Mutt Looking Miserable? Chances Are Your Dog's Depressed

Is your dog looking down in the mouth? Chances are he’s depressed.

Because according to an in-the-know pet behavourist, there are more down-hearted dogs out there than ever.

Carolyn Menteith told The Independent: “I’ve been working with dogs for more than 20 years and I can’t remember a time when they’ve been this bored. I tend to see boredom in bursts but I’m seeing it chronically this winter.

“They are just really, really, bored. People are quite happy to get their dogs out in frosty, hard weather but not when it’s muddy and horrible.”

A combined lack of both physical exercise and mental stimulation is making for a nation of miserable mutts, she says.

Menteith ultimately blames climate change and the “constant wet dreariness” outdoors for the shift in the behaviour of many of the country’s nine million canines.

If Fido’s looking fed up but the weather’s against you, professional advice is to play games in the house to keep him stimulated, while topping up with plenty of pats and TLC.

(Image: REX)