The New York Times invites a discussion on the growing use of psychotropic medication for pets, with author of “How the Dog Became the Dog” Mark Derr saying; “Americans seem addicted to Big Pharma and better living through chemistry, for themselves and their pets. Canine behavioral problems that would respond to exercise, consistent handling or behavior modification are treated with anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs because they are easy to prescribe and generally, but not always, provide relief . . . But I suspect many dogs need these drugs because they are made to live lives of silent solitude — barking would disturb the neighbors after all — spending hour after inactive hour alone in a crate in an empty house.”
