Growing numbers of pets are being fed antidepressants to reduce their stress while left home alone all day , vets have warned . An estimated 80 per cent of Britain ’ s pet dogs suffer from behavioural conditions , with many linked to being cooped up in an empty house for hours at a time . Long periods of separation from their owners can lead to hyperactivity , obsessive-compulsive behaviour and anxiety , vets say . Growing numbers of pets are being fed antidepressants to reduce their stress while left home alone all day , vets have warned . But with people living busier lives than ever before , many pet owners are turning to drugs to quell the problems . Experts are worried people are feeding dogs and cats their own supplies of human antidepressants , or getting a prescription from their vet for animal-specific medication . Andrew Knight , professor of animal welfare and ethics at the University of Winchester , told the Sunday Telegraph : ‘ The number of behavioural problems in dogs and cats , and even other pets , such as birds , seen by veterinarians is huge . ‘ We ’ re constantly seeing animals that are aggressive , unduly fearful , or barely under control when they visit , although my colleagues and I do our best to put them at ease with gentle handling and tasty treats . ‘ Instead of attempting to calm or even sedate our stressed pets with pharmaceuticals , it ’ s about time we started giving our pets the care and attention they really deserve . Only then might we truly be eligible to call ourselves a nation of animal lovers. ’ An estimated 80 per cent of Britain ’ s pet dogs suffer from behavioural conditions , with many linked to being cooped up in an empty house for hours at a time . There are several licenced antidepressants for animals on the market , including Clomipramine , Selegiline , Reconcile , which each work in a similar way to fluoxetine - the human antidepressant which goes under the trade name Prozac . A recent report by the People ’ s Dispensary for Sick Animals ( PDSA ) found that more than a quarter of dog owners leave their pet alone in the house for five hours or more during a weekday and that 250,000 dogs are never walked – leading to serious behavioural problems . Dr Knight said dogs need love and attention . ‘ Dogs need to be walked , every day , yet too many are left at home with little to do while owners go to work , ’ he said . ‘ It ’ s hardly surprising many resort to barking and demolishing the furniture , in their desperation for attention and stimulation . Such problems are widespread within our pet population , and constitute a major , under-recognised animal welfare problem. ’ The British Small Animal Veterinary Association said that medication should only be used after diagnosis by a vet .
80 per cent of today ’ s pet dogs suffer from behavioural conditions . Long periods of separation from their owners often lead to depression . prolonged say is also leads to obsessive - compulsive behaviour and anxiety .