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



Christley, Robert M ORCID: 0000-0001-9250-3032, Murray, Jane K, Anderson, Katharine L, Buckland, Emma L, Casey, Rachel A, Harvey, Naomi D, Harris, Lauren, Holland, Katrina E, McMillan, Kirsten M, Mead, Rebecca
et al (show 2 more authors) (2020) Impact of the First COVID-19 Lockdown on Management of Pet Dogs in the UK. Animals, 11 (1). E5-.

[img] Text
Impact of the First COVID-19 Lockdown on Management of Pet Dogs in the UK.pdf - Published version

Download (529kB) | Preview

Abstract

Initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the United Kingdom (23rd March-12th 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 (4th-12th 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.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: dogs, COVID-19, lockdown, behaviour, welfare, human&#8211, animal interaction, management
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 29 Apr 2021 08:15
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 22:50
DOI: 10.3390/ani11010005
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3120978