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Wilkins V, Evans J, Park C, Fitzpatrick AL, Creevy KE, Ruple A. Validation of the shortened version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) using participants from the Dog Aging Project. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299973. [PMID: 38603705 PMCID: PMC11008875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is a 100-item owner-completed survey instrument used for assessing behavior and temperament of companion dogs. The shortened version of the C-BARQ (C-BARQ(S)) consists of 42 items of the long C-BARQ. We aimed to validate the shortened C-BARQ(S) by comparing it with the long questionnaire in the same human-dog pair. We examined data from a nationwide cohort of companion dogs enrolled in the large-scale longitudinal Dog Aging Project (DAP) study. Among 435 participating owners who completed both the long and shortened versions of the C-BARQ within 60 days of each other, agreement between individual questions of the long and shortened C-BARQ using an unweighted kappa statistic and percent agreement was examined. Associations between the two questionnaires for mean behavior and temperament domain scores and mean miscellaneous category scores were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Of 435 dogs in the study, the mean (SD) age was 7.3 (4.3) years and 216 (50%) were female. Kappa values between the long and shortened C-BARQ for individual questions within the 14 behavior and temperament domains and a miscellaneous category ranged from fair to moderate (0.23 to 0.40 for 21 items and 0.41 to 0.58 for 26 items, respectively). Pearson correlation coefficients above 0.60 between both questionnaires for 12 of the 14 mean behavior and temperament domain scores and a category of miscellaneous items were observed. Kappa values for individual questions between the long and shortened C-BARQ ranged from fair to moderate and correlations between mean domain scores ranged from moderate to strong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Wilkins
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Evans
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christina Park
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Annette L. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Kate E. Creevy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Audrey Ruple
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
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Jackson KA, Collins KE, Kim TY, Donaldson RE. Incidence of feline idiopathic cystitis and urethral obstruction during COVID-19 human movement restrictions in Queensland, Australia. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231214931. [PMID: 38095946 PMCID: PMC10811764 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231214931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and urethral obstruction (UO) are commonly linked to increased stress. The influence of human movement restrictions on their incidence remains undetermined. FIC with or without UO is associated with environmental stress factors. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic restricted human movement and working behaviours. It is unknown if these restrictions increased the risk of FIC or UO in cats. METHODS Total cat emergency accessions and transfers between 8 February 2019 and 8 February 2021 at two private hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Cats were included in the FIC group if they presented with lower urinary tract signs and supporting urinalysis, and were included in the UO group if they presented with UO. Cats with current urinary tract infection, or previous FIC or UO, were excluded. Groups were considered 'pre-COVID-19' between February 2019 and 2020 and 'COVID-19' between February 2020 and 2021. Cases of FIC and UO were compared between COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 using Fisher's exact test and relative risk (RR) calculations. RESULTS The pre-COVID-19 incidence of FIC was 4.3% (63/1477, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0332-0.053), non-obstructive FIC was 1.4% (20/1477, 95% CI 0.008-0.020) and UO was 2.9% (43/1477, 95% CI 0.020-0.038). One cat was excluded as obstruction occurred during hospitalisation. The COVID-19 incidence of FIC was 5.4% (113/2081, 95% CI 0.044-0.64), non-obstructive FIC was 2.1% (70/2081, 95% CI 0.014-0.027) and UO was 3.4% (70/2081, 95% CI 0.026-0.042). The risk of non-obstructive FIC (P = 0.122; RR 0.652, 95% CI 0.387-1.096), UO (P = 0.382; RR 0.839, 95% CI 0.577-1.22) or either (P = 0.098; RR 0.773, 95% CI 0.572-1.044) was not significantly higher in the COVID-19 period than the pre-COVID-19 period. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE No clear association between COVID-19 movement restrictions and the incidence of UO or non-obstructive FIC was found within this retrospective population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Te Yeun Kim
- Animal Referral Hospital, Sinnamon Park, QLD, Australia
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Brooks SK, Greenberg N. The Well-Being of Companion Animal Caregivers and Their Companion Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3294. [PMID: 37894018 PMCID: PMC10604194 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is important to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on animal caregivers and their companion animals in order to inform responses to future crises. Prior research is inconsistent, with the benefits of animal companionship believed to be overstated. In this scoping review, we searched four electronic databases and hand-searched reference lists of included studies. Over 4000 citations were found, and 122 were included in the review. Reflecting on the pre-COVID literature, quantitative evidence of the association between psychological well-being and animal companionship during the pandemic was mixed, with numerous positive, negative, and null findings reported. Studies highlighted the benefits of animal companionship during the pandemic, with animals reported to provide their caregivers with a routine, a sense of greater purpose, a positive distraction from COVID-19, companionship, and emotional support. However, participants also reported concerns about meeting animals' needs, fears of animals catching or spreading the virus, and financial worries. Concerns about what would happen to animals if caregivers were hospitalized led some to delay COVID-19 testing or treatment. Animals also experienced benefits (such as increased companionship and calmer mood) and negative impacts (such as increased clinginess and separation anxiety). Companion animals should be a key consideration in emergency preparedness plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K. Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RJ, UK
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Smith S, Dell CA, Claypool T, Chalmers D, Khalid A. Case report: A community case study of the human-animal bond in animal-assisted therapy: the experiences of psychiatric prisoners with therapy dogs. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1219305. [PMID: 37840791 PMCID: PMC10568475 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1219305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prisoners frequently experience chronic loneliness and lack social support, which can exacerbate their struggles with incarceration. According to attachment theory, individuals who are insecurely attached may be more likely to develop unstable relationships and engage in antisocial behavior as adults. In 2015 an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program was implemented in a Canadian forensic psychiatric facility/prison, a "hybrid" facility that adheres to federal legislation regarding correctional services but follows provincial mental health legislation. The program centers on the development of a human-animal bond (HAB), which serves as a connection between the animals and prisoners. The HAB also addresses issues related to toxic masculinity, which are often present among men incarcerated in correctional facilities, including psychiatric prisons. An instrumental community case study design involving 6 prisoners at a forensic psychiatric facility/prison over 24 AAT sessions between 2015-2019 was undertaken. Interviews with the prisoners and their mental health clinicians were thematically analyzed to explore how the HAB was experienced as a form of attachment. Four themes emerged: safety, physical touch, reciprocity, and acceptance. These themes suggest that the therapy dogs have the potential to serve as a surrogate attachment figure for prisoners, mitigating their experiences of disconnection and fostering their development of interpersonal connections. This suggests attachment theory underpins the HAB and highlights the contribution of AAT practice and research in forensic psychiatric facilities/prisons. This study also suggests that the program's offering of prosocial support and nurturance/caring aligns with the specific criminogenic risks and needs identified within Correctional Service Canada's Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model for rehabilitation. Continued research and attention should be paid to AAT programs as a valuable addition to the range of support networks available to prisoners in psychiatric or non-psychiatric institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Smith
- Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Colleen Anne Dell
- Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Tim Claypool
- Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Darlene Chalmers
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Aliya Khalid
- Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Román J, Willat G, Piaggio J, Correa MT, Damián JP. Epidemiology of dog bites to people in Uruguay (2010-2020). Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2032-2037. [PMID: 37593988 PMCID: PMC10508514 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dog bites to people are a serious public health problem. Limited information exists at the country level in Latin America. The COVID-19 pandemic changed people's lifestyles and their relationship with pets, and this could potentially affect the incidence of dog bites injuries. OBJECTIVE The main objectives of our study were to determine the prevalence of dog-bite injuries in Uruguay from 2010 to 2020 and to compare the prevalence in 2020 to that of pre-pandemic years. METHODS Cross-sectional study. Dog-bite notifications for the 2010 and 2020 period were analysed using data from the Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health. RESULTS The annual dog-bite injury rate for the 2010-2020 period was 87.51 per 100,000 people. The frequency of bites varied with the victims' sex, with males accounting for 51.8% of the bites (p < 0.0001), and with age, with a higher frequency of bites in the ≤14 years old age group (p < 0.01). The frequency of dog bites was also higher in spring and summer than in autumn (p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in the frequency of dog-bite injuries when comparing 2020 with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic years. CONCLUSIONS In Uruguay, the frequency of dog-bite injuries varied with season and with the age and sex of the victim. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people bitten by dogs was no different than that of previous years. This is the first study in Latin America to report national rather than regional data and to include all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Román
- Facultad de VeterinariaDepartamento de Ciencias SocialesUniversidad de la Republica UruguayMontevideoUruguay
| | - Gabriela Willat
- Unidad Zoonosis y VectoresMinisterio de Salud PúblicaMontevideoUruguay
| | - José Piaggio
- Facultad de VeterinariaDepartamento de Salud Pública VeterinariaUniversidad de la Republica UruguayMontevideoUruguay
| | - María T. Correa
- Department of Population Medicine and PathobiologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineNC State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Juan Pablo Damián
- Facultad de VeterinariaDepartamento de Biociencias VeterinariasUniversidad de la Republica UruguayMontevideoUruguay
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Melo ADC, Santos ICD, Trevisani AC, Rúbio KAJ, Cano AL, Caldart ET, Mendonça JA, Agostinis RO, Piau Junior R, Gazim ZC, Barbosa LN, Gonçalves DD. Relations Between Guardians and Domestic Animals During the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic in Brazil. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e466. [PMID: 37622310 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate how relationships between guardians and domestic animals were established and their possible effects during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil. METHODS Data were collected by completing an online questionnaire. Throughout the national territory, 2002 people completed the questionnaire, while respecting social distancing from January 20, 2021, to March 20, 2021. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were 'to own pets' or 'those who had them during the period of quarantine' in Brazil. The data obtained were treated qualitatively through discourse analysis and content analysis, while the quantitative data were tabulated by the questionnaire application platform itself. RESULTS The results showed that 97% of the participants were affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil and that of these, 95.5% stated that their pet was important to overcome and bear bad feelings during the period of social isolation. It was possible to observe through the participants' reports through the online questionnaire that the relationships with their pets were deepened during the pandemic period, and that these had an important role in overcoming bad emotions caused by social distancing. CONCLUSION It was concluded that due to these relationships, behaviors such as anxiety and sadness were reduced and the pets themselves also showed an increase in affective behaviors in relation to their guardians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailton da Cruz Melo
- Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Isabela Carvalho Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Adriane Cordeiro Trevisani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Kariny Aparecida Jardim Rúbio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Ana Luisa Cano
- Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia, Londrina, Brasil
| | | | - Renata Olivotto Agostinis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Ranulfo Piau Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Zilda Cristiani Gazim
- Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Lidiane Nunes Barbosa
- Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Daniela Dib Gonçalves
- Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes, Umuarama, Paraná, Brasil
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Takagi S, Koyasu H, Hattori M, Nagasawa T, Maejima M, Nagasawa M, Kikusui T, Saito A. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Behavioural Tendencies of Cats and Dogs in Japan. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2217. [PMID: 37444015 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental effects stemming from COVID-19 have impacted not only people's lives but also the lives of their pets, which in recent years are often seen as members of the family. This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan on pets and their owners. Participants reported changes in physical activity and mental health, as well as working conditions and frequency of interaction with pets, before and after behavioural restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also asked about their pets' behaviours using the Feline Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (Fe-BARQ) and the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). This study showed that most cat and dog owners spent more time at home due to the COVID-19 behavioural restrictions and that the frequency of contact interaction with their pets increased. However, this study showed higher stress-related behaviours (e.g., cats: excessive grooming; dogs: aggression towards owners) among pets whose owners increased contact interaction. Furthermore, owners' low mental health was correlated with high stress-related behaviours (e.g., touch sensitivity) in pets. The results of this study indicate that the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan may have affected not only the lives of owners but also the interaction between owners and their pets, and consequently their pets' behaviours. Therefore, there is also concern that changes in lifestyle patterns caused by pandemics could form a negative feedback loop between the health status of both owners and their pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saho Takagi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimachi Business Center Building, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
| | - Hikari Koyasu
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Madoka Hattori
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8203, Japan
| | - Takumi Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Japan
| | - Michiro Maejima
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Atsuko Saito
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
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Laconi A, Saracino B, Fattorini E, Pellegrini G, Bucchi M, Bailoni L, Piccirillo A. SARS-CoV-2 and Companion Animals: Sources of Information and Communication Campaign during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy. Vet Sci 2023; 10:426. [PMID: 37505831 PMCID: PMC10386290 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study analyzed data on the sources and the level of Italians' awareness on the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 at the human-animal interface. Data were collected through a survey-type investigation on a representative sample of the Italian population. Forty-five percent of the interviewees were aware that companion animals could be infected by SARS-CoV-2. However, 29.8% were familiar with preventive measures to adopt to avoid viral transmission between infected humans and companion animals, and only 20.7% knew which companion animals could be at risk of infection. Higher awareness regarding the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between animals and humans (51.7%) and the measures to prevent it (33.3%) was detected among companion animals' owners. Notably, 40.4% of interviewees were not informed at all. Television broadcasts (26.4%) represented the main source of information, while only 3.5% of the interviewees relied on veterinarians, of which 31.9% considered this source of information as the most trustworthy. Overall, 72.4% of Italians recognized that the communication campaign on COVID-19 and companion animals was inadequate. This survey highlights the need for increasing the public awareness of the risk of companion animals being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the involvement of professionals in the public communication on zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Laconi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara Saracino
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Bologna, 40125 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eliana Fattorini
- Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pellegrini
- Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Massimiano Bucchi
- Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Lucia Bailoni
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piccirillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, 35020 Padua, Italy
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Puppies Raised during the COVID-19 Lockdown Showed Fearful and Aggressive Behaviors in Adulthood: An Italian Survey. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030198. [PMID: 36977237 PMCID: PMC10059587 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister’s decree issued by the Italian government on 9 March 2020, known as “#Iorestoacasa” (I stay at home), required everyone to stay indoors, with a few exceptions, from 11 March to 3 May 2020. This decree had a substantial impact on the mental health of both people and dogs. We carried out a national survey to compare the personalities of adult dogs who were puppies in lockdown (from March to May 2020) with those of adult dogs born after that time (from June 2020 to February 2021). Our results highlighted a significant increase in personality traits related to fear and aggression in dogs who experienced lockdown restrictions during their socialization period, further confirming that the COVID-19 pandemic strongly impacted the behavioral development of dogs. Therefore, it may be advantageous for these dogs to be closely monitored by veterinary behaviorists and receive specialized behavioral rehabilitation therapy to lower the risk of episodes of aggression and fearfulness as well as to increase the wellbeing of dogs raised under social restrictions.
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Sherwell EG, Panteli E, Krulik T, Dilley A, Root-Gutteridge H, Mills DS. Changes in Dog Behaviour Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown, Pre-Existing Separation-Related Problems and Alterations in Owner Behaviour. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030195. [PMID: 36977234 PMCID: PMC10059576 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns provided an opportunity to assess what factors, including changes in an owner’s routine and time spent at home, were associated with changes in dog behaviour. We undertook a longitudinal survey over a period of 8 months during which we asked about people’s work patterns, dog management, and their dogs’ behaviour. Generalized linear models revealed that the pre-existence of signs of potential separation-related problems, and especially vocalisation, self-injury, and chewing to escape confinement, was associated with an increase in a range of separation issues. Dogs showing separation-related signs prior to COVID were also more likely to develop more problems during lockdown. Management changes tended to result in increased physical and social stress, with a range of potential compensatory actions taken by the dog, however these signs of stress did not generally appear to be connected to separation-related issues. Survival analysis was used to investigate the emergence of specific issues over time. This indicated that a change to working from home was related initially to a decreased risk of aggression towards the owner, but over time, those who continued to work from the home were at an increased risk of this problem. No other significant time-related relationships were found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eirini Panteli
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Tracy Krulik
- Department of Behavior & Training, Humane Rescue Alliance, Washington, DC 20011, USA
| | - Alexandra Dilley
- Department of Behavior & Training, Humane Rescue Alliance, Washington, DC 20011, USA
| | | | - Daniel S. Mills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
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Grandgeorge M, Rochais C, Auffret F, Dollion N. Service Dogs and Persons with Disabilities: When COVID-19 Lockdown Changes Their Relationship. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050914. [PMID: 36899771 PMCID: PMC10000184 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Persons with disabilities, who own service dogs, develop strong relationships with them. Since the COVID-19 pandemic decreased the possibility of social contact and modified human relationships, we hypothesized that the COVID-19 lockdown would influence people with disabilities-service dog relationships. An online survey was conducted during the first COVID-19 lockdown in France and included information (e.g., MONASH score) both in the general context prior to and during the COVID-19 lockdown. Seventy owners participated. Compared to the general context, scores for the Perceived Emotional Closeness and Perceived Costs subscales were significantly higher during the COVID-19 lockdown, while scores for the Dog-Owner Interaction subscale were significantly lower during the COVID-19 lockdown. Our study confirmed that service dogs, like other pets, were a source of emotional support for their owners during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, people with disabilities found their relationship with their service dog costlier (e.g., my dog makes too much mess). Our study highlights that, in extreme situations, characteristics of a human-animal relationship can be exacerbated in both positive and negative ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Grandgeorge
- EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)-UMR 6552, CNRS, University Rennes, Normandie University, 35380 Paimpont, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Céline Rochais
- EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)-UMR 6552, CNRS, University Rennes, Normandie University, 35380 Paimpont, France
| | - Florian Auffret
- Association Handi’Chiens, 43-45 Rue Pierre Valette, 92240 Malakoff, France
| | - Nicolas Dollion
- EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)-UMR 6552, CNRS, University Rennes, Normandie University, 35380 Paimpont, France
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12
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Finstad JB, Rozanski EA, Cooper ES. Association between the COVID-19 global pandemic and the prevalence of cats presenting with urethral obstruction at two university veterinary emergency rooms. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X221149377. [PMID: 36779411 PMCID: PMC9929190 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221149377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate a potential association between the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders and the prevalence of emergency room presentations for urethral obstruction (UO) in feline patients. METHODS Medical records and hospital census were retrospectively searched to identify the total number of cats and total number of male cats with UO presenting to two academic veterinary medical centers from 22 March to 10 August in the years 2018 (123), 2019 (137) and 2020 (175). Cats were grouped based on the year of presentation and the proportions of UO cases relative to all cats presenting to the emergency rooms during the same time frame. Absolute (year of interest - reference year) and relative ([year of interest - reference year]/[reference year]) change in prevalence was determined. These were compared for each year using a two-sample z-test. RESULTS The absolute and relative prevalence of UO presentations across the combined population increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison with 2018 (2.2% and 59%, respectively; P = 0.0003) and 2019 (1.9% and 48%, respectively; P = 0.0021). For the individual institutions, a significant increase in UO presentations was found for institution A when comparing 2020 with both 2018 (P = 0.0072) and 2019 (P = 0.0073), but not for institution B (P = 0.057 and P = 0.18, respectively). No significant differences were found when 2018 and 2019 were compared across the combined population or within institutions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results of this study demonstrate an increased prevalence of UO during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be related to environmental change and stress imposed by stay-at-home orders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna B Finstad
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,Joanna B Finstad DVM, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon Tharp St, Columbus, OH 43210-1006, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Rozanski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - Edward S Cooper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior and physical health of dogs in Rio de Janeiro state: Reflections on the quality of life of dogs and their owners. J Vet Behav 2023; 60:37-43. [PMID: 36531836 PMCID: PMC9741960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the routines of people, consequently changing the daily lives of their pets. Behavioral and emotional changes caused by the stress resulting from restrictions of social isolation and their consequences in the human-animal relationship have been discussed. However, there are still no studies that identify the factors that affect behavior and which are the most susceptible groups. The purpose of this study is to identify behavioral and emotional changes on dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic and their effects on the quality of life of animals and their owners. The methodology used was online questionnaires, which were posted on social networks aimed to dog owners in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The results showed that age, sex, dog size, type of home, and restrictions imposed differently affected the type of behavioral change. However, the most frequent type of change was the worsening of previous conditions. Neutered behaviors directly interfered in the lives of owners and their pets, as owners managed the situation and sought information without guidance from a veterinarian, with the possibly consequence of worsening the situation in the future. Veterinarians should actively investigate behavioral changes that have occurred through anamnesis to avoid abandonment and instability in the human-animal relationship.
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14
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Flat-Faced or Non-Flat-Faced Cats? That Is the Question. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020206. [PMID: 36670746 PMCID: PMC9854927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Persian and exotic shorthair cats are the most-popular brachycephalic breeds worldwide. This study aimed to explore differences in human-cat bonding, behavioural traits, perception of clinical breed-related problems, and the motivation for purchasing between brachycephalic cat owners (BCOs) and non-brachycephalic cat owners (NBCOs). Using an online questionnaire, human-cat bonding and cats' behavioural traits were explored using the CORS and Fe-BARQ scales, respectively. Breed-related problems and motivations for purchasing were explored only in BCOs. There were 278 BCOs and 250 NBCOs who completed the survey. Respiratory diseases resulted in being the main health problem of these breeds. Most BCOs were not aware of the incidence of these disorders in brachycephalic cats. Character and appearance were the main motivations for purchasing these breeds. Perceived emotional closeness (EC), cat-owner interaction (COI), and perceived cost (PC) mean scores were significantly higher in BCOs. Playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking scores were significantly higher in NBCOs. BCOs reported a significantly higher score for separation-related behaviours. The higher scores in separation-anxiety-related behaviours and in the EC and COI scales could be related mainly to the high level of care these breeds require. The motivation for acquiring brachycephalic breeds for good companionship seems in contrast with the lower scores obtained from BCOs for playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking.
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15
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McMillan KM, Anderson KL, Christley RM. Pooches on a platform: Text mining twitter for sector perceptions of dogs during a global pandemic. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1074542. [PMID: 36937025 PMCID: PMC10014727 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1074542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Businesses commonly text mine Twitter data to identify patterns and extract valuable information. However, this method is rarely applied to the animal welfare sector. Here, we describe Twitter conversations regarding dogs during a global pandemic, assess the evolution of sentiment, and examine the dynamics of sector influence. Methods Between March and August 2020, we gathered 61,088 unique tweets from the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, relating to COVID-19 and dogs. Tweets were assigned to one of four pandemic phases and active accounts were assigned to a sector: Personal (i.e., UK and ROI public), Press (i.e., mass media), State (i.e., Government, Police, and NHS), and Other (i.e., welfare organizations, social enterprises, research organizations, charity, and business). Results Word frequency and sentiment analysis between phases and sectors were assessed, and cross correlation functions and lagged regressions were used to evaluate sector influence. Topical foci of conversations included: meat trade, separation anxiety and dog theft. Sentiment score remained stable until the last phase where sentiment decreased (F 3, 78, 508 = 44.4, p < 0.001), representing an increased use of negative language. Sentiment differed between the four sectors (F 3, 11, 794 = 52.2, p < 0.001), with Personal and Press accounts presenting the greatest use of negative language. Personal accounts were initially partly influenced by State accounts (R = -0.26; p = 0.05), however this altered to Press accounts by the last phase (R = -0.31; p = 0.02). Discussion Our findings highlight that whilst Personal accounts may affect sector-specific messaging online, perhaps more importantly: language used, and sentiment expressed by Press, State and Other accounts may influence public perception. This draws attention to the importance of sector responsibility regarding accurate and appropriate messaging, as irresponsible/ill-considered comments or campaigns may impact future human-animal interaction.
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Ujitoko Y, Yokosaka T, Ban Y, Ho HN. Tracking changes in touch desire and touch avoidance before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1016909. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1016909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Touch is essential for survival, social bonding, and overall health. However, the COVID-19 pandemic calls for an abrupt withdrawal from physical contact, and the prolonged lockdown has left many people in solitude without touch for months. This unprecedented dissociation from touch has cast a shadow on people's mental and physical well-being. Here we approached the issue by examining COVID-19's impact on people's touch attitudes. We analyzed people's desire and avoidance for animate and inanimate targets based on large-scale Japanese Twitter posts over an 8-year span. We analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak with the difference-in-differences estimation method, which can estimate the impact while accounting for other changes over time such as seasonality or long-term effects. As a result, we found that people's desire for touching the human body and pet animals increased significantly after the COVID-19 outbreak and remained high afterward. In contrast, the avoidance of touching everyday objects (e.g., doorknobs and money) increased immediately after the outbreak but gradually returned to the pre-COVID-19 levels. Our findings manifest the impact of COVID-19 on human touch behavior. Most importantly, they highlight the sign of “skin hunger,” a public health crisis due to social distancing, and call attention to the trend that people are becoming less aware of infection control as COVID-19 persists.
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Pet ownership, feelings of loneliness, and mood in people affected by the first COVID-19 lockdown. J Vet Behav 2022; 57:52-63. [PMID: 36212778 PMCID: PMC9527397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused dramatic changes to our lifestyle, particularly affecting our ability to interact “in person” with our social network. These changes have had a detrimental effect on the mental welfare of the global population. The international questionnaire “Pets in Lockdown” was designed to investigate whether feelings of loneliness were affecting the mood of people during the COVID-19 lockdown and whether pet ownership may have had a positive influence on both loneliness and general mood. As expected, higher loneliness scores were associated with higher negative and lower positive affective states. In addition, lower loneliness scores were associated with pet ownership and living with other people, but not with more frequent interactions with people from outside the household, suggesting that physical and close contact has an important role in decreasing feelings of loneliness. Besides the effects on the loneliness score, pet ownership was not associated with positive or negative affective states. The strength of the attachment to animals, measured as the amount of comfort that people obtain from their pets, was stronger in people with potentially limited access to affiliative physical human contact and was associated with both higher positive and negative affective states. Additionally, people obtained significantly more comfort from dogs and horses compared with other pet species. The results suggest that during the confinement period, pets may have benefited people with smaller social networks by alleviating loneliness and offering comfort and embodied close contact.
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The Significance of Pets for Vulnerable Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Explorative Qualitative Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202752. [PMID: 36290138 PMCID: PMC9597756 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Older adults receiving long-term care at home (LTCH-clients) were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its countermeasures. Previous research suggests that pets can mitigate some of the pandemic's impacts for older adults but results are contradictory. Our aim was to investigate experiences of LTCH-clients and the significance of their pets during the pandemic. Accounting for saturation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five LTCH-clients and four family caregivers of LTCH-clients with dementia. Participants were asked about their experiences with COVID-19 and the significance of LTCH-clients' pets during the pandemic. Two researchers performed thematic analyses in ATLAS.ti using open coding and an iterative-inductive approach. All participants reported negative experiences as a result of COVID-19 countermeasures. Results suggested that caring for pets provided pet owners with structure, which may have contributed to a sense of stability and continuity. Our outcomes underlined an important role of pets for LTCH-clients both before and during the pandemic.
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Tepper DL, Howell TJ, Bennett PC. Executive functions and household chores: Does engagement in chores predict children's cognition? Aust Occup Ther J 2022; 69:585-598. [PMID: 35640882 PMCID: PMC9796572 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The benefits of completing household chores appear to transfer beyond managing day-to-day living. It is possible that chore engagement may improve executive functions, as engagement in chores require individuals to plan, self-regulate, switch between tasks, and remember instructions. To date, little research has been conducted on household chores and executive functions in children, for whom these skills are still developing. METHODS Parents and guardians (N = 207) of children aged 5-13 years (M = 9.38, SD = 2.15) were asked to complete parent-report questionnaires on their child's engagement in household chores and their child's executive functioning. RESULTS Results of the regression model indicated that engagement in self-care chores (e.g., making self a meal) and family-care chores (e.g., making someone else a meal) significantly predicted working memory and inhibition, after controlling for the influence of age, gender, and presence or absence of a disability. For families with a pet, there was no significant relationship between engagement in pet-care chores and executive function skills. CONCLUSION We strongly recommend that further research explore the relationship between chores and executive functions. It is possible that parents may be able to facilitate their child's executive function development through encouraging participation in chores, whereas chore-based interventions (e.g., cooking programmes) may also be used to target deficits in ability.
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Sulaiman A, Lim CY, Brussius Coelho M, Hayward P, Nicklin S, Gianoutsos M. Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on emergency paediatric plastic surgery admissions. AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.34239/ajops.v5n2.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: On 23rd March 2020, Australia went into a nationwide lockdown that led to school closures. As a result, children spent more time at home, increasing their vulnerability to injuries sustained at home. This study aims to analyse the patterns of emergency paediatric plastic surgery admissions into a tertiary paediatric hospital in Sydney during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and to raise awareness on the impacts of lockdown measures on the vulnerable pediatric population.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Sydney. Admissions into the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department during the lockdown period of 23rd March to 15th May 2020, and the same period in 2019 were included in the analysis. Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Human Research Ethics Committee [HREC Reference 2021/ETH00451]
Results: There were 37 and 91 admissions in 2020 and 2019 respectively. The proportion of injuries sustained at home increased by 24% in 2020, consistent with increased time spent at home. The percentage of injuries due to animal bites and sharp objects increased while number of sports-related injuries and falls decreased during the lockdown. Motor vehicle accidents increased in 2020. More patients also opted for conservative management in 2020.
Conclusion: This study has shown that during a pandemic lockdown, home injuries are more common, children are less likely to present to hospital and more likely to opt for conservative management. With a greater understanding of patterns of paediatric injuries during lockdowns, the relevant authorities can develop targeted advisories for dissemination to the public on how to create a safe home environment for children.
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21
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Platto S, Serres A, Normando S, Wang Y, Turner DC. Changes in the Dog's and Cat's Behaviors, as Reported by the Owners, before and during the Lockdown in China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192596. [PMID: 36230338 PMCID: PMC9559505 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had and still has on human psychological health, it is expected that it might also affect household dogs’ and cats’ welfare. The current study explores the behavioral changes in dogs and cats before (BL) and during the lockdown (DL), as reported by their owners in China. Besides demographic parameters, variables related to the daily management of dogs and cats were analyzed in relation to behavioral problems, stress-related behaviors, and anxiety-related behaviors before and during the lockdown. A total of 261 questionnaires were collected. In general, behavioral problems and stress-related behaviors in dogs (p < 0.001) and cats (p < 0.001) decreased DL compared to BL, while anxiety-related behaviors in cats did not show any differences between the two periods considered. On the other hand, anxiety-related behaviors were more frequent in dogs DL (36.3%) compared to BL (35%), which were associated with reduced frequency of play activities with the owners (p = 0.016) and altered sleeping habits (p < 0.01). During the lockdown, dogs’ and cats’ daily routines and management (feeding and sleeping habits, dogs’ walks, dogs’ and cats’ play activities, litter box management, and cats’ lifestyle) experienced changes, but they were not associated with any behavioral issues. On the other hand, the behavioral issues considered for dogs and cats were more frequent BL, which were influenced by the daily management of the pets. The current study showed how critical the attention the owners can provide to the pets could be, to improve their companion animals’ welfare. Therefore, it is important to provide pet owners with behavioral management support both during particularly difficult periods such as a lockdown and during regular daily routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Platto
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Agathe Serres
- Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 28 Luhuitou Road, Jiyang District, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Simona Normando
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy
| | - Yanqing Wang
- China Conservation and Green Development Foundation, Beijing 110108, China
| | - Dennis C. Turner
- Institute for applied Ethology and Animal Psychology, I.E.A.P./I.E.T., 8810 Horgen, Switzerland
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22
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Hielscher-Zdzieblik B, Gansloßer U, Serpell J, Froboese I. The Long-Term Influence of Puppy Acquisition on Physical Activity: Results of a 3-Year, Longitudinal, Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091687. [PMID: 36141299 PMCID: PMC9498865 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog ownership has been associated with increased levels of physical activity (PA), including increases in total PA and walking time in some but not in all studies. These earlier studies did not consider puppy acquisition, in particular, and were limited to a maximum of 10 months duration. The purpose of the current pilot study was, therefore, to analyze long-term changes in participants’ PA behavior after puppy acquisition. Participants who acquired a puppy from one of nine preselected breeds differing in size and energy level were included. PA was assessed at baseline and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after puppy acquisition using an online questionnaire. Participants, who were initially included, did not differ in their PA at baseline (n = 38). In the group that completed the trial (n = 11) total PA, leisure time walking, total dog-related PA, and total dog walking increased within the first two years and decreased while remaining above baseline values during the last year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-dog-related PA did not change over time. We conclude that the acquisition of a puppy increases PA and thus, could have a long-lasting positive effect on physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Hielscher-Zdzieblik
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Udo Gansloßer
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - James Serpell
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ingo Froboese
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
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23
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Foley R, Garrido-Cumbrera M, Guzman V, Braçe O, Hewlett D. Home and nearby nature: Uncovering relational flows between domestic and natural spaces in three countries during COVID-19. WELLBEING, SPACE AND SOCIETY 2022; 3:100093. [PMID: 36090135 PMCID: PMC9448848 DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2022.100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper addresses the role of living spaces, neighborhood environments, and access to nearby nature in shaping individual experiences of health and well-being during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key data is drawn from the GreenCOVID study across Spain, England and Ireland. The survey gathered contextual information about home environments, neighborhood spaces, and access to nature elements, and standardized measures of health and wellbeing between April and July 2020 (n = 3,127). The paper used qualitative data from the survey to document flows between home and nearby nature. These were framed as barriers/mediators with specific focus on differing interpretations of home as both trap and refuge, with additional dimensions of loss, disruption and interruption shaping the broad responses to the pandemic. By contrast nearby nature was an enabler/moderator of health and wellbeing, offering healthy flows between home and nature as well as respite and additional health-enabling factors. Differences were identified between the three countries but important commonalities emerged too, recognising the role nature plays as an asset both within and immediately beyond the home. The use of flow as metaphor also recognises the importance of embodiment and the elastic nature of connections between home and nearby nature for wellbeing. More broadly, flow provides a valuable way to trace affective relational geographers to develop a wider understanding of assemblages of health during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Foley
- Department of Geography, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare WE23 HW31, Ireland
| | - M Garrido-Cumbrera
- Health and Territory Research, Department of Physical Geography and Regional Geographic Analysis, Universidad de Sevilla, Doña María de Padilla s/n, Seville 41004, Spain
| | - V Guzman
- Division of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123St Stephen's Green, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - O Braçe
- Health and Territory Research, Department of Physical Geography and Regional Geographic Analysis, Universidad de Sevilla, Doña María de Padilla s/n, Seville 41004, Spain
| | - D Hewlett
- Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR, United Kingdom
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Riggio G, Borrelli C, Piotti P, Grondona A, Gazzano A, Di Iacovo FP, Fatjó J, Bowen JE, Mota-Rojas D, Pirrone F, Mariti C. Cat–Owner Relationship and Cat Behaviour: Effects of the COVID-19 Confinement and Implications for Feline Management. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070369. [PMID: 35878386 PMCID: PMC9324668 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the Italian COVID-19 lockdown on the cat-owner relationship and on cat behaviour. In order to do so, we used a questionnaire to obtain information on the owner and cat’s demographics, living environment, cat behaviour, and possible changes in some aspects of the cat-owner relationship. The questionnaire was distributed online when the lockdown was still ongoing and was completed by 548 cat owners, mainly women. Our findings suggest that the greater amount of time that owners spent at home with their cats, as a consequence of the social restrictions, had a positive effect on the owner’s perception of their relationship with their cat (e.g., higher frequency of interaction, greater emotional closeness, reduced perceived costs of caring for the cat). Similarly, the lockdown seemed to have improved the welfare of many cats, as suggested by the positive changes in many of their behaviours, even for those cats with pre-existing behavioural problems. Overall, our findings suggest that the lockdown provided many cats with a more thriving physical and social environment. They also highlight the need to reconsider some cat management practices commonly implemented in non-exceptional circumstances. Abstract The restrictive measures implemented to stem the spread of COVID-19 abruptly changed the lives of many cats and their owners. This study explored whether the lockdown in Italy affected the cat–owner relationship, as well as cat behaviour and welfare. A survey that included questions on owner and cat’s demographics, living environment, cat behaviour and a modified version of the Cat/Dog Relationship Scale (C/DORS) was distributed online during the lockdown and was completed by 548 cat owners, mainly women (81.6%). With regard to the C/DORS subscales, both emotional closeness and cat–owner interactions increased during confinement, as opposed to a reduction in perceived costs. The effect of the type of job, family role and owner’s age on the C/DORS scores suggests that the relationship improved for those owners that, due to the lockdown, increased the time spent with their cats. For 58.8% of respondents, their cat’s general behaviour did not change, but when changes occurred, they were mostly positive (20.4%). Attention-seeking and demanding behaviours were the most increased during lockdown (25.7%). Cats with pre-existing problematic behaviours tended to either remain stable or improve during confinement. The overall positive effects of lockdown-related environmental changes on a cat’s behaviour suggest that some aspects of commonly implemented cat management practices should be revised to improve cat welfare in normal circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Riggio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Carmen Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Patrizia Piotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Anna Grondona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Francesco P. Di Iacovo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.F.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Jonathan E. Bowen
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.F.); (J.E.B.)
- Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Federica Pirrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (A.G.); (F.P.D.I.)
- Correspondence:
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A Remote Assessment of Anxiety on Young People: Towards Their Views and Their Different Pet Interaction. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071242. [PMID: 35885769 PMCID: PMC9320218 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The lockdown was imposed in Italy on 9 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Restrictions severely limiting individual freedom were indispensable to protect the population and reduce virus diffusion. Italian people had never before experienced similar restrictions that undoubtedly tested psychological health. After 1 week, we developed an electronic survey to collect demographic data and information on the presence of pets and the type of interaction with them and to administer a self-assessment anxiety test. A total of 3905 subjects, pet owners and non pet owners, filled in the electronic survey; 652 (16.7%, mean age 21.6) of them were young subjects, adolescents, and university students. The study first showed the feasibility and success of the technological solution used, capable of providing, at a distance, structured information on the participants and quantitative data on the psychological condition. Second, it reported that 23.1% of the youths showed anxiety above an attention level during the lockdown, in line with other studies. Third, it indicated, based on the outcome of the self-assessment test, that the pet presence could have a positive effect in mitigating the psychological impact and encourage to continue and deepen these investigations. Fourth, it reported positive feedback from the participants on the procedure, found useful during the pandemic and for the post-pandemic future. The study highlights the importance of investing in these solutions based on mobile technology and useful both for mental health and to deepen the investigation of the impact of the pet presence on the human psychology.
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Woolley CSC, Handel IG, Bronsvoort BM, Schoenebeck JJ, Clements DN. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a cohort of Labrador retrievers in England. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:246. [PMID: 35751072 PMCID: PMC9233325 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03319-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have affected the welfare and health of dogs due to surges in adoptions and purchases, changes in the physical and mental health and financial status of dog owners, changes in dogs’ lifestyle and routines and limited access to veterinary care. The aims of this study were to investigate whether COVID-19 restrictions were associated with differences in Labrador retrievers’ lifestyle, routine care, insurance status, illness incidence or veterinary attendance with an illness, who were living in England and enrolled in Dogslife, an owner-based cohort study. Longitudinal questionnaire data from Dogslife that was relevant to the dates between the 23rd of March and the 4th of July 2020, during COVID-19 restrictions in England, were compared to data between the same dates in previous years from 2011 to 2019 using mixed regression models and adjusted chi-squared tests. Results Compared with previous years (March 23rd to July 4th, 2010 to 2019), the COVID-19 restrictions study period (March 23rd to July 4th 2020) was associated with owners reporting increases in their dogs’ exercise and worming and decreases in insurance, titbit-feeding and vaccination. Odds of owners reporting that their dogs had an episode of coughing (0.20, 95% CI: 0.04–0.92) and that they took their dogs to a veterinarian with an episode of any illness (0.58, 95% CI: 0.45–0.76) were lower during the COVID-19 restrictions compared to before. During the restrictions period, owners were less likely to report that they took their dogs to a veterinarian with certain other illnesses, compared to before this period. Conclusions Dogslife provided a unique opportunity to study prospective questionnaire data from owners already enrolled on a longitudinal cohort study. This approach minimised bias associated with recalling events prior to the pandemic and allowed a wider population of dogs to be studied than is available from primary care data. Distinctive insights into owners’ decision making about their dogs’ healthcare were offered. There are clear implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions for the lifestyle, care and health of dogs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03319-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte S C Woolley
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United States.
| | - Ian G Handel
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United States
| | - B Mark Bronsvoort
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Schoenebeck
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United States
| | - Dylan N Clements
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United States
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Owczarczak-Garstecka SC, Furtado T, Graham TM, Lloyd I, Singleton DA, Wallis L, Westgarth C. Impacts of COVID-19 on Owner's Veterinary Healthcare Seeking Behavior for Dogs With Chronic Conditions: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study With a Convenience Sample. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:902219. [PMID: 35720842 PMCID: PMC9204258 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.902219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This mixed-method study explored the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on owners' veterinary healthcare seeking, with particular focus on dogs with chronic conditions. A convenience sample of 719 UK dog owners completed an online survey (December 2020-January 2021). Differences in treatment provision and respondents' decisions to seek care across acute, preventative, chronic conditions and for end-of-life care were explored. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with seeking care for any health issue compared to deciding against it, and urgency to seek care given symptom that could indicate chronic conditions. Open-ended questions were analyzed by thematic analysis. Significant (p-value < 0.05) differences in care seeking decisions were identified regarding access to veterinary care and the way treatment was provided across all health issues. The top reasons for not seeking care across all health issues were a lack of access to a veterinarian (30%, n = 56/187) and a reluctance for a dog to go to the clinic unaccompanied (20%, n = 38/187). Variables related to stronger dog-owner relationship, higher confidence in seeking care, perception of: benefits of veterinary care, dog's high susceptibility to illness and high severity of dog's condition, increased the odds of seeking, and urgency to seek, care. A dog's chronic illness diagnosis reduced the odds of seeking care during the pandemic, reportedly due to difficulties in accessing care for non-urgent issues. Qualitative analysis showed that limited access to routine consultations, delays in test results and restricted access to complementary treatments, led some owners of dogs with chronic conditions to believe that their dog's welfare had deteriorated during the pandemic. Pandemic control measures necessitated changes to how consultations were run. These changes were often viewed favorably, but dog-client separation during consultations were considered problematic, sometimes delaying veterinary advice-seeking, including for euthanasia. Separating owners from their dogs during veterinary consultations should be avoided wherever possible due to impacts on dogs, owners and healthcare seeking. Interventions to improve veterinary healthcare seeking could target attitudes toward benefits of seeking care, improve owners' self-efficacy and capitalize on the dog-owner bond. Such interventions should be implemented alongside interventions aimed at removing structural barriers to accessing healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Owczarczak-Garstecka
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Tamzin Furtado
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Taryn M Graham
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Imogen Lloyd
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - David A Singleton
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Wallis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
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Lockdown Due to COVID-19 and Its Consequences on Diet, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Other Aspects of Daily Life Worldwide: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116832. [PMID: 35682411 PMCID: PMC9180681 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is responsible for the disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Besides the important rates of mortality and morbidity directly attributed to the infection itself, many studies detected an important shift towards mostly unhealthy lifestyle patterns in previously healthy non-infected populations all around the world. Although most of the changes in lifestyle had or will have a negative impact on general population health status, some findings are encouraging. Notwithstanding that there was an obvious necessity for governments to apply national lockdowns, it is also necessary to identify and comprehend the consequences they have caused. A narrative literature review was performed, based on scientific articles and previous reviews. An accurate description of changes in eating habits and alcohol consumption, physical activity, mental health, daily routines, economic impacts, and broader effects on society is provided for each continent and different age groups through this review. The volume of selected scientific surveys encompasses approximately 400,000 persons.
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Zaninotto F, Bossi F, Terry P, Riccaboni M, Galli G. The Evolution of Psychological and Behavioral Consequences of Self-Isolation During Lockdown: A Longitudinal Study Across United Kingdom and Italy. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:826277. [PMID: 35722571 PMCID: PMC9198491 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.826277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several countries imposed nationwide or partial lockdowns to limit the spread of COVID-19 and avoid overwhelming hospitals and intensive care units. Lockdown may involve restriction of movement, stay-at-home orders and self-isolation, which may have dramatic consequences on mental health. Recent studies demonstrated that the negative impact of lockdown restrictions depends on a wide range of psychological and socio-demographic factors. Aims This longitudinal study aimed to understand how internal factors such as personality and mindfulness traits, and external factors, such as daily habits and house features, affect anxiety, depression and general wellbeing indicators, as well as cognitive functions, during the course of a lockdown. Methods To address these questions, 96 participants in Italy and the United Kingdom filled out a survey, once a week for 4 weeks, during the first-wave lockdowns. The survey included questions related to their habits and features of the house, as well as validated questionnaires to measure personality traits, mindful attitude and post-traumatic symptoms. Indicators of wellbeing were the affective state, anxiety, stress and psychopathological indices. We also measured the emotional impact of the pandemic on cognitive ability by using two online behavioral tasks [emotional Stroop task (EST) and visual search]. Results We found that internal factors influenced participants' wellbeing during the first week of the study, while external factors affected participants in the last weeks. In the first week, internal variables such as openness, conscientiousness and being non-judgmental toward one's own thoughts and emotions were positively associated with wellbeing; instead, neuroticism and the tendency to observe and describe one's own thoughts and emotions had detrimental effects on wellbeing. Toward the end of the study, external variables such as watching television and movies, browsing the internet, walking the dog, and having a balcony showed a protective value, while social networking and engaging in video calls predicted lower values of wellbeing. We did not find any effects of wellbeing on cognitive functioning. Conclusion Recognizing specific traits and habits affecting individuals' wellbeing (in both short and long terms) during social isolation is crucial to identify people at risk of developing psychological distress and help refine current guidelines to alleviate the psychological consequences of prolonged lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Zaninotto
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Bossi
- MoMiLab, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Philip Terry
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giulia Galli
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
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Hielscher-Zdzieblik B, Froboese I, Serpell J, Gansloßer U. Impact of Dog’s Age and Breed on Dog Owner’s Physical Activity: A German Longitudinal Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101314. [PMID: 35625158 PMCID: PMC9137655 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog ownership contributes positively to physical activity (PA). The impact of different dog breeds and age on PA is less investigated in longitudinal studies. This study aimed to evaluate PA changes in dog owners as their dogs’ ages increased and to explore whether there are differences in PA between owners of different breeds over a three-year period. Owners of different dog breeds were categorized into nine groups according to the perceived energy level and size of the breed. PA was monitored using an online questionnaire for three consecutive years. Linear mixed models (LMM) showed a small, but significant decrease in total PA, leisure time walking, dog-related PA and dog walking over three years. No decreases were found if only participants who attended at all time points were included. In all LMM analyses, a significant relationship between the dog breed and the outcomes of PA were shown. At baseline, dog owners performed different types of activities depending on their dog breed. In conclusion, owners of different dog breeds differ in their types of PA. The study emphasizes that age, size and energy level of the dog does not per se have an impact on dog owners PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Hielscher-Zdzieblik
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany;
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research with Phyletic Museum, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ingo Froboese
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany;
| | - James Serpell
- Department of Clinical Studies VHUP, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Udo Gansloßer
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research with Phyletic Museum, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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Townsend L, Dixon L, Buckley L. Lead pulling as a welfare concern in pet dogs: What can veterinary professionals learn from current research? Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1627. [PMID: 35546517 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Veterinary professionals (VPs) are often the first source of advice for clients struggling with their dog's behaviour, and pulling on the lead is a commonplace undesirable behaviour VPs will encounter regularly in practice. Excluding bites, being pulled over while walking on a lead is the leading cause of non-fatal dog-related injuries in the UK. This narrative review investigates lead pulling as a welfare concern in pet dogs, highlighting aspects of the literature of particular interest to VPs. Lead pulling could negatively affect walk quality, frequency and duration, causing weight gain, while decreased environmental enrichment could trigger other undesirable behaviours. Aversive equipment to prevent lead pulling can cause pain, distress and injury, but even equipment considered humane can have welfare consequences. Punitive training methods could cause dogs stress, fear and anxiety and trigger aggressive behaviour. While these lead pulling outcomes are welfare concerns in themselves, they could also weaken dog-owner attachment, a risk factor in pet dog relinquishment. Given lead pulling could affect the welfare of patients in a VPs care, clinical implications and opportunities for client education are outlined. Educating clients on humane prevention and modification of lead pulling could make walks easier, safer and more enjoyable, with positive outcomes for clients, canine welfare and the practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Townsend
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
| | - Laura Dixon
- Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, Scotland's Rural College, Ayr, Scotland, UK
| | - Louise Buckley
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
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Owczarczak-Garstecka SC, Holland KE, Anderson KL, Casey RA, Christley RM, Harris L, McMillan KM, Mead R, Murray JK, Samet L, Upjohn MM. Accessing veterinary healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods analysis of UK and Republic of Ireland dog owners' concerns and experiences. Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1681. [PMID: 35514067 PMCID: PMC9348021 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background This study explored dog owners’ concerns and experiences related to accessing veterinary healthcare during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods Data were obtained through two cross‐sectional owner‐completed surveys conducted in May (first nationwide lockdown) and October 2020 and owner‐completed diaries (April‐November 2020). Diaries and relevant open‐ended survey questions were analysed qualitatively to identify themes. Survey responses concerning veterinary healthcare access were summarised and compared using chi‐square tests. Results During the initial months of the pandemic, veterinary healthcare availability worried 32.4% (n = 1431/4922) of respondents. However, between 23 March and 4 November 2020, 99.5% (n = 1794/1843) of those needing to contact a veterinarian managed to do so. Delays/cancellations of procedures affected 28.0% (n = 82/293) of dogs that owners planned to neuter and 34.2% (n = 460/1346) of dogs that owners intended to vaccinate. Qualitative themes included COVID‐19 safety precautions, availability of veterinary healthcare and the veterinarian‐client relationship. Conclusion Veterinary healthcare availability concerned many owners during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Access to veterinary healthcare for emergencies remained largely available, but prophylactic treatments were delayed for some dogs.
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Factors associated with play behavior in human-cat dyads. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Meyer I, Forkman B, Fredholm M, Glanville C, Guldbrandtsen B, Ruiz Izaguirre E, Palmer C, Sandøe P. Pampered pets or poor bastards? The welfare of dogs kept as companion animals. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Brand CL, O’Neill DG, Belshaw Z, Pegram CL, Stevens KB, Packer RMA. Pandemic Puppies: Demographic Characteristics, Health and Early Life Experiences of Puppies Acquired during the 2020 Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050629. [PMID: 35268198 PMCID: PMC8909199 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The UK recorded sharp rises in puppy purchasing during the 2020 phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many first-time dog owners purchasing puppies to improve their mental health during this challenging period. Government restrictions on movement and social interaction during the pandemic led to animal welfare concerns over puppies’ reduced time-sensitive exposures to key environmental and social stimuli during their critical developmental period. This study aimed to compare demographics, health and early-life experiences of puppies purchased and brought home < 16 weeks of age between 23 March−31 December 2020 (“Pandemic Puppies”), with dogs purchased and brought home < 16 weeks during the same date period in 2019 (“2019 puppies”). An online survey of UK-based puppy owners was conducted between 10 November and 31 December 2020 with valid responses representing 5517 puppies (Pandemic Puppies: n = 4369; 2019 puppies: n = 1148). Multivariable logistic regression modelling revealed that Pandemic Puppies were less likely to have attended puppy training classes (67.9% 2019 vs. 28.9% 2020; p < 0.001) or had visitors to their home (94.5% 2019 vs. 81.8% 2020; p < 0.001) aged < 16 weeks compared with 2019 puppies. Fewer Pandemic Puppies underwent veterinary checks prior to purchase than 2019 puppies (2019: 91.3% vs. 2020: 87.4%; p < 0.001), but more were sold with a passport (2019: 4.1% vs. 2020: 7.1%; p < 0.001). Pandemic Puppies were significantly more likely to be ‘Designer Crossbreeds’ (2019: 18.8% vs. 2020: 26.1%; p < 0.001) and less likely to be Kennel Club registered than 2019 puppies (2019: 58.2% vs. 2020: 46.2%; p < 0.001). Greater support from veterinary and animal behavioural professionals is likely needed to ameliorate the health and behavioural impacts of growing up in a pandemic upon this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L. Brand
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK;
| | - Dan G. O’Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (C.L.P.); (K.B.S.)
| | - Zoe Belshaw
- EviVet Evidence-Based Veterinary Consultancy, Nottingham NG2 5HU, UK;
| | - Camilla L. Pegram
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (C.L.P.); (K.B.S.)
| | - Kim B. Stevens
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (C.L.P.); (K.B.S.)
| | - Rowena M. A. Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK;
- Correspondence:
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Denis-Robichaud J, Aenishaenslin C, Richard L, Desmarchelier M, Carabin H. Association between Pet Ownership and Mental Health and Well-Being of Canadians Assessed in a Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042215. [PMID: 35206405 PMCID: PMC8924879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between pet ownership and quality of life (QoL), loneliness, anxiety, stress, overall health, and mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic using a One Health perspective. An online bilingual survey was completed by 1500 Canadians in April-May 2021. Socio-demographics, health, QoL, stress and anxiety, loneliness, social support, pet ownership, and attitude towards pets data were collected. Crude and adjusted associations between pet ownership and mental health and well-being indicators were estimated. The 1500 participants were from all provinces and territories, half were women; half of the participants were pet owners by design. The crude association estimates showed that pet owners had poorer QoL, overall health, and mental health than non-pet owners, and were lonelier, more stressed, and more anxious than non-pet owners. Adjusted estimates showed that these associations disappeared with the inclusion of the confounders (socio-economic, demographic, health, and pet-related variables). Our results suggest that there was no association between pet ownership and the mental health and well-being indicators measured in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M1, Canada
| | - Lucie Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marion Desmarchelier
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | - Hélène Carabin
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M1, Canada
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Harvey ND, Christley RM, Giragosian K, Mead R, Murray JK, Samet L, Upjohn MM, Casey RA. Impact of Changes in Time Left Alone on Separation-Related Behaviour in UK Pet Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040482. [PMID: 35203190 PMCID: PMC8868415 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs can develop separation-related behaviours (SRBs), such as barking/howling, pacing, toileting or destroying household items when they are left without human company. These behaviours can be problematic for owners but are also welfare concerns for the dogs because they mean the dog is in a negative emotional state. Many dog owners have been able to spend more time at home with their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there have been concerns this will increase risks of SRB when dogs are left alone for longer again. Here, we surveyed a group of dog owners in the United Kingdom (UK) twice during 2020. In the first survey, we asked owners about their dogs’ behaviour before the pandemic, in February 2020, and at the time of the first lockdown; we then surveyed them again in October 2020 when restrictions had eased. Whether dogs showed SRBs or not changed considerably over the months of the study, and whilst one in two dogs with pre-existing SRBs were no longer showing them in October 2020, one in ten dogs who had previously not shown SRBs before the pandemic were found to have developed SRBs in October. Risk of developing SRBs was found to be linked to the change in time left alone during the lockdown, with dogs whose time alone reduced the most being most at risk of developing new SRBs in October. Abstract Separation-related behaviours (SRBs), including but not limited to vocalisation, pacing, destruction and toileting, occur in the absence of human company. As well as being problematic for the dogs’ owners, such behaviours indicate that the dogs’ emotional state is compromised. As part of the COVID-19 pandemic, time spent alone decreased considerably for many pet dogs, leading to concerns about the development of SRBs when dogs are left alone more again. The main aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that dogs whose time left alone decreased most (compared to a February 2020 pre-COVID baseline) would be at greatest risk of developing new signs of SRB when time left alone increased again. To achieve this aim, we utilised survey data gathered from dog owners between 4th May and 3rd July 2020, during the first COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ period in the United Kingdom (UK), and a follow-up survey of the same dog-owner cohort, completed when restrictions had eased between 10th October and 2nd November 2020. Individual dogs fluctuated considerably in whether they showed signs of SRB or not across the study period (n = 1807). Overall, the prevalence of SRB in the population decreased from 22.1% to 17.2%, as did the time dogs were left alone for between February and October 2020. However, 9.9% of dogs had developed new signs of SRB by the follow-up survey in October 2020, with dogs whose leaving hours decreased most during lockdown restrictions being at increased risk of developing SRBs. These findings have implications for our understanding of the etiology of SRB, by showing a link between changes in owner routine and SRB risk.
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Martos Martinez-Caja A, De Herdt V, Enders Slegers MJ, Moons CPH. Pets and their owners during the first COVID-19 lockdown period: Perceived changes in routines and emotions - An exploratory study. J Vet Behav 2022; 48:86-91. [PMID: 36569455 PMCID: PMC9761863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
An international online questionnaire Pets in Lockdown was conducted during the first COVID-19 lockdown during the months of April and May 2020 to assess how pet owners perceived some aspects of their relationship with their pets, including time spent together and how much they enjoyed it, difficulties taking care of their pets, the amount of comfort they obtained from interacting with their pets, and whether they had observed any changes in their pets' resting time and behavior. Most pet owners did not describe any changes in the relationship with their pets or in their pets' behaviour. Horse owners expressed more difficulties taking care of their animals than owners of other species. Approximately 20% of the animals had less time available to rest undisturbed. Of the animals that displayed behavioral changes, remaining closer to the owner was the most frequently described change followed by descriptions of higher arousal and increased negative affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martos Martinez-Caja
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium,Address for reprint requests and correspondence: A. Martos Martinez-Caj, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium
| | | | | | - Christel Palmyre Henri Moons
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Cernicchiaro N, Oliveira ARS, Hanthorn C, Renter DG. Outcomes research: origins, relevance, and potential impacts for veterinary medicine. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:714-723. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.21.06.0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Cernicchiaro
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Ana R. S. Oliveira
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Christy Hanthorn
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - David G. Renter
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
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van der Velpen IF, Melis RJF, Hussainali RF, Perry M, Vernooij-Dassen MJF, Ikram MA, Luik AI, Vernooij MW. Determinants of social health trajectories during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults: the Rotterdam Study. Int Psychogeriatr 2022:1-15. [PMID: 35086605 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610221002891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and accompanying lockdown restrictions impacted social life significantly. We studied associations of sociodemographic factors, mental and social health markers, and brain structure with social health trajectories during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal population-based cohort study. SETTING Community-dwelling inhabitants of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Repeated questionnaires including questions on social health were sent to Rotterdam Study participants from April 2020 onwards. Social health data at study baseline were available for 5017 participants (mean age: 68.7 ± 11.3; 56.9% women). MEASUREMENTS Determinants were assessed in routine Rotterdam Study follow-up (1990-2020), including global brain volumes in a subset of participants (N = 1720). We applied linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations to quantify associations between determinants and trajectories of loneliness, perceived social isolation and social connectedness over three time points from April 22nd to July 31st 2020. RESULTS Loneliness prevalence was 27.9% in April 2020 versus 12.6% prepandemic. Social isolation (baseline mean 4.7 ± 2.4) and loneliness scores (baseline mean 4.9 ± 1.5) decreased over time, whereas social connectedness trajectories remained stable. Depressive symptoms, female sex, prepandemic loneliness, living alone, and not owning a pet were independently associated with lower social connectedness and higher social isolation and loneliness at COVID-19 baseline, but recovery of social health was similar for all determinants. Larger intracranial volume was associated with higher social connectedness. CONCLUSIONS Despite baseline differences for specific determinants, older adults showed similar recovery of loneliness and social isolation alongside stable social connectedness over time during the pandemic. Social health is multidimensional, especially during a global health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle F van der Velpen
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René J F Melis
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rowina F Hussainali
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Perry
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie I Luik
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Halbreich ED, Mueller MK. Profiles of family pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-5. [PMID: 35075340 PMCID: PMC8769778 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02574-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eli D. Halbreich
- School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, 490 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155 USA
| | - Megan K. Mueller
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA USA
- Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, Medford, MA USA
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Vimal R. The impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on the human experience of nature. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:149571. [PMID: 34492485 PMCID: PMC8418199 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in extensive lockdowns implemented all around the world and billion of people have been asked to stay at home for several weeks. Although this global confinement has had potentially huge unintended consequences on the environment and on its associated wildlife, this study shows that it has also impacted the human experience of nature. Based on an online questionnaire, this study aims to assess how the significant changes in people's everyday lives induced by the French lockdown impacted their relationship with other species. Participants did not only observe and interact more with non human species, but also discovered new traits characterizing them, and felt less lonely thanks to them. The impact of the lockdown was stronger on people's relationship with their pets, farm animals, home plants and with birds than with other plants and animals. This study further demonstrates that participants with different profiles have been affected differently. In particular, women and people with better access to nature were clearly more sensitive to changes and have been more positively impacted in their relationships with other species. Acting as a real world experiment, the lockdown reveals to which extent our experience of nature is embedded in social, cultural and political contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruppert Vimal
- GEODE UMR 5602, CNRS, Université Jean-Jaurès, 5 Allée Antonio-Machado, 31058 Toulouse, France.
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Vučinić M, Nenadović K, Vučićević M. Kinds of pet chosen and manner of pet acquisition during COVID 19 in Serbia. J Vet Behav 2021; 48:49-55. [PMID: 34924895 PMCID: PMC8669690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In mid-March 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Serbia in order to prevent the spread of COVID 19. Many activities of Serbian citizens were limited or completely stopped. Citizens had to spend most of their time confined in their homes. However, some still wanted and managed to acquire pets. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine which kinds of pets (dogs, cats and non-traditional animals) the residents of Serbia acquired during the first year of the COVID 19 pandemic and in which manner (purchase, adoption or gift). If the pets were acquired by adoption, the participants were asked from what sources they adopted them. Finally, how the characteristics of the owner and their household influenced the adoption of pets was examined. A total of 566 pet owners who acquired pets in the pre-COVID 19 and COVID 19 periods participated in the research. The COVID pandemic reduced the number of pet owners 2.7-fold in 2020 compared to 2019. Dogs were the most favourite pets acquired before (43%) and during (43%) the pandemic. During the pandemic, 61% of pets were acquired by adoption and the percentage of dogs, cats and non-traditional pets adopted directly from previous owners increased by 32%, 13% and 12%, respectively. The probability of acquiring pets by adoption was significantly increased by the presence of people older than 65 in the household (OR=2.56; P=0.02), the absence of children up to 5 years of age (OR=0.17; P<0.001) in the household, lower monthly incomes (OR=0.47; P<0.001), the greater available free time of the owner (OR=2.09; P<0.001), and the period of adoption (OR=2.42; P<0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Vučinić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Hygiene, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Nenadović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Hygiene, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Vučićević
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Martin F, Bachert KE, Snow L, Tu HW, Belahbib J, Lyn SA. Depression, anxiety, and happiness in dog owners and potential dog owners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260676. [PMID: 34910761 PMCID: PMC8673598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Major life events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, affect psychological and physiological health. Social support, or the lack thereof, can modulate these effects. The context of the COVID-19 pandemic offered a unique opportunity to better understand how dogs may provide social support for their owners and buffer heightened symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and contribute to happiness during a major global crisis. Participants (768 pet dog owners and 767 potential pet dog owners) answered an online survey, including validated depression, anxiety, happiness psychometric scales, attitude to and commitment towards pet, and perceived social support. Potential pet dog owners were defined as individuals who did not own a dog at the time of the survey but would be very or extremely interested in owning one in the future. Dog owners reported having significantly more social support available to them compared to potential dog owners, and their depression scores were also lower, compared to potential dog owners. There were no differences in anxiety and happiness scores between the two groups. Dog owners had a significantly more positive attitude towards and commitment to pets. Taken together, our results suggest that dog ownership may have provided people with a stronger sense of social support, which in turn may have helped buffer some of the negative psychological impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Martin
- Nestlé Purina Research, Saint-Louis, MO, United States of America
| | | | - LeAnn Snow
- Nestlé Purina Research, Saint-Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Hsiao-Wei Tu
- Nestlé Purina Research, Saint-Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Julien Belahbib
- Nestlé Purina Research, Saint-Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Sandra A. Lyn
- Nestlé Purina Research, Saint-Louis, MO, United States of America
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Chesterman A, de Battista M, Causse E. Effects of social position and household affordances on COVID-19 lockdown resilience and coping. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 78:101687. [PMID: 34584327 PMCID: PMC8460355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In France, the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown measures have created unprecedented circumstances that increase stress and anxiety, thus leading individuals experiencing home confinement to adopt various coping strategies that contribute to building resilience. Given the novelty and recency of the COVID-19 lockdown, factors of coping and resilience in this specific context of home confinement remain undefined. Based on some recent observations, we conducted a study on a convenience sample in France (N = 809) in order to investigate two potential factors of lockdown resilience and coping: social position and household affordances, while also exploring some complementary hypotheses based on the literature. Social position and household affordances were identified as significant predictors of lockdown coping and resilience, and low social position was found to coincide with less social support coping strategies. Results are discussed in relation to the theory and the limits identified in this study. Recommendations are made for potential second waves of COVID-19 spread or similar pandemics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chesterman
- i2ml Foundation, 30000 Nîmes (France) / CRP-CPO Laboratory (E.A. 7273), Picardie Jules Verne University, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - M de Battista
- i2ml Foundation, 30000 Nîmes (France) / CHROME Laboratory (E.A. 7352), Nîmes University, 30000, Nîmes, France
| | - E Causse
- CHROME Laboratory (E.A. 7352), Nîmes University, 30000, Nîmes, France
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Neira V, Brito B, Agüero B, Berrios F, Valdés V, Gutierrez A, Ariyama N, Espinoza P, Retamal P, Holmes EC, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, Khan Z, van de Guchte A, Dutta J, Miorin L, Kehrer T, Galarce N, Almonacid LI, Levican J, van Bakel H, García-Sastre A, Medina RA. A household case evidences shorter shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in naturally infected cats compared to their human owners. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:376-383. [PMID: 33317424 PMCID: PMC7939552 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1863132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been detected in domestic and wild cats. However, little is known about natural viral infections of domestic cats, although their importance for modelling disease spread, informing strategies for managing positive human-animal relationships and disease prevention. Here, we describe the SARS-CoV-2 infection in a household of two human adults and sibling cats (one male and two females) using real-time RT-PCR, an ELISA test, viral sequencing, and virus isolation. On May 5th, 2020, the cat-owners tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Two days later, the male cat showed mild respiratory symptoms and tested positive. Four days after the male cat, the two female cats became positive, asymptomatically. Also, one human and one cat showed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. All cats excreted detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA for a shorter duration than humans and viral sequences analysis confirmed human-to-cat transmission. We could not determine if cat-to-cat transmission also occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Neira
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bárbara Brito
- The three institute – University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Belén Agüero
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Berrios
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valentina Valdés
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alberto Gutierrez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Naomi Ariyama
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Espinoza
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Retamal
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Edward C. Holmes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ana S. Gonzalez-Reiche
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zenab Khan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana van de Guchte
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jayeeta Dutta
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Miorin
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Kehrer
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolás Galarce
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonardo I. Almonacid
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Levican
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rafael A. Medina
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Shoesmith E, Spanakis P, Peckham E, Heron P, Johnston G, Walker L, Crosland S, Ratschen E. The Role of Animal Ownership for People with Severe Mental Illness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study Investigating Links with Health and Loneliness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211908. [PMID: 34831665 PMCID: PMC8624942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has reported the benefits of companion animals for people with severe mental illness (SMI). However, this evidence base is fragmented and unclear. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of companion animals in the context of social distancing and isolation measures for people with SMI. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the links between mental and physical health and animal ownership in people with SMI and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to human–animal interactions during the pandemic restrictions. A survey was conducted with a previously assembled cohort of individuals with SMI in the UK. The survey included previously validated and new bespoke items measuring demographics, and outcomes related to mental and physical health, and human–animal interactions. The survey also included a question inviting free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences of their human–animal relationships during the pandemic. Of 315 participants who consented to participate, 249 (79%) completed the survey. Of these, 115 (46.2%) had at least one companion animal. Regression analyses indicated that animal ownership was not significantly associated with well-being and loneliness. However, animal ownership was associated with a self-reported decline in mental health (b = 0.640, 95% CI [0.102–1.231], p = 0.025), but no self-reported change in physical health. Thematic analysis identified two main themes relating to the positive and negative impact of animal ownership during pandemic restrictions. Animal ownership appeared to be linked to self-reported mental health decline in people with SMI during the second wave of the pandemic in the UK. However, the thematic analysis also highlighted the perceived benefit of animal ownership during this time. Further targeted investigation of the role of human–animal relationships and the perceived human–animal bond for human health is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shoesmith
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Panagiotis Spanakis
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Emily Peckham
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Paul Heron
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | | | - Lauren Walker
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Suzanne Crosland
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Elena Ratschen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (P.S.); (E.P.); (P.H.); (L.W.); (S.C.); (E.R.)
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Vučinić M, Vučićević M, Nenadović K. The COVID-19 pandemic affects owners walking with their dogs. J Vet Behav 2021; 48:1-10. [PMID: 34690614 PMCID: PMC8527592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a strict state of emergency on Belgrade residents with a curfew and restriction on movement. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine how the measures introduced as a consequence of this disease in the capital of Serbia affected the duration of walking time of owners and their dogs. The study allowed for sociodemographics of owners, characteristics of their homes and breeds of dog. The research was conducted in the period from March 22 to April 4, 2020. In general, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions reduced the duration of dog walks and owners' walking time. Of the 216 adult dog owners, 59% walked their dogs successfully (≥150 min/week) before the state of emergency. The number of owners who walked their dogs for ≥150 min/week decreased to only 44% (N = 96) during the state of emergency. The pandemic also decreased the number of owners who achieved total walking times of ≥150 min/week, so only 56% of them were successful in total walking time during the state of emergency (100% were successful before the pandemic, as this was one of inclusion criteria). This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test found significant differences in the total walking time before and during the state of emergency, with regard to characteristics of the owner, home and dog, with strong effect sizes for these differences (P < 0.01). McNemar's test showed that female owners, owners aged 45-64 years and owners with high income who were previously successful in walking their dogs (≥150 min/week) were more affected by the pandemic in regard to walking time with dogs (P < 0.01). Significant correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between dog breed and walking time before the state of emergency; age and walking time with the dog during the state of emergency and; age and total walking time during the state of emergency. Comparisons between different categories within the same characteristics (owner demographics, home characteristics and dog breed) by Fisher's exact test found significant differences only between younger and older dog owners in total walking time during the state of emergency (P < 0.01). Younger owners were significantly more successful in achieving ≥150 min/week total walking time than owners aged 45-64. The COVID-19 pandemic has left some owners jobless and allowed them to spend more time walking dogs. The occurrence of this disease has led to changes in the social structure of households and in the daily habits of household members. These factors have affected on the length of walking time of owners and their dogs in Belgrade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Vučinić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Department of Animal Hygiene, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Vučićević
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Department of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Nenadović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Department of Animal Hygiene, Belgrade, Serbia
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Jezierski T, Camerlink I, Peden RSE, Chou JY, Sztandarski P, Marchewka J. Cat owners' perception on having a pet cat during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257671. [PMID: 34669699 PMCID: PMC8528273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the lives of pet animals. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the welfare of pet cats across countries, as well as the owners' experience in relation to their cat(s). An online survey containing 21 questions was distributed internationally. Questions were related to information about the cat and its behaviour and health, changes in the household due to the pandemic, and how the owner related to the cat. The survey was completed by 324 respondents from 25 different countries. The survey showed that keeping pet cats during the COVID-19 pandemic did not create problems for the owners, except some difficulties in acquiring veterinary care. The majority (67.3%) of respondents reported no changes in their cats' behaviour. When behavioural changes were reported, they were mostly of a positive nature. Owners who took more measures in relation to the cat to prevent the spread of the virus, e.g., reduced contact, were 1.8 times more likely to report changes in the behaviour of their cats but also 3.8 times more likely to report difficulties related to the care of the cat during the pandemic. Two-third of the respondents indicated a reduction of their own psychological tensions due to having a cat during the pandemic. We concluded that the welfare of pet cats, as reported by the owners, was not adversely affected by the pandemic and the human-cat interaction had positive effects on the owners during the lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Jezierski
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Irene Camerlink
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Rachel S E Peden
- School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Jen-Yun Chou
- Swine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Patryk Sztandarski
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Joanna Marchewka
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
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Schor M, Protopopova A. Effect of COVID-19 on Pet Food Bank Servicing: Quantifying Numbers of Clients Serviced in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, British Columbia, Canada. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:730390. [PMID: 34616792 PMCID: PMC8488433 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.730390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has focused on the benefits and difficulties of pet ownership in people, who are experiencing homelessness. However, many pet services, such as pet food banks, serve a more varied population of people. Furthermore, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been documented within the context of pet food banks. Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) population comprises a notable proportion of the city's overall population and has a high density of people who are experiencing financial hardships, but some of whom do not always experience homelessness. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the number of clients and pets that are being serviced by a pet food bank, whether that has changed over time, and if it was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed available attendance and service records from The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pet food bank between 2013 and 2020. We found that a median of 100 clients attended the food bank each week and that most of the companion animals serviced were cats (72.5%), then followed by dogs (25.2%), and rats (1.2%). Servicing was not consistent over time, with a weekly pattern of decreased attendance every fourth week of the month, which coincided with income assistance payments. This suggests that either servicing needs are decreased with income assistance or that the week of the month may present an access to care challenge. We also observed a decrease in the clientele attending in 2020 compared to previous years, suggesting an effect of COVID-19. Specifically, this trend was present for cats, rats, rabbits, and “other” companion animals, but not for dogs; the number of dog owners receiving services did not change in 2020, suggesting a difference between needed services in dog vs. other pet owners. The yearly trends shed light on the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for additional support through times of crisis. Overall, the data show a complex relationship between pet service provision and other community issues and highlight the need to consider pet food banks within the greater social services networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Schor
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexandra Protopopova
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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