Dogs who bite aren't barking mad... they're just depressed

It will be of little comfort to the country's postmen.

But scientists say dogs who growl, snap and bite are not necessarily aggressive by nature - and could simply be suffering from depression.
A study of family pets found that badly behaved canines tend to have lower levels of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin than calmer, happy pets.
In humans, a fall in serotonin is linked to depression, anxiety and mood swings.
The study authors say the discovery could lead to new treatments for canine aggression and even increased use of pet Prozac.
Dr Belen Rosado, of Zaragoza University in Spain, who led the research said aggression, particularly when directed towards humans, is the most frequent behaviour problem in dogs.
Around 3,800 patients with dog bites are treated by the NHS every year and many animals who bite are put down.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1295809/Dogs-bite-arent-barking-mad--theyre-just-depressed.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0u67zwPCo

Jack (one of our dogs, we call him the Miniature Pit Bull, he's a Min-Pin/Chihuahua mix) has aggression issues. Mostly strange dog aggression, but not once he meets them. Probably poor socialization as a pup. He's a rescue who was severely abused before we adopted him.

With the way he acts and his history, it makes sense that depression could be the cause behind his occasional human aggression.

I took this when I was working on my car the other day. Just in case I get attacked for the chain, we don't have a fence and he stays inside most of the time. He only goes on the chain when we'll be out with him and it's not too hot. I'm glad that it's even illegal here to leave dogs chained up outside unattended.

Well, I`m stunned.
Who on earth would have believed it.
If a dog bites you it`s not feeling happy.
Wow. Ain`t science marvellous.

wot a load of ole bollox

serontonin depletion in humans = depression, therefore must be the same for dog???

aggression against humans is the most the most frequent behaviour prob in dogs???

all us humans and dogs need more prozac...ie, drugs!....yeh, whatever....whom sponsored that research.....ummm

So all cases of aggression are solely due to depression, I don't think so. There are far to many variables to make that conclusion, unless you are a drug company obviously!!!
Becky

It's more than just serotonin; it's serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine inconsistencies in humans (it's the same with schizophrenia! and bipolar disorder, just in different areas and different magnitudes ... those two are more dopamine-based). Our brains and bodies are remarkably similar to pretty much every other mammal ... how is it that much of a stretch to claim depression in dogs.

Our brains and bodies are remarkably similar to pretty much every other mammal ... how is it that much of a stretch to claim depression in dogs.

Because it`s a massive generalisation backed up by bad science?
Because it assumes that dogs `think` like people?
Because it ignores all other causal factors?
Because it`s cr*p?

Did you read the article? It was done at a university. Actually, one of the oldest, most respected universities in the world.

Those are the same two main indicators of chronic depression in humans. You're assuming that dogs would react the same way as humans under what would be canine depression - THAT's anthropomorphism. Not scientific observations. Perhaps calling it "depression" was a stretch for the researchers - maybe they should have called it a "chemical imbalance".

i know how its works, my point was you cant take a half baked research project lacking in correct control groups and extrapolate a conclusion by also throwing in a bit of line saying it must be true then, it happens in humans as well.

it must be true then