Animal Depression Research Paper

For many years, scientists have been arguing about whether it is possible to detect depression in animals. Unlike humans, animals can't talk. It is impossible to ask animals directly about their feelings. So, how does one know if a mouse is depressed?

How to Detect Depression in Mice

Mice get depressed, as their brain is basically wired in the same way as that of human beings. How can a person detect depression signs in a mouse?

Anhedonia

According to Oliver Burton, a professor of Neuroscience, in order to find out whether a mouse is depressed, one can look for symptoms of anhedonia. A depressed mouse shows distinct features of loss or decrease of interest in activities that give pleasure. Individuals who have pet mice may notice that their
If the rodent shows a lack of interest in taking its favorite meals, this could be another sign of depression.

Sexual
As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your mouse has a friend. Keep at least two rodents in the cage to keep your animals happy. It is even better if you have one female and one male mouse, as sexual activity has been known to lessen tensions in animals and decreases chances of depression.

Deficient Food

Rodents get hungry when they don't have enough food. In some cases, the food offered to the mice not the best option in terms of nutritional value.

Always ensure that your pet stays full. Provide it with various types of food. Mice like peanut butter, cheese, chocolate, and just about anything you can give them. In the wild, mice can even turn cannibalistic in times of food shortage. So, meat is not an unusual type of food for them either.

Sudden Environmental Changes

Sudden changes in the environment are another reason why mice may get depressed. Domestic mice may experience depression when they are moved from one cage to another. The sudden change can make a mouse moody and irritated, which can make the mouse refuse to eat.

Death of Fellow