURKEY:

“B vitamins help the body metabolise nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats and protein, and also help the nervous system function efficiently, as they are needed by the brain to synthesise neurotransmitters. And they are also referred to as ‘anti-stress’ vitamins as they contribute to immune system function. Dog-friendly foods rich in B-vitamins include whole grains, chicken and turkey.”

BROWN RICE, CARROTS AND POTATOES:

“Magnesium can also act to increase energy levels and activate B-vitamins that have the effect mentioned above. Magnesium rich foods include potatoes, brown rice and carrots and thankfully you can find those ingredients in some pet foods. For example, our wet food trays contain brown rice and carrots.”

FOODS THAT BOOST YOUR DOG’S BRAIN FUNCTION:

“Essential fatty acids are important for correct brain function, so foods including fish oil and flax seed are important. Again, certain pet foods contain fish oil, flaxseed, carrot and chicken or turkey.”

THROW OPEN THE CURTAINS:

“If SADs in pets is triggered in the same way as humans - ie, through a lack of sunlight - the best thing you can do is make sure your blinds and curtains are thrown open as soon as the sun comes up to make sure your home is flooded with natural light. At a fundamental level, it should help to improve mood.”

GET CREATIVE INDOORS:

“Dogs are social creatures and crave stimulus. If you think your dog is feeling down, make sure you’re interacting with your companion regularly both inside the home and out of it. Giving them access to a window to the outside world can help, too, as it again provides mental stimulation.”