Impact of the First COVID-19 Lockdown on Management of Pet Dogs in the UK

Abstract

Initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the United Kingdom (23 March–12 May 2020) prompted lifestyle changes for many people. We explored the impact of this lockdown phase on pet dogs using an online survey completed by 6004 dog owners, who provided information including dog management data for the 7 days prior to survey completion (4–12 May 2020), and for February 2020 (pre-lockdown). We explored associations between potential predictors and four outcomes relating to changes pre-/during lockdown (reduction in number and duration of walks; increased frequency of play/training, and provision of toys). Most owners (79.5%) reported their dog’s routine had changed compared to pre-lockdown. There was a four-fold increase in the proportion not left alone for >5 min on any day during a weekly period (14.6% pre-lockdown, 58.0% during lockdown), with the proportion being left for ≥3 h at a time decreasing from 48.5% to 5.4%. Dogs were walked less often and for less time daily during lockdown, with factors related to the dog, owner, household, and home location associated with changes to walking practices. Many dogs had more play/training sessions and were given toys more frequently during lockdown. Decreased walk duration was associated with increased odds of play/training opportunities and toy provision. These changes to dog management have the potential for immediate and longer-term welfare problems.

The Impact of Pets on Everyday Life for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Participants also mentioned concerns related to meeting the social and behavioral needs of pets while also mitigating the risk of infection. As is reflected in recent research from the U.K. and Spain, while individuals were spending more time overall with their pets, they were also finding it difficult to exercise and socialize them (32,48). While there is a particular concern for the welfare of pets and the emergence of new behavioral issues (e.g., separation anxiety) when people go back to regular work outside the home, older adults may be an exception.…”

“…At the beginning of the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., a letter to the editor of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work predicted that pets would be both a resource for social support and companionship, but also a unique stressor for older adults (30). Indeed, emerging research suggests that their predictions were likely correct (26,28,31,32); however, these predictions have not yet been tested in a sample specific to older adults, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data to reveal, in their own words, how older adults perceived their relationships with pets during the current pandemic.…”

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

“…The first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the UK offered an opportunity to explore the role of companion animals as a source of emotional support. However, as research accumulates on the impact of companion animals on their owners during the pandemic [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], there has been a dearth of literature that focuses specifically on the welfare and behaviour of companion animals [ 8 ], and this may be quite species specific in its focus [ 9 ]. Most dog owners reported their dog’s routine had changed compared to pre-lockdown, and a reduction in the frequency of dog walking [ 9 ].…”

“…This might lead to animals becoming frustrated or anxious at not being able to establish ‘quiet’ areas in the home where they would otherwise seek refuge [ 14 ]. Additionally, exercise routines for animals, primarily horses and dogs, may also be disrupted [ 9 , 14 ]. Furthermore, existing behavioural problems may be exacerbated or become more noticeable.…”

“…Previous research has indicated that the behaviour modification plans of dog owners with pre-existing behavioural problems (e.g., anxiety, fearfulness or lack of socialisation) was disrupted by the pandemic [ 15 ]. There has also been restricted access to animal-related services (e.g., veterinary assistance, behavioural consultations, training classes, restricted access outdoors), which may impact on the development of behavioural problems [ 9 , 15 ].…”