Affectionate four-legged friends: Dogs can suffer from depression too

class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

Dogs and their handlers often have very special relationships. Even the smallest emotions are noticed. You can also Dogs are affected by human emotions. But there are other reasons too four-legged friends suffer from melancholy.

Causes of depression in dogs

According to the veterinary foundation PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals), loneliness is the most common cause of depression in dogs. The researchers reached this conclusion after evaluating a study of 31,500 dog owners. It is said that around 2.3 million dogs are regularly left home alone for more than five hours. 2

According to the research, 8 per cent of dog owners in the UK believe it is okay for their animals to be left alone for six to ten hours a day. According to veterinary experts, dogs can tolerate a maximum of four hours of solitude.

“These are very worrying results. It is particularly worrying that people feel they can safely leave their dogs alone for such long periods of time,” said PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones. “Lonely, angry dogs are more likely to cause problems and exhibit unwanted behavior.”

And: “More than 50 per cent of British veterinary doctors have observed that dogs are increasingly being euthanised for behavioral problems in the last two years.”

Dogs need exercise

Even more worrying is the assumption that more than 465,000 dogs have never been taken for a walk. Since daily exercise and contact with other animals are vital for four-legged friends, dogs that never leave the house are at risk of developing mental disorders.

If dogs suffer from loneliness, not only can they become depressed, but they can also exhibit destructive behavior. Broken furniture and carpets are indicators that animals are lonely when their owners leave the house.

In addition, this condition can lead to irritability and separation anxiety in dogs, which manifests itself in constant barking or affects toilet training.

The study requires pet owners to consider how they treat their dogs. Animals should not be left alone at home for long periods of time. So if you have a dog you need to adapt your lifestyle accordingly.

Regular walks are also a must. Moreover, these are beneficial not only for the animals but also for their owners.

Who knows: Maybe not only the dog but also its owner will make new friends in the park! There is probably no better way for the dog or its owner to get out of depressive moods. (CENTIMETER)

Source : Blick