Depressed pets cost £326 a year

04/10/2011

By Emma McFarnon

Ever think your dog looks glum, or your cat a little anxious? Well new research shows our furry friends can suffer from conditions like depression and stress just like we can.

Pets, who can also become obese and suffer from diabetes, cost their owners on average £326 a year in veterinary bills.

Two-thirds of pets have required vet treatment at least once in their lifetime, while one in five has been to see a vet in the past year.

Figures collated by Co-operative Insurance also show owners have taken time off work to look after their furry companions when they're under the weather.

Sneaking your pet one-too-many treats may have something to do with their ill health. Of the 5,000 animal owners questioned, 44 per cent said they often fed their animals unhealthy goodies - 11 per cent of these fed their pets chocolate, 15 per cent biscuits and 10 per cent crisps.

Nearly a fifth of pet owners claimed to have suffered from the same ailment as their pet, such as back pain.