London - Dogs are suffering from psychological burnout because they cannot keep up with their owners’ hectic lifestyles, say vets.
The emotional pressure of being around such busy owners has caused them to suffer from anxiety attacks and depression, according to a report in Switzerland.
Linda Hornisberger, a vet and behavioural psychologist from Bern, said: :Today, dogs are increasingly living with chronic fatigue. They are completely overwhelmed and need to take antidepressants.”
A case study described how Silver, a two-year-old border collie who emigrated from Britain to Switzerland with his owner Gabi Thurnherr, 44, became so anxious he would attack his own shadow, barking and growling at it.
Silver’s anxiety was eventually brought under control with therapy and antidepressants.
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.”
Daily Mail