Sad dogs say so much...by echoing our winter blues

DOGS may also be struck by the January blues as they mirror our emotions, experts have warned.

- By Hanna Geissler

The animals are known to have an extraordinary ability to notice tiny changes in their owner's behaviour, mood and health, using their heightened senses.

A survey of 2,000 owners by Guide Dogs found 94% agreed their pets could sense human emotions and 59% noticed a change in their animal's behaviour this month - which is often when the winter blues strike.

Differences spotted by the owners included lethargy (27%), restlessness and anxiety (both 15%) and boredom (13%).