NEARLY one in eight Southampton dogs currently suffer with a form of mental health condition, research has revealed.

The study by Rover.com has revealed that 945,000 dogs are currently suffering with a form of mental health problem but almost half of Brits don’t believe that dogs can suffer with mental health issues.

Nearly one in eight dogs in Southampton currently suffer with a form of mental health condition and ten per cent of Southampton dog owners admit to taking an average of seven days off work annually to care for their depressed dogs.

A further 11 per cent of Southampton’s population think dogs are simply acting up to get attention.

Dog behaviourist and trainer, Louise Glazebrook said: “Mental health issues in dogs is a very real problem, with dogs across Britain suffering from a range of disorders - most commonly depression and anxiety.

"This really affects how a dog thinks, feels and responds.

"Yet this research by Rover shows that one in five Brits think dogs are simply acting up for attention.

"When dogs have gone through trauma, have changes taking place or are struggling to find balance it will affect their mental health, which in turn will affect their behaviour.

"It is always important for an owner to understand the cause rather than simply believing that they are being naughty.”

The news comes as the 2019 Rover Dog-friendly Pub Awards is launched with the purpose of providing owners with celebrated hang outs they can visit with their dogs, in order to avoid having to leave them home alone - named as a top trigger for mental health issues by experts and owners alike.

Having to leave their dogs at home is a real concern among British owners.

Nearly two thirds said they feel guilty leaving their canine companion behind when they go out, yet 16 per cent admitted leaving their dogs alone for up to seven hours at a time - far exceeding the RSPCA guidance of four hours maximum.