Dog ownership has proven to be a significant protection against the psychological impact of the Covid pandemic, according to a survey by Purina Petcare.
The study, carried out in the US last year, interviewed 1,535 dog owners and non-dog owners and found that 67% of people felt that the pandemic had an emotional impact on them, along with 45% who had experienced an impact on their finances and 33% an impact on their health.
However, when assessed across validated scales for depression, anxiety, happiness, attitude and perceived social support, it was found that dog owners had higher perceived level of social support and lower depression scores. The survey also identified that those who owned a dog had a more positive attitude to pets compared to potential dog owners who aspired to pet ownership in the future.
Francois Martin, applied behaviour and welfare research section leader at Purina and lead Purina scientist on the project, said: “Our research showed that dog owners fared better from a social support and emotional standpoint during Covid than people who like dogs but didn’t own one during the pandemic. Our work adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the power of the human pet bond, especially in times of stress.”
Libby Sheridan, Purina scientific affairs manager for the UK and Ireland, added: “The research aimed to build on prior evidence that suggests that dogs can contribute to their owner’s positive affective state – a psychological term describing when people are in generally positive frame of mind like excited, enthusiastic, and inspired.
“Purina also set out to gain a better understanding of whether the power of the pet-owner bond continued to persist during the pandemic. Not only was the effect of dogs shown to be positive, it was also measurable and statistically significant.”
