Sydney - An increasing number of dogs and cats in Australia are being fed anti-depressant drugs to counteract obsessive compulsive disorder, a report said on Tuesday.
An estimated three to six percent of the country's dogs and cats are diagnosed with the problem as owners act on telltale signs such as tail-biting, circling, pacing, shadow-chasing and excessive grooming, the Daily Telegraph said.
Vet Robert Stabler was quoted as saying a combination of genes and the environment were responsible, with homes close to schools and shops getting animals excited.
Stabler, who will speak about the problem at the Australian Veterinary Association annual conference this week, said owners can also pass on stress to pets after a hard day at work.
"The dog might smell the owner's adrenalin or see body language change and may try to get attention by running around in circles," he was quoted as saying.
"That makes it worse when the owner laughs and the animal gets attention that way." - Sapa-AFP
