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Hare E, Essler JL, Otto CM, Ebbecke D, Serpell JA. Development of a modified C-BARQ for evaluating behavior in working dogs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1371630. [PMID: 39005721 PMCID: PMC11239546 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1371630] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Current high demand for effective odor detection dogs calls for the development of reliable methods for measuring performance-related behavioral phenotypes in these highly specialized working animals. The Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is a widely used behavioral assessment tool among working dog organizations with a demonstrated ability to predict success/failure of dogs in training. However, this instrument was developed originally to study the prevalence of behavior problems in the pet dog population, and it therefore lacks the capacity to measure specific behavioral propensities that may also be important predictors of working dog success. The current paper examines the factor structure, internal reliability, and content validity of a modified version of the C-BARQ designed to evaluate four new domains of canine behavior in addition to those encompassed by the original C-BARQ. These domains, labeled Playfulness, Impulsivity, Distractibility, and Basophobia (fear of falling), respectively, describe aspects of canine behavior or temperament which are believed to contribute substantially to working dog performance. Methods Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of owner/handler questionnaire responses based on a sample of 1,117 working odor detection dogs. Results A total of 15 factors were extracted by EFA, 10 of which correspond to original C-BARQ factors. The remaining 5 comprise the four new domains- Playfulness, Impulsivity, Distractibility, and Basophobia- as well as a fifth new factor labeled Food focus. Discussion The resulting Working Dog Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (WDC-BARQ) successfully expands the measurement capacities of the original C-BARQ to include dimensions of behavior/temperament of particular relevance to many working dog populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hare
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Dog Genetics LLC, Astoria, NY, United States
| | - Jennifer Lynn Essler
- College of Agriculture and Technology, SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY, United States
| | - Cynthia M Otto
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dana Ebbecke
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James A Serpell
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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2
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Malkani R, Paramasivam S, Wolfensohn S. A Multidimensional Evaluation of the Factors in the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) That Are Associated with, and Predictive of, Behaviour Disorders in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:528. [PMID: 38396496 PMCID: PMC10886356 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040528] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavioural disorders in dogs are common and have severe welfare consequences for dogs. This study aimed to assess the factors that are significant and predictive of behaviour problems in dogs using the animal welfare assessment grid (AWAG) to further understand what factors influence their welfare. 177 AWAG assessments were undertaken across 129 dogs that clinicians deemed to have a behavioural disorder. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to assess the difference in scores between dogs with behaviour disorders and a cohort of healthy dogs (n = 117). This analysis showed that all physical factors besides body condition, all procedural factors besides procedure pain, and all psychological, and environmental factors were significantly different between healthy dogs and dogs with behaviour disorders. Spearman rank correlation coefficient (RS) revealed several significant strong positive correlations including the procedural impact on the dog's daily routine with aggression towards unfamiliar people and procedure pain, as well as other correlations between the dog's behaviour during assessment with the frequency at which they encounter fears and anxieties, clinical assessment and procedure pain, and reaction to stressors and social interactions. These findings highlight the interdependent nature of the various influences of welfare. Logistic regression analysis identified that aggression towards the caregiver, fears and anxieties frequency, and choice, control, and predictability were all significant predictors of behaviour disorders. The findings have important implications for veterinary, behaviour, and animal welfare professionals as any changes across these factors may indicate poor welfare linked to emotional disorders in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Malkani
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK; (S.P.); (S.W.)
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3
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Piotti P, Pierantoni L, Albertini M, Pirrone F. Inflammation and Behavior Changes in Dogs and Cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2024; 54:1-16. [PMID: 37722946 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.08.006] [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: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Sickness is a normal response to infections or stress triggered by proinflammatory cytokines that drive local and systemic inflammatory responses. Proinflammatory cytokines act on the brain causing the so called "sickness behavior,"which is thought to improve recovery but can become maladaptive in the long term. Chronic inflammation characterizes many diseases and there is some evidence that dogs and cats experience age-associated increases in inflammation, a condition named "inflammaging." A complex and multifactorial relationship exists between these inflammatory mechanisms, pain, and psychological illness that may complicate veterinary diagnosis and affect the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Piotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Ludovica Pierantoni
- Veterinary Behaviour & Consulting Services at CAN Training Centre, Via Camaldolilli, 79, Naples 80128, Italy
| | - Mariangela Albertini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
| | - Federica Pirrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
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4
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Bowen J, Fatjó J. Repetitive Behaviors in Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2024; 54:71-85. [PMID: 37805296 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.09.003] [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: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive behaviors in companion animals have been compared with obsessive-compulsive disorders in people. There is evidence that repetitive behaviors may go unrecognized because they have a high level of comorbidity with other, more salient, behavior problems and may be overshadowed or regarded as amusing eccentricities. To assess repetitive behavior problems, we propose a standardized approach involving 5 categories or axes. This approach aims to identify the nature of the problem and the balance among medical, environmental, and temperamental factors. Environmental modification, behavioral modification, and drug treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bowen
- Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Autonomous University of Barcelona and Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.
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5
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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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6
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Schmidt T, Meller S, Talbot SR, Packer RMA, Volk HA. Urinary neurotransmitter analysis and canine behavior assessment. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1124231. [PMID: 36814465 PMCID: PMC9939829 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1124231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral problems are highly prevalent in domestic dogs, negatively affecting the quality of life of dogs and their owners. In humans and dogs, neuropsychological or neurobehavioral disorders can be associated with deviations in various neurotransmitter systems. Previous evidence has revealed correlations between urinary neurotransmitters and various behavioral disorders; however, a causal relationship has not yet been conclusively demonstrated. Non-invasive urinary neurotransmitter analysis may identify specific biomarkers, which enable a more differentiated assessment of canine behavioral disorders in the future and contribute to more effective neuromodulatory treatment decisions and monitoring. This approach could offer new insights into underlying pathomechanisms of canine neurobehavioral disorders. This study assessed urinary neurotransmitter levels and the descriptive behavior profile of 100 dogs using established rating scales (Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale, Dog Personality Questionnaire, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale), and explored relationships between these variables. No correlation was found between urinary neurotransmitters and the assessed behavior profiles; however, age-, sex- and neuter-related influences were identified. The lack of correlation could be explained by the many confounding factors influencing both behavior and urinary neurotransmitter excretion, including age, sex and neuter status effects, and methodological issues e.g., low discriminatory power between anxiety and aggression in the descriptive behavior evaluation. Urinary neurotransmitter testing could not be validated as a tool for canine behavior evaluation in this study. However, reliable assessment methods with low susceptibility to human biases could be valuable in the future to support behavioral-phenotype diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Schmidt
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven Roger Talbot
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rowena Mary Anne Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Holger Andreas Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Case Distribution, Sources, and Breeds of Dogs Presenting to a Veterinary Behavior Clinic in the United States from 1997 to 2017. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050576. [PMID: 35268145 PMCID: PMC8909650 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this retrospective case study was to evaluate trends over time in case distribution, sources, and breeds of dogs presenting to the behavioral medicine service at a veterinary college referral hospital in the United States. For case distribution and sources, the available records from the behavior service (n = 1923) from 1997 to 2017 were evaluated. Breeds of dogs presenting to all services (n = 51,052) were compared to behavior cases (n = 822) from 2007 to 2016. Over twenty years, 72.2% of dogs presented for aggression, 20.1% for anxieties/fears/phobias, and 7.4% for miscellaneous behavioral problems. Dogs acquired from breeders decreased and dogs from shelters, rescues, or adopted as a stray increased over twenty years (p < 0.0001). The Herding (p = 0.0124) and Terrier (p < 0.0001) groups were overrepresented for behavior problems as compared to all other services over ten years. Variations in terminology and diagnostic approach made comparisons with earlier studies difficult, which underscores a need for a more consistent methodology in veterinary behavioral medicine. Understanding trends in sources of dogs could direct resources aimed at guiding owners when acquiring a pet dog and preventing behavioral problems. Findings related to breeds could help guide research focused on the genetic contributions to behavior.
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8
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Veterinary drug therapies used for undesirable behaviours in UK dogs under primary veterinary care. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261139. [PMID: 35020726 PMCID: PMC8754320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Undesirable behaviours (UBs) in dogs are common and important issues with serious potential welfare consequences for both the dogs and their owners. This study aimed to investigate the usage of drug therapy for UBs in dogs and assess demographic risk factors for drug-prescribed UBs within the dog population under primary-care veterinary care in the UK in 2013. Dogs receiving drug therapy for UB were identified through the retrospective analysis of anonymised electronic patient records in VetCompass™. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling. The study population comprised 103,597 dogs under veterinary care in the UK during 2013. There were 413 drug-prescribed UBs recorded among 404 dogs. The prevalence of dogs with at least one UB event treated with a drug in 2013 was 0.4%. Multivariable modelling identified 3 breeds with increased odds of drug-prescribed UB compared with crossbred dogs: Toy Poodle (OR 2.75), Tibetan Terrier (OR 2.68) and Shih-tzu (OR 1.95). Increasing age was associated with increased odds of drug-prescribed UB, with dogs ≥ 12 years showing 3.1 times the odds compared with dogs < 3 years. Neutered males (OR 1.82) and entire males (OR 1.50) had increased odds compared with entire females. The relatively low prevalence of dogs with at least one UB event that was treated with a drug in 2013 could suggest that opportunities for useful psychopharmaceutical intervention in UBs may be being missed in first opinion veterinary practice. While bodyweight was not a significant factor, the 3 individual breeds at higher odds of an UB treated with a behaviour modifying drug all have a relatively low average bodyweight. The current results also support previous research of a male predisposition to UBs and it is possible that this higher risk resulted in the increased likelihood of being prescribed a behaviour modifying drug, regardless of neuter status.
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9
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Nicolas CS, Espuña G, Girardin A, Fatjó J, Bowen J, Monginoux P. Owner-Perception of the Effects of Two Long-Lasting Dog-Appeasing Pheromone Analog Devices on Situational Stress in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12010122. [PMID: 35011228 PMCID: PMC8749783 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010122] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Devices that release a synthetic analog of the canine-appeasing pheromone can help to relax dogs during stressful situations, but they usually last for only one month. Two new devices with this analog were tested by owners of dogs showing signs of stress in a range of everyday situations: Zenidog™ collar, lasting three months, and Zenidog™ diffusing gel, lasting two months (Virbac, Carros, France). They were compared against reference products that last for one month. In the three-month study with collars, one group received Zenidog™ collar, one received the reference collar, and one group of dogs wore an antiparasitic collar alongside a Zenidog™ collar. In the two-month study with diffusers, groups received either the unpowered Zenidog™ gel diffuser or the reference electric diffuser. Owners regularly completed a questionnaire that assessed seventeen general behaviors and sources of fear and eleven specific signs of stress. Global scores for these two main scales were calculated, and the evolution of scores was compared between groups. Non-parametric tests with a Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. An improvement of all global scores was observed in all groups (p < 0.001), including in puppies, and there was no difference between groups. Zenidog™ devices were as effective as the reference devices and lasted longer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline S. Nicolas
- Global Marketing & Market Development Department, Virbac, 13e rue LID, 06511 Carros, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Gemma Espuña
- Global Marketing & Market Development Department, Virbac, 13e rue LID, 06511 Carros, France;
| | - Aurélie Girardin
- Research & Development Petcare Department, Virbac, 13e rue LID, 06511 Carros, France; (A.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Ethometrix Ltd., 168 Church Road, East Sussex BN3 2DL, UK; (J.F.); (J.B.)
| | - Jonathan Bowen
- Ethometrix Ltd., 168 Church Road, East Sussex BN3 2DL, UK; (J.F.); (J.B.)
| | - Patricia Monginoux
- Research & Development Petcare Department, Virbac, 13e rue LID, 06511 Carros, France; (A.G.); (P.M.)
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10
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The link between neurology and behavior in veterinary medicine: A review. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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Ng Z, Griffin TC, Braun L. The New Status Quo: Enhancing Access to Human-Animal Interactions to Alleviate Social Isolation & Loneliness in the Time of COVID-19. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2769. [PMID: 34679791 PMCID: PMC8532752 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to human-animal interactions (HAI) have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Service animals that were trained and accustomed to daily access to public places had to adjust to staying at home. Therapy animals and their handlers who previously visited with many of the populations most vulnerable to the virus have had to halt their programming. Professionals who utilize animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have had to develop new strategies for providing goal-oriented care. Even the landscape for companion animals has been significantly altered, leading to behavioral changes and new practices for pet owners and veterinarians. While animals and their human companions face new challenges, our recognition of the power of the human-animal bond (HAB) has grown, as it provides a vital need for connection during this time of isolation. In this paper, we will not only focus on describing the new status quo related to various kinds of animals and the public's access to HAI, but will also offer suggestions for sharing the human-animal bond during a time in which physical connections are limited. Organizational insights from the service and therapy animal fields will be explored, and findings related to the auspiciousness of new initiatives, such as animal-related engagement (ARE), will be presented. Recommendations for people who share their lives with any of these kinds of animals will be made to ensure both human and animal welfare. Finally, future research and best practices will be suggested, so we can empirically understand and develop these revised offerings to ultimately bring HAI to a wider audience than ever before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenithson Ng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | | | - Lindsey Braun
- Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Washington, DC 20005, USA;
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12
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Shoesmith E, Santos de Assis L, Shahab L, Ratschen E, Toner P, Kale D, Reeve C, Mills DS. The Perceived Impact of The First UK COVID-19 Lockdown on Companion Animal Welfare and Behaviour: A Mixed-Method Study of Associations with Owner Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18116171. [PMID: 34200355 PMCID: PMC8201214 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Companion animals may be a positive presence for their owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the welfare of a companion animal is strongly influenced by the behaviour of their owners, as well as their physical and social environment. We aimed to investigate the reported changes in companion animal welfare and behaviour and to examine the association between these changes and companion animal owners’ mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020 (n = 5926). The questionnaire included validated, bespoke items measuring outcomes related to mental health, human-animal bonds and reported changes in animal welfare and behaviour. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe experiences associated with human-animal relationships during the first UK lockdown phase. Results: Animal owners made up 89.8% of the sample (n = 5323), of whom 67.3% reported changes in their animal’s welfare and behaviour during the first lockdown phase (n = 3583). These reported changes were reduced to a positive (0–7) and negative (0–5) welfare scale, following principal component analysis (PCA) of 17 items. Participants reported more positive changes for cats, whereas more negative changes were reported for dogs. Thematic analysis identified three main themes relating to the positive and negative impact on companion animals of the COVID-19 pandemic. Generalised linear models indicated that companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores pre-lockdown reported fewer negative changes in animal welfare and behaviour. However, companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores since lockdown reported more changes, both positive and negative, in animal welfare and behaviour. Conclusion: Our findings extend previous insights into perceived welfare and behaviour changes on a very limited range of species to a wider range of companion animals. Owner mental health status has a clear, albeit small, effect on companion animal welfare and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shoesmith
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK; (L.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Elena Ratschen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK;
| | - Paul Toner
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK; (P.T.); (C.R.)
| | - Dimitra Kale
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK; (L.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Catherine Reeve
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK; (P.T.); (C.R.)
| | - Daniel S. Mills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (L.S.d.A.); (D.S.M.)
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Use of the Milan Pet Quality of Life Instrument (MPQL) to Measure Pets' Quality of Life during COVID-19. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051336. [PMID: 34066721 PMCID: PMC8151849 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary COVID-19 caused unprecedented lifestyle changes, with unknown effects on pets’ quality of life. We studied the role of personality, the human–animal relationship, COVID-19-related factors, and demographics on feline and canine quality of life (QoL). We used the novel Milan Pet Quality of Life instrument (MPQL), derived from previous scales, which summarises four QoL domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Our findings indicate that pets’ demographics, life experience, and personality could explain a large part of the physical QoL. Conversely, the owners’ demographics, COVID-19-related changes, and the owners’ personality mostly explained the pets’ psychological QoL. Predictably, outdoor access in the home environment and the country of residence mostly explained the pets’ environmental QoL. Finally, the pets’ social QoL was explained by all previous aspects: pets’ characteristics and personality, environment and COVID-19-related changes, and the pet–human relationship. We suggest that these results may be explained by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the owners’ psychological state and lifestyle, which in turn alter the way the owners interact with their pets and look after them. However, the owners’ personality and mood may also influence the way they interpret and report their pets’ behavior and emotional state. These findings highlight the importance of the One Health–One Welfare perspective. Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic caused lifestyle changes, with unknown effect on pets’ quality of life (QoL). Between May and July 2020, we distributed an online survey to investigate the role of several factors on feline and canine QoL, including lockdown-related factors. We used existing scales to measure human and pets’ personalities (Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire, RST-PQ; RST-Dog; RST-Cat) and the human–animal relationship (Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, LAPS) and the Milan Pet Quality of Life instrument (MPQL). Overall, 235 participants reported about 242 adult pets (Ncats = 78, Ndogs = 164). Factor analysis confirmed the structure and internal reliability of the existing scales (RST-PQ, RST-Dog, RST-Cat, LAPS) and suggested a four-factor structure for the MPQL (physical, psychological, social, environmental). The results indicate that the pets’ psysical QoL was largely explained by pet-related elements (pets’ demographics and life experience, and pets’ personality). Conversely, the pets’ psychological QoL was explained mostly by owner-related elements, such as the owners’ demographics, COVID-19-related changes, and the owners’ personality. Predictably, the pets’ environmental QoL is mostly explained by environmental factors, such as the outdoor access in the home environment and the country. Finally, the pets’ social QoL was explained by the larger combination of models: pets’ characteristics and personality, environment and COVID-19-related changes, and the pet–human relationship. These findings can be explained by two non-mutually exclusive mechanisms. The reported changes may be a by-product of the COVID-19 pandemic’s psychological and lifestyle effects on the owners, which in turn alter the way the owners interact with their pets and look after them. However, the owners’ characteristics and mood may bias their answers regarding their pets.
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14
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Úbeda Y, Fatjó J, Rostán C, Crailsheim D, Gomara A, Almunia J, Llorente M. A preliminary investigation on the evaluation of psychopathologies in a group of ex-pet and ex-performer chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): A rating approach based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Bowen J, García E, Darder P, Argüelles J, Fatjó J. The effects of the Spanish COVID-19 lockdown on people, their pets, and the human-animal bond. J Vet Behav 2020; 40:75-91. [PMID: 32837452 PMCID: PMC7292953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Spanish confinement for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior of pet cats and dogs, and the support that pets provided to their owners. We found that the quality of life of owners was strongly influenced by the lifestyle and emotional effects of the confinement, and that pets provided them with substantial support to mitigate those effects. However, pets showed signs of behavioral change that were consistent with stress, with dogs that had pre-existing behavioral problems being the most affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bowen
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.,Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Elena García
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Patricia Darder
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Juan Argüelles
- Cardenal Herrera-CEU University, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Chair Affinity Foundation Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.,IMIM-Mar Health Park, Neuropsychiatry and Drug Addiction Institute (INAD), Barcelona, Spain
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