Pet depression "is a significant problem"

Posted : 25-04-2007

Those thinking about buying or switching pet insurance policies may want to consider the problem of pet depression, which is a "significant problem", it is claimed.

Sainsbury's Pet Insurance (SPI), which said the condition affected a number of animals, was responding to today's news that the maker of anti-depressant drug Prozac has developed a beef-flavoured version of the medicine for dogs.

And Clare Moyles, manager of the supermarket bank's pet insurance division, said the illness may be caused by pet owners' more stressful lives.

"Cats and dogs can be very susceptive to their owner's feelings and if they sense that they are unhappy they can become agitated and depressed," she maintained.

Research conducted at the end of 2003 by SPI found that 1.8 million dogs and cats suffered from moodiness during the year, while 1.13 million were fatigued and 922,000 lost their appetite due to an emotional or stressful event.

Pet insurance may give financial assistance if veterinary care is needed for a household animal.


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