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Polly Want a Prozac?

Parrots are the latest pets to see spike in depression

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2008 9:33 AM CST
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(Newser) – With more pet owners working long days and leaving their furry and feathered friends alone at home, cases of animal depression are on the rise, writes the Daily Telegraph. A TV vet says the trend is hitting parrots especially hard, causing the talkative birds to pull out their feathers or peck at their own legs—until they're dosed with Prozac.

Offering psychiatric drugs to our winged and whiskered companions isn't anything new: Last fall Eli Lilly launched a beef-flavored, chewable anti-depressant for pooches, and Pfizer has developed a dog diet drug as well as motion-sickness pills. But before dosing Polly, first try to "change the environment of the animal," and give it more stimulating toys, the vet suggests.

Puppy prozac has been on the market since last fall, and is suitable for dogs at least 6 months old.
Puppy prozac has been on the market since last fall, and is suitable for dogs at least 6 months old.   ((c) fugzu)
Pet birds can resort to self-harm if depressed, and if other therapies are ineffective, a flavored, liquid version of Prozac has been shown to re-fluff feathers.
Pet birds can resort to self-harm if depressed, and if other therapies are ineffective, a flavored, liquid version of Prozac has been shown to re-fluff feathers.   (KRT Photos)
Bird therapist Corene Fry works with Sydney, a difficult macaw who belongs to client Jan Vena of Orlando, Florida. Bad behavior can stem from boredom and depression, troubles that more and more pet owners are treating with medication.
Bird therapist Corene Fry works with Sydney, a difficult macaw who belongs to client Jan Vena of Orlando, Florida. Bad behavior can stem from boredom and depression, troubles that more and more pet owners...   (KRT Photos)
Depression can hit household pets as well as people, and now drug companies like Eli Lilly are marketing drugs aimed at our furry friends.
Depression can hit household pets as well as people, and now drug companies like Eli Lilly are marketing drugs aimed at our furry friends.   ((c) ringmaster)
Boredom and loneliness can lead to depression in our fuzzy and feathered companions, scientists say.
Boredom and loneliness can lead to depression in our fuzzy and feathered companions, scientists say.   ((c) Vibragiel)
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Numbers of medicated pets small but rising
Scotsman (UK)

Pooch prozac is just the start
Associated Press

 
pets • depression • antidepressant • prescription drugs • Eli Lilly • parrot • dog • medicating pets

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