DOGGY DEPRESSION FEARS AS WORKERS GO BACK TO OFFICES
ENERGETIC German shepherd Luna was found wandering the streets in June after being abandoned by her owners.
She has struggled with noise at the kennels but, according to her carers, has a cheeky personality and is full of life.
Luna does not like other animals so needs to be the only pet, with a secure large garden and ideally with no neighbouring animals.
DOGS are becoming man’s stressed friend, with rising cases of depression among pets during the pandemic.
The end of lockdown has fuelled a huge increase in animals showing mental health problems.
Charities reckon up to 85% could have separation anxiety as owners return to the workplace.
Dr Sam Gaines from the RSPCA said: “From changes in their behaviour to their body language, our pets can give us insight into their mental wellbeing and it’s important that as pet owners we know how to spot these signs and act on them.”
Depressed pets can act up by chewing furniture and clothes or misbehaving in general.
Charities fear the problem could lead to more owners abandoning their dogs if they can’t cope. Bosses at the RSPCA are now urging owners to look for signs that their pet may be suffering stress.
These could include a lowered body posture and head position, with a tucked-under tail and ears pinned back.
Frequent yawning, lying down, avoiding eye contact or turning their head away from their owner can be other tell-tale signs.
They also warned to look out for dogs raising a front paw, dark and enlarged pupils, teeth baring and wrinkling their nose.
Dr Gaines added: “While it’s great to see so many pets becoming a real source of comfort during the last year, it’s important we need to make sure we consider their mental health and know how they are feeling.”
DAILY STAR SUNDAY SAYS – PAGE 6