Almost one million dogs in the UK are suffering from mental health issues, experts have found.

Research conducted by Rover.com found that one in ten dogs around the country (equating to 945,000 animals) are regularly facing panic attacks, anxiety or depression. While the number of dogs suffering with mental health issues has sadly been on the rise, half of the owners surveyed admitted they wouldn't be able to easily spot the signs.



Experts found some of the most common reasons for dogs feeling low include:

Being left alone for too long

Abuse from former owners

The loss of a companion (either an animal or a human)

Lack of exercise

Change in routine

Not being taken out

Not being petted enough

Not going on their favourite walk

"Mental health issues in dogs is a very real problem, with dogs across Britain suffering from a range of disorders – most commonly depression and anxiety," Louise Glazebrook, dog behaviourist and trainer said to The Metro.

"This really affects how a dog thinks, feels and responds. Yet this research shows that one in five Brits (20%) think dogs are simply acting up for attention."

Janie Airey Getty Images

Some owners have even had to take time off work to deal with their dog's mental health issues, the research also found. The average owner took around four days off to help their pups in 2018.

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Elsewhere in the study, the experts also found that two thirds of British dog owners feel guilty about leaving their beloved pup at home alone during the day. Another statistic found that 16% of owners leave their dogs on their own for up to seven hours.

Rover is now calling on more UK pubs to cater for dogs, so that owners can take their pups along with them during the evenings and on weekends. Simon Le Grice, a spokesman for Rover, said: "It is a great shame that pubs still ban dogs, and a missed opportunity for publicans – there's nothing dog-owning Brits love more than a long walk with their furry friend, followed by a pit-stop at the pub."

"In an ideal world, we'd love for every pub in the UK to be dog-friendly."

Looking for a dog-friendly pub to visit in the UK this weekend? Read our round-up of the best pubs that your dogs will also love.

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