Pets with mental illness

Dr Gabrielle Carter from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Veterinary Science specialises in animal behaviour and is working to increase awareness of mental illness in pets.

Many animals share similar biological systems; for example, the nervous system and brains of different mammals are very similar, Dr Carter explains.

“So, if humans are recognised as having mental illness based in altered brain function, then it is reasonable to expect other animals would too,” she says.

“And we do see these problems in a range of species including cats, dogs, horses, birds and many more.”

Dr Carter explains that mental illness can manifest in different forms in animals. Some common conditions include: separation anxiety, noise phobias and aggression in dogs; urine spraying and compulsive over-grooming in cats; and feather picking and over-bonding in birds.

It is important for the welfare of our animals that we recognise and treat these problems, Dr Carter explains.

“One of the guiding principles of the Animal Welfare Act of Australia is that animals should be free from pain and distress,’ she says.

“As such, it is essential we keep our animals mentally, as well as physically, well.”