Misery of that scratching dog

YOUR pet dog may seldom look happier than when sitting down for a good, long scratch.

However, they may be showing signs they are suffering from depression, says an expert.

One in six trips to the vet is due to skin problems in dogs and suffering from itchy, uncomfortable skin is one of the biggest causes of stress and anxiety, says Anita Patel, a leading veterinary dermatologist.

‘The odd scratch is fine but when you see a dog frequently scratching themselves, that’s a strong sign of a skin condition,’ she said.

She added that it was one of the biggest causes of depression for dogs, which shows itself in them losing interest in the things they love.