March 23, 2026, 5:17 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The first rays of sunshine, chirping birds, and fresh spring air finally lure us outside more after a cold, dark winter. But dogs and cats prefer to laze at home in their baskets, dozing and appearing listless. Are our pets suffering from spring fatigue? PETBOOK author and health consultant for cats and dogs, Philine Ebert, reveals what’s behind it.
Do Pets Experience Spring Fatigue?
While it’s not scientifically proven, animals—including our pets—can suffer from spring fatigue. Their bodily functions slowly awaken from winter hibernation, manifesting similarly to humans. During the cold and dark months, their metabolism slows down and now needs time to get going again.
The transition from winter temperatures to warm spring weather is a unique challenge each time—for both humans and animals.
What Happens in the Body Now?
Over the winter months, the body slows down, and serotonin levels drop. Serotonin, known as the “happiness hormone,” is responsible for mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion. Additionally, the sleep hormone melatonin increases fatigue. Cats and dogs spend less time outside, and their overall metabolism slows down.
The seasonal change from winter to spring, with the shift from cold to warm temperatures, requires extra strength and energy. It takes time to reach the usual energy level again. During this period, our pets may sleep more and seem sluggish and tired. Loss of appetite can also be a sign. Particularly sensitive, older, or sick animals need more time and rest for the transition.
Coat Change–An Often Underestimated Strain
During the transition from spring to summer, our pets also undergo a coat change. While the switch to summer fur happens naturally and is mainly noticed by owners due to increased shedding, it actually requires more strength, energy, and nutrients from our pets than one might think.
Especially for dogs, the thick undercoat provides protection against the cold in winter. Once it gets warmer, it becomes a burden. The coat change takes several weeks, and until then, the thick fur can quickly become a problem for dogs as temperatures rise. If it gets too warm, they take more breaks, rest, avoid direct sunlight, and seek cool spots.
The coat change also demands additional energy from the body. Metabolic stress can lead to a need for more nutrients. The organs detoxify, and the immune system is often particularly challenged during this time. Adjusting nutrient intake and supporting with special supplements is often helpful during the coat change.
Adjust Nutrient Content
Like us, our pets often gain weight over the winter. Lack of exercise, a reduced energy level, and extra treats also show up on the scale for cats and dogs. We can support our pets by adjusting nutrient intake and gradually increasing activity.
Reducing rich treats or replacing them with healthier alternatives like fruits or vegetables saves unnecessary calories and offers a welcome change. Adequate hydration is also particularly important during this transition phase.
Gradually Increase Activity
Motivating cats, especially indoor cats, to be active is often challenging. New toys, hide-and-seek games, or tasks inside or outside encourage movement. A sunny spot on a windowsill or in a sunroom invites observation and sunbathing, quickly sparking the desire to go outside.
You can boost a dog’s adventurous spirit with varied, exciting walks on new paths with play breaks in fields or dog parks. The sun stimulates hormone production and increases curiosity. Meeting other dogs, communicating, and playing with them makes them lively and happy. Interactions, sniffing, marking, and exploring motivate more movement and provide optimal exercise.
Even if these activities initially require energy and cause fatigue, they activate all important bodily functions. The winter weight quickly disappears on its own, and the energy level gradually increases.
Weather Sensitivity Can Also Affect Pets
Animals also notice sudden weather changes. Like humans, they tend to be listless, sensitive, tired, or sluggish on days with significant temperature fluctuations, foehn winds, or thunderstorms. Headaches and discomfort can also add to their burden.
On such days, you shouldn’t overburden your pet; let them rest and don’t force anything. Cats and dogs are also entitled to a “lazy day” to relax so they can fully recharge in the coming days.
Allergic Reactions to Pollen
Cats and dogs can, like humans, be allergic to pollen or other environmental stimuli. Skin problems, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, reverse sneezing, or behavioral changes can be symptoms of an allergic reaction. If symptoms persist, it should be clarified whether it’s an allergy or just symptoms of spring fatigue.
Which Pets Need More Food in Winter?
Changing Your Dog’s Diet–How to Do It Right
Hormones Go Haywire
After the winter break, cats become in heat again in spring. Male dogs experience a rise in testosterone levels, and female dogs go into heat. This means additional stress for our pets. Genuine lovesickness, restlessness, loss of appetite, whining, whimpering, moaning, or increased panting can be hormonally induced symptoms alongside spring fatigue.
Conclusion: Allow Time for Adjustment
Even though the existence of spring fatigue in pets hasn’t been definitively proven, we all know this sluggish and unmotivated feeling during the transition to spring.
By closely observing our dogs and cats, we can clearly recognize and identify the signs and symptoms. If we give our pets the time and necessary support to slowly adapt to the new conditions, we can start the spring strong and fit together.