While smartphones, tablets, or computers can be a huge productive tool, compulsive use of these devices can interfere with work, school, and relationships. Smartphone addictions may be causing dogs to suffer from anxiety and depression, according to some experts.
Speaking to Metro, veterinary surgeon and founder of VetUk, Iain Booth explains that our phone dependency affects dogs more so than cats because dogs are pack animals. They look to their humans for leadership and reassurance. When dog owners are focused on their screens too much, dogs can become sad and even develop behavioral issues.
There is such a thing as doggy depression, and it can manifest in different ways. According to Booth, warning signs of depression may include lack of interest in food, sleeping more, avoiding you, and they may possibly start excessively licking or chewing their paws to soothe themselves.
The best medicine is to lay the phone down, spend time with our dogs and focus on what’s right in front of us (Our Dogs!).
Sources:
All the hours you spend staring at your phone are making your dog sad, warns expert. [Internet]. Metro. [Cited 2021 Nov 10]. Available from: https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/18/all-the-hours-you-spend-staring-at-your-phone-are-making-your-dog-sad-warns-expert-7956554/?ito=social.
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