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Pooch Prozac Is Just the Start

New focus on depression and anxiety in pets, from dogs all the way down to fish

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 6, 2007 8:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – With Eli Lilly rolling out a chewable, beef-flavored version of its anti-depressant Prozac for dogs whose ears are drooping, the London Times looks at the current thinking on depression and anxiety in pets. Vets say dogs, as pack animals, are prone to separation anxiety, when left alone, and depression, when either human or canine companions disappear.

"Scientists believe that emotional capability evolves in response to living in complex social situations," one expert opines. "Dogs, like us, live in such societies, so it would make sense if they are capable of true depression." The Times also outlines symptom of emotional distress in cats (spraying), birds (feather-plucking), rabbits (aggression), guinea pigs (squealing) and fish (lethargy).

magnus maximus ((c) paul_everett82)

You're cute. ((c) hannah.howze)

Prozac is available as a prescription drug. (KRT Photos)

Duke sleeps ((c) Cindy Funk)

((c) gina pina)

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Pooch Prozac Is Just the Start

New focus on depression and anxiety in pets, from dogs all the way down to fish

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Polly Want a Prozac?

Parrots are the latest pets to see spike in depression

Antidepressants Mostly Useless, Study Finds

Prozac and others make a difference only in most extreme cases

Blind Dog Gets Guide Dog

Canine friend walks golden retriever on leash

For Real: Woman Bites Dog

Also bit her mom: police

Dogs Poisoning Veterinarians

Fido vomiting up phosphine gas

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