Are you causing your DOG to suffer psychological burnout?

Are you causing your DOG to suffer psychological burnout? Vets say more pets are suffering 'chronic fatigue' and living on anti-depressants because of owners' busy lifestyles 

• A new report says dogs are becoming increasingly depressed and anxious
• Vets say owners' busy lifestyles make pets suffer 'psychological burnout'
• Some dogs are now having to undergo therapy and take anti-depressants  

By Jennifer Newton

Published: 10:46 GMT, 16 June 2015 | Updated: 11:22 GMT, 16 June 201

 

Dogs are suffering from psychological burnout with some need anti-depressants because they cannot keep up with their owners' busy lifestyles, a new report has revealed.

Vets in Switzerland say that pets are under increasing amounts of emotional pressure which has led to them suffering from anxiety attacks and depression.

The study also says that some dogs are also suffering from chronic fatigue due to the 24/7 lifestyles of their owners.

A new report has revealed that dogs are suffering from psychological burnout because they are unable to keep up with owners' busy lifestyles (file picture)

Behavioural psychologist and vet Linda Hornisberger says that cases of depressed dogs are on the rise.

She said: 'Today, dogs are increasingly living with chronic fatigue.

'They are completely overwhelemed and need to take anti-depressants.'

The report also cited the example of Border Collie, Silver - who emigrated to Switzerland from Britain with his owner Gabi Thurnherr.

Ms Thurnherr, 44, said that Silver became so anxious he would attack his own shadow by rushing up to it and barking and growling.

His anxiety then had to be brought under control with therapy and anti-depressants.

Maya Bram, a vet at the Zurich Animal Hospital, where Silver was treated, said: 'Thanks to the drug he responded well to the therapy and found peace.

Behavioural psychologist and vet Linda Hornisberger says that cases of depressed dogs are on the rise (file picture)

'Many pets and their owners don't know any peace they are so busy.

'Peace is a foreign concept for many pets and dogs need a lot of rest.

'But with today's busy lifestyles they often miss out.'

In 2010, a dog version of the anti-depressant drug Prozac was launched and was approved for sale in Britain.

The one-a-day tablet, which tastes of beef, is said to help cure 'canine compulsive disorder' and 'separation anxiety' brought on by owners' long absences during the day.

Symptoms include poor behaviour, whimpering or tail-chasing.

The drug, called Reconcile, is also designed to curb the compulsive pacing, chewing and dribbling which its makers claim is a result of depression brought on by their owners' long absences.