Pets provide comfort and routine during time of crisis
New data from The Kennel Club has shown that dogs have helped to reduce loneliness and improve owner’s mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research, carried out in July 2020, revealed that long-term were comforted by their pets during stressful periods, with 91 per cent of respondents said that their dog had had a positive impact on their mental health.
Respondents generally agreed that having a dog helped them to stay active and get out of the house. Almost one in three people (32 per cent) said that having a dog provided them with a routine whilst spending more time at home.
“Being a dog owner supports self-care,” said Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club. “Taking a dog out for a walk encourages social interaction and provides motivation to get outdoors and be active, and this may be the only social contact, exercise or activity an isolated, lonely or anxious person has the whole day.”
Almost half of the respondents said that their dog had helped them feel calmer and less lonely, and many agreed that spending more time with their dog was the most positive effect that lockdown had on their lives.
Sixty-one per cent of people surveyed said that their dog was a ‘lifeline in lockdown’ and that, in general, they found more comfort in their dog than in humans.
Mr Lambert continued: “Being needed by our four-legged friend can be a lifeline when getting through each day is hard and sometimes human support doesn’t hit the mark.
As we continue to face a global pandemic and the psychological stresses that brings with it, this unique support that dogs provide to their owners is now more important than ever. In a world full of chaos, man’s best friend is certainly living up to its name.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
