Now it's Prozac for our pets

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Animal welfare groups are alarmed at the number of cats and dogs being given Prozac and other mind-altering drugs to treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disorder and anxiety.

According to Australian Veterinary Association president Kersti Seksel, an estimated 30 per cent of all pets have some behavioural disorder, far higher than those with specific physical health problems such as diabetes.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can see animals obsessively groom themselves, become fixated on their tails and constantly chase shadows.

Separation anxiety where pets can not cope with being away from humans is also common in a range of animals from cats and dogs to birds and horses.

"Separation anxiety is a very unpleasant experience for the pet as well as the owners," Dr Seksel said.

"Dogs can have quite severe panic attacks and do quite a lot of damage not only to themselves but also to their environment because they make such an effort to get to their owners."

"I've seen them go through plate-glass windows and rip out their nails in an effort to get to humans."

It is the use of a new dog-tailored Prozac called Reconcile that has led Britian's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to express alarm.

The society's concerns are detailed in New Scientist magazine where they say pet owners have a duty of care towards their animals and behavioural problems should be treated by non-medical means such as exercise.

But Dr Seksel dismissed the concerns and said medication was used only with  behavioural therapy.

"All these medications are used in combination with behaviour modifications, like they are in human psychiatric medicine, and have a success rate of between 80 and 90 per cent," he said.

The Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park treats some dogs for behavioural problems including six year old bull terrier cross Sasha who is on anxiety medication.

Manager of dog behaviour and enrichment Georgia Karajas said Sasha had become so anxious she chewed through a wall at the refuge.

Ms Karajas said medication alone did not work and needed to be given in conjunction with behaviour therapy.

Reference: www.thewest.com.au

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