Can your pet suffer from anxiety?

Do you ever get those days where the only place you want to be is on your couch, in your crumpled pyjamas eating a huge tub of ice-cream away from the outside world and all the annoying people in it? Believe it or not, your pet has those days too and is just as vulnerable to feelings of fear, anxiety and depression as we are.

There are many reasons for your pet feeling somewhat unsettled, such as moving houses, a messy divorce between his or her owners, fighting, boredom or crime. Pets are surprisingly very similar to humans in more ways than you know.

If you watch your dog or cat closely enough, you will soon be able to pick up signs of anxiety or depression. That furry little kitten you brought home as a surprise for your child will mature into a quieter, calmer cat. Much like us transitioning from a small child to an adult. This is not necessarily a problem. But if you constantly deal with your dog chewing things or digging up your newly cared for garden or whining throughout the night – there is most likely a problem. If your cat loses its appetite and is no longer interested in playing and grooming itself – start looking a bit more closely.

Treatment for animal anxiety differs enormously. Sometimes just that little bit more attention given by the owner will fix the problem. Sometimes, more often than not, the depression can be brought down to your pet’s diet. And sometimes, but hopefully not, the problem is a little bit more complicated and requires a visit to the vet and prescribed medication.

However big or small the problem is, make sure you give your pet the adequate attention it needs and whatever you do, do not ignore the problem.

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