Are our economic worries affecting our pets?
If your dog has been showing some uncharacteristic behavior problems of late, blame the economy.
According to Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance, some 3.35 million cat and dog owners have reported behavioral problems in their pets over the past 12 months, and “it is no coincidence that this comes at a time when many people are wrought with stress and anxiety” over the economy.
The study found that millions of troubled pets have caused damage to furniture, while others have suffered moodiness, aggression and loss of appetite.
Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance manager, said this could all be due to the stress owners are under during the current economic climate.
“Cats and dogs can be very sensitive to their owner’s feelings and behavior, so changes in mood such as irritability, distress or remoteness could be sensed and leave the animals themselves agitated or depressed,” she said.
The findings come after the Sainsbury’s Bank revealed earlier this year that some 270,000 cat and dog owners have refused their sick pet veterinary treatment in the past because they could not afford it.
Posted by jwoestendiek July 8th, 2009 under Muttsblog.
Tags: aggression, animals, anxiety, appetite, behavior, cats, damage, depressed, distress, dogs, economy, felings, furniture, insurance, irritability, moodiness, owners, pet insurance, pets, problems, sainsbury's, sensitive, stress
