Parrots on Prozac? This is just sad...

I must have missed this gem when it was first reported. I mean, I'll all for caring for our pets, but, man, talk about treating the symptoms and not the underlying cause...

Increasing numbers of British pets are being given Prozac to help them battle against depression, a leading veterinary expert has revealed.

Tropical birds such as parrots are the worst affected by depression, according to television vet Romain Pizzi.

Mr Pizzi, who presents Creature Clinic on BBC3 and is a specialist in zoo and wildlife medicine for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, said pets are affected when owners leave them alone for hours on end.

He said: "Contrary to some people's expectations parrots are very intelligent and sensitive animals.

"Typically if people go out to work all day their parrot will get very bored and frustrated and eventually develop depression."

Read the rest of the article here: Owners give Prozac to depressed pets.

Now excuse me while I go play with Noodles, my obviously unmedicated lovebird...