January blues are not just for people, as dogs can feel down in the dumps too. Dark mornings, disrupted routines, and the sudden absence of owners who were at home all the time during the festive season, can leave dogs out of sorts, new research from the Guide Dogs organisation suggests.
![[But it may also be due to changes in daily life, as 23 per cent of owners said they had cut walks short, and 17 per cent had reduced play time, amid darker mornings and changes to routine (file image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/01/94121167-14314717-But_it_may_also_be_due_to_changes_in_daily_life_as_23_per_cent_o-a-32_1737594793194.jpg)
Much like their owners, around one in four dogs are lethargic and lacking in energy, while about one in seven appear anxious or bored. The findings, from a survey of 2,000 owners, could indicate that dogs are affected by their humans’ January blues, with 94 per cent of owners agreeing their pets pick up on people’s emotions.
![[Much like their owners, around one in four dogs are lethargic and lacking in energy, while about one in seven appear anxious or bored (file image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/01/14896290-14314717-Much_like_their_owners_around_one_in_four_dogs_are_lethargic_and-a-33_1737594793216.jpg)
But it may also be due to changes in daily life, as 23 per cent of owners said they had cut walks short, and 17 per cent had reduced play time, amid darker mornings and changes to routine. Tim Stafford, director of canine affairs at Guide Dogs, said: ‘Dogs are incredibly attuned to their owners’ feelings, and when routines are disrupted or we feel low, it’s no surprise that they might reflect those changes.
![[More than half of owners, 59 per cent, said they had noticed a change in their pet’s behaviour in January (file image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/01/93953935-14314717-More_than_half_of_owners_59_per_cent_said_they_had_noticed_a_cha-a-34_1737594793218.jpg)
‘However, whilst dogs are receptive to our feelings, we might not be as good at recognising theirs.’. He added: ‘January is a challenging month for dogs and their owners, so it’s particularly vital to pay extra attention to your dog’s behaviour at the moment.
