Can dogs get depressed? Just like humans, dogs can suffer from depression relating to many life factors that can involve loss and sudden change.
More and more dog owners are filing claims with their insurance companies to treat pups and depression. When we humans take on new routines (hello, new job) or make a sudden life change, it can take a toll on our beloved dogs.
Changes that might not seem big to humans can make pups sad, anxious, or depressed. As these changes affect pups, more and more owners are going to vets or animal behaviorists to conquer symptoms of depression in their pets.
According to The Daily Mail, the pet insurance company The Co-operative has seen a significant rise in owners claiming depression and anxiety for their pup companions. Eight out of ten claims are specifically related to dogs.
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Are more dogs getting depressed?
It’s a complicated answer. In part, we are much more aware and alert dog owners than before. We can watch our pups while we’re at work, or even bring our dogs to our jobs. And, we can Google search any dog (or human) illness instantly. We’re more connected and therefore, we observe so much more.
As a result, more dog owners are taking steps to work on the mental health of their beloved pups.
The Co-operative noted that they saw more mental health insurance claims in 2014 than ever before.
In the United States, many dog insurance plans cover vets prescribing depressants and anti-anxiety medication. Healthy Paws even includes coverage for acupuncture, which is another alternative route that could treat some of these conditions.
Moving forward, Pets Best also offers similar services. Depending on services and claims, companies are seeing a surge in claims for vet visits, medicine, and behavior therapy.
Pet insurance companies are also seeing a rise in claims due to the costs of pet health care. As a result, people might notice an increase in policy prices. In the UK, The Daily Mail reports: “Bills for treatment can start from £100 for a prescription of pills to boost a pet’s mood to more than £1,000 to help a formerly abused rescue dog become less aggressive in public. Cover for treatment of this type can typically add an extra 10 per cent to your premium.”
As loving and alert dog owners, we always want the best for our pups and their well-being. By staying informed and aware of our pet insurance policy, it helps us make the best decision for our forever families. If you’re considering pet insurance, check out Pet Plan.
If you have questions about dog depression, The Daily Mail outlines some key signs and causes: