The COVID-19 pandemic affects owners walking with their dogs

Vučinić, Marijana; Vučićević, Miloš; Nenadović, Katarina

doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2021.10.009

Cited by 12 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…The decrease in PA after 36 months was unexpected and might have been the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although dog walking was restricted during the lockdown in some countries (see e.g., [ 77 , 78 ]), this was not the case in Germany [ 79 ]. In the UK, dogs were walked less frequently and for shorter durations during COVID-19 lockdowns [ 80 ], and comparable results have been reported in Spain [ 77 ] and Serbia [ 78 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although dog walking was restricted during the lockdown in some countries (see e.g., [ 77 , 78 ]), this was not the case in Germany [ 79 ]. In the UK, dogs were walked less frequently and for shorter durations during COVID-19 lockdowns [ 80 ], and comparable results have been reported in Spain [ 77 ] and Serbia [ 78 ]. A similar phenomenon may have occurred in Germany despite the absence of restrictions, but it is difficult to draw direct comparisons due to the differences in measurement systems used in the studies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The Long-Term Influence of Puppy Acquisition on Physical Activity: Results of a 3-Year, Longitudinal, Pilot Study

et al. 2022

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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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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Long-Term Influence of Puppy Acquisition on Physical Activity: Results of a 3-Year, Longitudinal, Pilot Study

et al. 2022

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“…Participants reported changes in animals' appetite [86,122], reduced exercise [96,156,164,176,182], weight gain and over-feeding [81,106,160,161,167,176], increased health issues in a minority of animals [122,123] and interrupted sleep or relaxation for animals [86,106]. Managing animals' weight was particularly a concern with children in the home who enjoyed sharing their food or giving treats [81].…”

Section: Negative Impacts On Animal Health and Well-beingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Well-Being of Companion Animal Caregivers and Their Companion Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review

Brooks,

Greenberg

2023

Animals

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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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“…Another human factor to consider is the impact of COVID-19. During the study period, COVID-19 lockdown restrictions resulted in changes in human behavior, and dogs were walked less often and for less time daily [ 48 , 49 ]. This may have also resulted in increased food intake by both humans and their dogs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How Successful Are Veterinary Weight Management Plans for Canine Patients Experiencing Poor Welfare Due to Being Overweight and Obese?

Haddad

2024

Animals

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Overweight and obesity is one of the most significant health and welfare issues affecting companion animals and are linked to several serious medical conditions, reduced welfare, and shortened lifespan. The number of overweight and obese pets increases every year. Overweight and obesity are associated with multiple chronic diseases. Underlying causes include human-related and animal-related factors. Veterinarians encounter overweight and obese canine patients in daily practice and they play an important role in weight management. This research examines the level of veterinary engagement and the success of veterinary management plans for overweight and obese canines over a five-year period. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were collected for 500 canine patients assessed as either overweight or obese and statistically analyzed for level of veterinary engagement (VE), weight loss success, prescription weight loss diet (RX) use, and comorbidities. The average age at the beginning of the study was 61.5 months. A starting Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6 or 7 was most common (87.2%). Twelve different small and large dog breeds were most highly represented (61.1%). Average weight loss rates were low and more dogs gained rather than lost weight (56.5% vs. 43.5%). While VE is important, this study suggests current VE levels are not adequate to successfully combat overweight and obesity or result in improved animal welfare.

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The COVID-19 pandemic affects owners walking with their dogs

Cited by 12 publications

References 31 publications

The Long-Term Influence of Puppy Acquisition on Physical Activity: Results of a 3-Year, Longitudinal, Pilot Study

The Long-Term Influence of Puppy Acquisition on Physical Activity: Results of a 3-Year, Longitudinal, Pilot Study

The Well-Being of Companion Animal Caregivers and Their Companion Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review

How Successful Are Veterinary Weight Management Plans for Canine Patients Experiencing Poor Welfare Due to Being Overweight and Obese?

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