The effects of the Spanish COVID-19 lockdown on people, their pets, and the human-animal bond

Bowen, Jon; García, Elena Cano; Darder, Patrícia; Argüelles, Juan; Fatjó, Jaume

doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2020.05.013

Cited by 131 publications

(242 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…We did not collect data on whether these participants were experienced animal owners, what the reasons for acquiring or fostering an animal were, and whether the acquired or fostered pets were added to households that already owned pets. Longitudinal studies investigating aspects of animal welfare and behaviour in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic are underway; a cross-sectional study from Spain found that cats and dogs demonstrated signs of behavioural change consistent with stress during lockdown [ 45 ]. Further research investigating behavioural change across companion animal species seems indicated.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness

et al. 2020

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Background The Covid-19 pandemic raises questions about the role that relationships and interactions between humans and animals play in the context of widespread social distancing and isolation measures. We aimed to investigate links between mental health and loneliness, companion animal ownership, the human-animal bond, and human-animal interactions; and to explore animal owners' perceptions related to the role of their animals during lockdown. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020. The questionnaire included validated and bespoke items measuring demographics; exposures and outcomes related to mental health, wellbeing and loneliness; the human-animal bond and human-animal interactions. Results Of 5,926 participants, 5,323 (89.8%) had at least one companion animal. Most perceived their animals to be a source of considerable support, but concerns were reported related to various practical aspects of providing care during lockdown. Strength of the human-animal bond did not differ significantly between species. Poorer mental health pre-lockdown was associated with a stronger reported human-animal bond (b =-.014, 95% CI [-.023-.005], p = .002). Animal ownership compared with non-ownership was associated with smaller decreases in mental health (b = .267, 95% CI [.079-.455], p = .005) and smaller increases in loneliness (b =-.302, 95% CI [-.461-.144], p = .001) since lockdown.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness

et al. 2020

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“…Companion animals are considered as protective factors against loneliness and as a source of social and emotional support for people during difficult situations or disease [12][13][14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A household case evidences shorter shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in naturally infected cats compared to their human owners

Neira

Brito

Agüero

et al. 2021

Emerging Microbes & Infections

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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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“…Although regulations varied between countries, documented consequences for Spanish householders subject to lockdown regulations included lifestyle, emotional, financial, and health impacts [ 10 ], with lifestyle impacts reported to negatively affect 49.2% of survey respondents. Anticipated implications specific to dog owners worldwide, including the UK, relate to changes affecting the human–animal bond, emotional support provided by the dog during the pandemic, and anxiety around aspects of caring for the dog, for example restrictions to nonessential veterinary care such as in the UK [ 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Spain, restrictions in place 14 March–2 May 2020 specified that dogs were allowed to be walked on the lead by one person who should observe social distancing rules, but that walks should be kept to an absolute minimum, i.e., of short duration to permit toileting [ 14 , 15 ]. Following an average length of confinement of 3.2 weeks, 62.1% of 794 dog owners surveyed within Spain considered that their dog’s overall quality of life had worsened during the period of lockdown confinement, whilst 19.3% of owners thought their dog’s overall quality of life had improved [ 10 ]. When asked about the occurrence of behaviours often considered problematic, many Spanish dog owners perceived their dog’s behaviour to have “got worse”, with specific increases in problems with being left alone at home (11.8%), annoying or excessive vocalisation (24.7%), attention-seeking behaviour (41.6%), nervous behaviour (24.9%), and excitable behaviour (20.8%).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Christley

Murray

Anderson

et al. 2020

Animals

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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.

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The effects of the Spanish COVID-19 lockdown on people, their pets, and the human-animal bond

Cited by 131 publications

References 17 publications

Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness

Human-animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the UK: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness

A household case evidences shorter shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in naturally infected cats compared to their human owners

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

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