Pet ownership and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: April 12, 2022

The question of pet ownership contributing to human well-being has received mixed empirical evidence. This contrasts with the lay intuition that contributes positively wellness. In a large representative sample, we investigate differences may exist between vs. non-pet owners in terms their during COVID-19 pandemic, and examine among different sociodemographic strata, for whom can be more less beneficial. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted Canadian adults (1220 owners, 1204 owners). Pet reported lower than on majority indicators; this general effect held when accounting species (dogs, cats, other species) number pets owned. Compared pets, dog higher well-being. When examining within socioeconomic being owner associated among: women; people who have 2 + children living at home; are unemployed. Our results offer counterpoint popular beliefs emphasising benefits wellness pandemic confirm importance factors further understand experience ownership.

Language: Английский

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The Link between the Nature of the Human–Companion Animal Relationship and Well-Being Outcomes in Companion Animal Owners

Animals, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(3), P. 441 - 441

Published: Jan. 29, 2024

Research into the impact of companion animals on well-being has been both extensive and inconclusive, with studies finding positive negative relationships. The present research explored three previously unexamined relationship science concepts that may help clarify whether provide benefits: self-expansion (the process adding content to self through incorporating new resources perspectives one’s identity or engaging in novel, exciting activities), perceived pet responsiveness, insensitivity; as well attachment. We focused dog cat owners’ depression, anxiety, affect, loneliness an online survey a large sample population (N = 1359). found insensitivity is significant predictor loneliness; attachment loneliness, affect; loneliness. Loneliness emerged mediator between insensitivity, attachment, self-expansion, all mental outcome variables. These findings indicate play important yet neglected role outcomes.

Language: Английский

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Temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of pet ownership on mental health: A longitudinal survey

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 18(4), P. e0284101 - e0284101

Published: April 26, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us in numerous ways and may consequently impact our relationships with pet dogs cats. We conducted a longitudinal survey to examine the temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, loneliness during four phases pandemic: 1) pre-pandemic (February 2020), 2) lockdown (April June 3) reopening (September December 4) recovery (January 2021 2021). also investigated effect ownership on stress loneliness, by considering set priori causal assumptions. In addition, we hypothesized that differences levels between dog cat ownerships were mediated relationship. A total 4,237 participants (657 non-pet owners, 1,761 1,819 owners) completed one six surveys. Overall, closeness relationship owners their pets increased time study period. observed consistently showed larger decreases than owners. However, after adjusting for confounders, findings did not support mitigating ownership. Pet alleviate social resulting from lack friendships or workplace relationships, emotional due deficiencies family relationships. however, reported lower degree caused deficits romantic Our results indicated partially explained once this was accounted for, them reduced. summary, highlights dynamic effects mental health. It shows complexity association health,

Language: Английский

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Clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats compiled through national surveillance in the United States

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 261(4), P. 480 - 489

Published: Jan. 3, 2023

To characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals detected through both passive active surveillance the US.204 (109 cats, 95 dogs) across 33 states with confirmed infections between March 2020 December 2021.Public health officials, animal academic researchers investigating zoonotic transmission events reported clinical, laboratory, information a standardized One Health process developed by CDC partners.Among dogs cats identified surveillance, 94% (n = 87) had exposure to person COVID-19 before infection. Clinical signs illness were present 74% pets 27% surveillance. Duration averaged 15 days 12 dogs. The average time human pet onset was 10 days. Viral nucleic acid first at 3 after Antibodies starting 5 exposure, titers highest 9 14 dogs.Results study supported that primarily become infected following COVID-19, most often their owners. Case investigation include people are necessary understand dynamics viral evolution diseases like SARS-CoV-2.

Language: Английский

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The Association Between Companion Animal Attachment and Depression: A Systematic Review

Anthrozoös, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 37(6), P. 1067 - 1105

Published: Aug. 12, 2024

There is significant literature related to companion animal attachment and depression, but date, there has not been a systematic review of it. The aims this were threefold: (1) compare depression outcomes between pet non-pet owners; (2) identify the prevalence how operationalized within human–pet relationships literature, as it defined in two distinct, divergent ways: an bond or orientation; (3) synthesize existing association depression. A search five databases (Pubmed, Medline, Web Science, Embase, PsycInfo) was conducted January 2024 locate articles (journal articles, dissertations) focusing on pets, attachment, depressive symptoms that met predefined inclusion exclusion criteria. In total, 40 studies included review. Eighteen compared owners these, 14 found no difference groups, while four significantly less depressed than owners. Most measuring revealed positive non-significant relationship with majority orientation indicate higher levels secure are negatively associated insecurity typically positively We conclude field needs more clarification regarding definition so meaningful conclusions impact mental health can be drawn.

Language: Английский

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Antimicrobial Resistant Staphylococcus Species Colonization in Dogs, Their Owners, and Veterinary Staff of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Naples, Italy

Pathogens, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12(8), P. 1016 - 1016

Published: Aug. 5, 2023

This study aimed to identify Staphylococcus species isolated from nasal swabs of both healthy and diseased dogs, those human origin, obtained owners veterinary staff. Firstly, pet were requested complete a questionnaire relating the care relationship with their pets, whose results mainly showed statistically significant higher frequency hand washing in dogs' than owners. Canine 43 dogs 28 while collected respective (71 samples) staff (34 samples). The isolation identification spp. followed by disk diffusion method define antimicrobial resistance profiles against 18 different molecules. pseudintermedius was most frequent strain (33.3%) (46.1%) dogs. epidermidis bacterium (66.6%), samples owners, same (38.4%) observed for aureus. All strains good susceptibility levels tested antimicrobials; however, carriage oxacillin-resistant significantly ones (71% 7.7%, respectively). Only three cases presence bacterial similar detected, suggesting potential transmission. In conclusion, this suggests transmission risk staphylococci humans or vice versa, highlights that clinical relevance dog should not be underestimated, as well role aureus

Language: Английский

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Examining evidence for a relationship between human-animal interactions and common mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic literature review

Frontiers in Health Services, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4

Published: Feb. 7, 2024

Introduction COVID-19 lockdowns, shelter in place, closures of transportation and mental health services, dearth providers created new barriers to obtaining support for needs at a time increased rates anxiety depression. During the pandemic, record number households owned adopted pets, opening potential avenue investigate relationship between pets health. This systematic literature review examined question: What is evidence human-animal interaction and/or animal ownership common disorders among adults who interacted with compared did not during pandemic? Methods To address this question, four databases were searched: Medline, PsycINFO, Web Science, SCOPUS peer-reviewed published 2020 July 2023. Of 1,746 articles identified by searches, 21 studies included review. Results suggest that there exists strong pet attachment interaction, though directionality was investigated studies. There an association having stronger lower feelings depression other symptoms. also higher levels attachment. Conclusion Understanding may be helpful clinicians assessing clients. Clinicians glean additional insight about stressors, risk factors, social supports, lifestyle clients based on client's status as owner. Future research could further explore direction causal disorders; inform how HAI can used struggles.

Language: Английский

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Insights-driven development of humanized foods for pets

Meat and Muscle Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 7, 2022

Commercialized petfood has been evolving since the late 1800s. From rock-hard, flour-based biscuits to adaptation of extrusion andcanning, or most recently developed “fresh-cooked” processes, thedifferentiation between foods for pets and humans is becoming increasinglyblurred.  Today, U.S. pet food industryis worth $42 billion continues rapidly grow year after year.  This growth is, in part, driven by anincreasing population which was accelerated pandemic (APPA, 2022; Euromonitor,2022); however, much evolution industry isarguably response a growing bond their pets. As petparents are increasingly looking new ways nourish delight “fur-babies”,the development new, alternative formats offers many advantagesto parents including more variety choices that typically have amore pleasant appearance aroma.  Benefitsfor from these innovative include exceptional palatability andnutrient digestibility as compared conventional foods, although barriersto such foodsdo exist.  Most notably, cost feedtheir diet solely consisting may be prohibitivefor parents; furthermore, novel bring unique technical challengesto manufacturers do not exist kibble canned petfoods.  From securing ingredient supplyto ensuring safety shelf life products, “fresh-cooked”pet challenged adapt formulations, processing methods,and supply chain strategies previously existed foodindustry.  This paper will exploreconsumer insights led aswell opportunities brands face they seek tosatisfy consumer demand high quality, humanized withoutcompromising nutritional adequacy, safety, sustainability commercialpet diets.

Language: Английский

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Companion animal and equine clinical research: a Nordic perspective

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 67(1)

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

Abstract Background The societal value of cats, dogs and horses is high, the companion sport animal health care sector growing. Clinical research concerning crucial for development evidence-based medical that benefits animals their owners, has implications human environmental from a One Health perspective. Basic information on equine enables more directed measures to improve conditions within area. aim present study was describe Nordic clinical 2010 2019, including bibliometrics, resources funding. Results There were 2 042 published publications originating countries cats (n = 282), 1 086), 781) 2019. majority (83%) came four universities with veterinary programs. Seven percent collaborations between two or universities. Approximately 18% PhD theses (178 out 970) faculties corresponding units concerned these species, most them 86), followed by 64), 15) combination species 13). scientific areas cardiology, infectious diseases, reproduction, surgery prominent all three species. A large proportion grants received small- medium-sized funding bodies, mainly running costs only limited degree salaries. During 2010–2019, other services steadily increased. growth healthcare not reflected in an increasing number publications, which no increase seen after 2014. Conclusions Despite high sports increased, contrast sector. Activities stimulating area, e.g. bodies enabling coverage salaries, are needed. may benefit strengthened cooperation countries.

Language: Английский

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Does Pet Attachment Affect Men’s Psychological Well-Being, Loneliness, and Perceived Social Support? A Cross-Sectional Analysis During the COVID-19 Crisis

Psychiatry International, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(1), P. 32 - 32

Published: March 12, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges, including financial strains and mental health issues like depression loneliness. Human–animal interaction (HAI) offers a potential buffer, as pet ownership been linked to benefits such improved psychological well-being, increased perceived social support, reduced Furthermore, attachment pets appears moderate these effects, with more attached owners experiencing greater benefits. However, most research focused on female samples, leaving gap in understanding HAI among men. This study aimed examine the relationship between loneliness, support Greek male ages 18 45. Between January March 2021, sample of 87 participants completed demographics form four self-reported questionnaires: LAPS for attachment, WHO-5 three-item loneliness scale, MSPSS-Pets support. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that predicted but showed no association well-being or Age emerged predictor older men reporting higher levels, predictors were found. These findings suggest companion animals may provide emotional not alleviate broader burdens intensified during crises pandemic.

Language: Английский

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