Search Results (88)

Introduction: While pet ownership (PO) is generally associated with better psychological health, research does not consistently demonstrate this relationship among community living older adults. Pet attachment has been suggested as a mechanism for the health benefits associated with pet ownership. We examine the contributions of PO and pet attachment to maintaining psychological health among generally healthy, cognitively intact, community-dwelling older adults as they age. Methods: Older adults (N = 596; age: ≥50, M = 67.6, SD = 9.5 years, pet owners N = 178) completed PO history and assessments of anxiety, depression, happiness, and mental wellbeing every 1–4 years. Pet owners completed demographic and pet attachment assessments. Linear mixed models with random intercepts and covariates of initial age, sex, race, live alone, married, and comorbidities quantified longitudinal changes (M = 7.5, SD = 3.6 years) according to time-varying PO, pet attachment, and dog walking to these changes. Results: PO moderated changes in anxiety (p = 0.011) and happiness (p = 0.037), which improved in pet owners and deteriorated in non-owners, and in mental wellbeing (p = 0.007), which deteriorated faster in pet owners; PO was not related to changes in depression. Pet attachment was related to worsening mental wellbeing (p = 0.012). Dog walking was related to slower increases in anxiety (p = 0.005) and depression (p = 0.004). Conclusions: This study provides important longitudinal evidence that PO may reduce age-related decline in owners’ psychological health later in life. Pet attachment does not appear to be the mechanism for the advantages of PO. We suggest potential reasons. Additional research is needed to confirm mechanisms. Full article

Pet humanization, particularly in dogs and cats, has transformed animal healthcare and highlighted the importance of nutrition in promoting human–pet social interaction, pet psychophysical well-being and, possibly, longevity. Nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, plant extracts and dietary supplements, are endowed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, cognitive-enhancing and gut-microbiota balancing properties. These effects have been shown to contribute to the possible prevention and management of bone and skin diseases, as well as gastrointestinal and behavioral disturbs. Moreover, the human–animal bond has been shown to play a pivotal role in reducing stress, improving sociability, and modulating pets’ emotional and physiological states. Evidence also suggests that nutrition and social interactions can influence the gut–brain axis, impacting the behavior, cognition, and resilience to stress-related disorders. Besides underlining the value of nutraceutical integration into pet nutrition strategies and offering a comprehensive, evidence-based perspective on their potential in improving animal welfare, literature reports about drawbacks of the use/misuse of such substances have been reported. Full article

Increasing interest in functional nutrition has driven the incorporation of probiotics into pet food formulations to enhance digestive health, immune response, and overall well-being in companion animals. This systematic review examines scientific publications, patents, and market developments related to probiotic-enriched pet food from 2014 to 2024. We evaluate major probiotic taxa—including Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus spp., and Saccharomyces cerevisiae—based on their resilience during processing, gastrointestinal survival, and documented health benefits. Delivery technologies such as microencapsulation, coating matrices, and post-processing supplementation are analyzed for their effectiveness in preserving probiotic viability within dry and wet food matrices. Patent landscape analysis highlights innovation trends in strain selection, formulation design, and processing methods. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that probiotic supplementation modulates gut microbiota composition, improves fecal parameters, enhances immune markers, and promotes nutrient absorption in both canine and feline models. Market data reveal rapid expansion of commercial probiotic pet food products, yet scientific research remains limited compared to human nutrition. Overall, the findings indicate that while probiotics hold clear potential to improve gastrointestinal health and immunity in pets, evidence remains fragmented, particularly for cats and long-term outcomes. Bridging the gap between industrial innovation and controlled clinical validation will be essential for developing next-generation probiotic pet foods. Full article

Although pet ownership is rapidly increasing in developing countries like Turkey, information on how animals are cared for and fed and on perceived animal welfare remains limited. To address this gap, a survey was conducted with 410 participants from 65 provinces, representing over 80% of the country. The study collected data on pet owner demographics, care and feeding practices, and awareness of animal welfare. The results show that most participants (80.6%) have at least a bachelor’s degree, and most pets (80.9%) were acquired within the last 10 years. Monthly spending on pet care typically ranges from USD 30 to 90. Ingredient quality emerged as the primary factor driving food choices (51%), driven by a growing interest in premium and super-premium products aimed at improving health and well-being. Veterinary clinics play a significant role in shaping feeding decisions. Most pet owners consider their pets family members and feel quite knowledgeable about their welfare and nutrition. The results suggest that recent trends in human nutrition, such as increasing interest in functional foods and higher ingredient standards, are also shaping pet feeding practices, and that closer collaboration between veterinarians and the pet food industry is needed. Full article

As dogs live longer, they face an increased risk of functional age-related changes, including physiological and behavioral alterations. However, data on these age-related processes in domestic dogs remain limited. In this study, we assessed serum concentrations of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), personality and cognition using validated scales (Dog Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RSTQ-D), Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS), and Canine Cognitive Assessment Scale (CCAS)) in 44 healthy pet dogs from two non-overlapping age groups (1–4 years old and ≥11 years old). Generalized linear models revealed small but significant (p = 0.001) negative effects of age-by-cytokine interactions in predicting sensitivity to RST personality traits related to fear and anxiety in older dogs. Specifically, higher TNF-α and IL-10 levels predicted lower scores on the Fight/Flight/Freeze System (FFFS) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS). These findings provide novel insights into previously unrecognized associations between the immune system and personality in healthy older dogs, possibly contributing to broader profiles of vulnerability or, conversely, resilience. Further research is needed to confirm these associations and clarify their functional meaning. Such knowledge could facilitate the early identification of complex aging-related phenotypes and inform individualized preventive strategies to support the health and well-being of aging companion dogs. Full article

Objective: To investigate public attitudes in New Zealand towards the euthanasia of dogs and cats and to explore the factors that influence these views. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through a nationwide online survey conducted in 2019 as part of the Furry Whānau Wellbeing research project. The survey included questions about pet euthanasia, and respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with various statements. Results: Of 2293 respondents to the 2019 New Zealand Pet Survey, the majority (n = 1756) opposed euthanasia for stray, unwanted, or financially burdensome pets (76.7%; 90.2% and 66.3% of these disagreed or strongly disagreed, respectively). In contrast, a slim majority (n = 1162) supported it for sick animals. Females were less likely to agree with euthanasia in most scenarios compared to males. Māori and New Zealand European respondents (n = 1790) showed higher levels of neutrality than other ethnicities regarding stray animals and lower levels of disagreement regarding financially constrained situations. Older respondents (65+) were more likely to support euthanasia for sick animals, while younger respondents (18–24) were less inclined. Higher education levels are correlated with increased neutrality towards euthanising stray animals and increased support for euthanising feral animals. Respondents with children were more likely to be neutral or to disagree with euthanasia in most scenarios. Those with rural upbringings were more accepting of euthanasia for stray and feral animals. A thematic analysis of 653 respondent comments revealed key themes: euthanasia was seen as complex and context-dependent, a humane last resort for suffering animals, but not for convenience. Respondents emphasised responsible pet ownership and a right to life, even for feral animals, advocating for alternatives such as trap–neuter–release. Conclusion: New Zealanders largely view euthanasia as an ethically acceptable option for terminally ill or suffering animals but reject it when driven by convenience or financial hardship. Attitudes vary across demographic groups, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive education and policy. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and support broader discussions on responsible pet ownership, ethical decision making, and animal welfare legislation. Full article

Most research studies have investigated the impact of pet ownership on the mental and physical well-being of elderly populations, supporting the beneficial effect that pets have on their owners. However, few researchers focused on the well-being of both owner and pet. The present study aimed to explore the well-being of pets owned by elderly individuals using an owner assessment tool and the relationship between elderly characteristics and the pet’s health-related quality of life based on the owner’s assessment of their pet’s well-being. Sixty elderly pet owners who made regular visits to veterinary clinics were selected to complete an electronic questionnaire about their pet’s health-related quality of life. The results identified a high agreement percentage on positive indicators related to the pet’s well-being such as “My pet wants to play and My pet responds to my presence” in the happiness domain, “My pet has more good days than bad days” in mental status, “My pet moves normally” in physical status and “My pet keeps him/herself clean” in hygiene which also resulted in a positive relationship with elderly age. Marital status influenced their responses to “My pet responds to my presence and My pet is as active as he/she has been”. The results also support the use of the applied questionnaire to help identify variables that contribute to a pet’s health-related quality of life. The correlation matrix revealed statistically significant positive associations (p < 0.001) among positively phrased items across all domains, as well as among negatively phrased items. These consistent alignments between direct and between reversed items suggest directional coherence and help mitigate potential response bias. Furthermore, the replication of these patterns across multiple domains reinforces the interpretation that the instrument captures a unified construct of pet well-being, In conclusion, based on subjective evaluation of pet-owner relationships, the ownership of pets by elderly individuals could be mutually beneficial to both elderly owners and their pets. Full article

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a detailed analysis of the current state of knowledge on Progressive Exercise Training (PET), encompassing its diverse modalities, effects on bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life outcomes, and implications for clinical practice. Methods: A structured search strategy was employed to retrieve literature from seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Science Direct, EBSCO, CINHAL, and PEDro) yielded twenty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were carried out to comprehensively assess the collective impact of PET on bone mineral density outcomes. Results: PET exhibited favorable effects on BMD across multiple anatomical sites, encompassing the femoral neck, total hip, lumbar spine, and others. This effect was observed across different age groups and genders, highlighting its potential benefits for diverse populations. PET encompasses a range of modalities, including resistance training, aerobic training, impact training, whole-body vibration, and tai chi, with a duration ranging from 4 to 24 months, with weekly sessions varying from two to five times. Some studies combined these modalities, reflecting the adaptability of PET to individual preferences and capabilities. Tailoring exercise prescriptions to individual needs emerged as a feasible approach within PET. A subset of studies assessed quality of life using validated instruments such as the 36-item short form survey (SF-36), shortened osteoporosis quality of life questionnaire (SOQLQ), and menopause quality of life instrument (MENQOL). Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence that PET represents a promising intervention for osteoporosis management, enhancing BMD and, to some extent, quality of life. PET offers a beacon of hope for better skeletal health and well-being in individuals grappling with osteoporosis, emphasizing the need for its incorporation into clinical practice. Full article

Pet ownership is the most common form of human–animal interaction (HAI), is prevalent worldwide and confers benefits for the health and wellbeing of humans. Here, we examined a large set of anonymised data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to identify trends in the intake, adoption and relinquishment of companion animals in England and Wales before and during times of uncertainty, namely, the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis (COLC). We employed an interrupted time series (ITS) design which controls for pre-existing trends by comparing observed outcomes post-intervention with those expected if the intervention had not occurred. Nearly 200,000 animals were taken in by the RSPCA and over 140,000 animals were adopted or released over the four-year period from 2018 to 2022. When controlling for the brief closure of RSPCA sites, fewer dogs and cats were taken in and adopted during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, and the intake and adoption of animals were lower during the COLC than before. A downward trend in the return of animals was observed, and the principal reasons for return were problem behaviours, owner unpreparedness and a change in circumstances. Our ITS analysis also permitted forecast predictions to be made which could prove helpful to the RSPCA. Full article

While pet ownership is sometimes associated with better mental health, research on this relationship has been inconsistent. Some researchers have considered what factors may impact this relationship, such as owners’ attachment to their pets. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate how attachment to pets relates to owner mental health and wellbeing. This review followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted using PsychInfo, Scopus and Google Scholar. Any peer-reviewed empirical studies, in English, investigating attachment to pets and mental health and wellbeing outcomes, were included. Of the 116 included studies, 15 studies found that higher attachment was associated with better mental health, 22 studies found that higher attachment was associated with worse mental health, 36 studies found mixed results and 33 studies found no significant relationship. Having a stronger attachment to one’s pet tended to be associated with better mental health when investigating outcomes in children, and when investigating outcomes related to wellbeing. Stronger attachment tended to be associated with worse mental health when investigating mental health symptomology (e.g., depression and anxiety). It may also be influenced by the owner’s relationships with other people. Due to the cross-sectional design used by studies in this review, we cannot infer the direction of causality for the relationship between attachment to pets and mental health. Results indicate that having a strong attachment to one’s pet is not necessarily associated with better mental health and wellbeing. Future longitudinal research is needed to better understand how attachment to pets affects mental health, and what factors may influence this relationship. Full article

Evidence suggests that autistic children spend less time engaging in social interactions than their neurotypical peers which can negatively impact their wellbeing. Researchers, educators, and parents must consider how we address this. A possible facilitator of autistic children’s social skills and a protective factor for their psychological health is the role of pets and the human–pet bond. The study examined parental reports of autistic children’s attachment to their pet (dog or cat), positive and negative behaviours with that pet, and how this relates to prosocial behaviour, peer problems, and psychological health (emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention). Sixty-five parents with an autistic child completed quantitative measures to assess these variables. Participants also completed qualitative questions aimed at understanding their perceptions of the impact of pets on their child. A regression analysis showed that children’s positive behaviour towards the pet predicted their prosocial behaviour (β = 0.40 p = 0.006). No other regression models were statistically significant. A thematic analysis of the qualitative responses highlighted four themes in relation to parents’ perceptions of the positive impacts of pets on their child. These were (1) Anxiety, Emotion Regulation, and Sleep; (2) Understanding of Self and Other; (3) Communication, Friendships, and Social Interactions; and (4) Comfort and Psychological Health. One theme was identified in relation to the negative impact of pets: (5) Pet-Related Anxiety and Concerns. The findings have implications which can inform guidelines to help parents make decisions about pet ownership and how to foster meaningful relationships between autistic children and their pets. Full article

Over the past decade, the number of companion dogs and cats has grown significantly, leading to an increase in veterinary visits. These visits can be stressful for animals, potentially affecting their long-term physical and emotional well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate how dog and cat owners perceive the factors influencing their pets’ behavior and welfare during veterinary visits. After completing a veterinary visit, dog and cat owners filled a survey assessing their pets’ behavioral responses at different stages of the consultation. A total of 94 dog and cat owners participated in this study. The findings revealed that perceived stress levels were the highest right after entering the practice but declined significantly after about 10 min in the waiting room. The owners’ observations, based on their familiarity with their pets’ typical behavior, were considered a useful tool for assessing the stress levels in their companion animals during the veterinary visits. Although they had the possibility to choose terms from a list of behaviors, no ethogram was provided previously or during the data collection. In conclusion, while stress remains a key concern for animal welfare, the most critical period identified was immediately before and after entering the veterinary practice. Further research is needed to better understand this crucial phase and its implications for the health and welfare of dogs and cats. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges, including financial strains and mental health issues like depression and loneliness. Human–animal interaction (HAI) offers a potential buffer, as pet ownership has been linked to benefits such as improved psychological well-being, increased perceived social support, and reduced loneliness. Furthermore, attachment to pets appears to moderate these effects, with more attached owners experiencing greater benefits. However, most research has focused on female samples, leaving a gap in understanding HAI among men. This study aimed to examine the relationship between pet attachment and psychological well-being, loneliness, and perceived social support among Greek male pet owners ages 18 to 45. Between January and March 2021, a sample of 87 participants completed a demographics form and four self-reported questionnaires: LAPS for pet attachment, WHO-5 for well-being, a three-item loneliness scale, and MSPSS-Pets for perceived social support. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that pet attachment predicted increased perceived social support but showed no significant association with psychological well-being or loneliness. Age emerged as a predictor of well-being, with older men reporting higher levels, but no significant predictors of loneliness were found. These findings suggest that companion animals may provide emotional support but may not alleviate the broader psychological burdens intensified during crises like the pandemic. Full article

Human–animal relationships have long been idealized as universally positive, but recent studies highlight the complexities and contradictions inherent in this bond. This study re-analyzes previously published data to examine the nuanced effects of pet ownership on human well-being, particularly under stressful circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a mixed-methods approach, data from three independent surveys (n = 840) were re-analyzed to explore the bio-psychosocial implications of pet companionship. Key instruments included the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). Results revealed that pet ownership was significantly associated with higher levels of psychosocial stress, challenging the assumption that pets universally improve quality of life. Notably, individuals with current pet ownership reported lower quality of life compared to non-owners. However, qualitative analyses illustrated perceived emotional and social support among pet owners, reflecting the “pet-effect paradox.” Mental health variables such as depression and loneliness emerged as stronger predictors of well-being than pet attachment. This study introduces the “Aunty Phenomenon” as a conceptual framework to describe the idealization of pet relationships, while acknowledging the responsibilities they entail. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to human–animal bond research. Full article

Background: The growth of the older adult population calls for innovative and cost-effective ways of promoting their physical, psychological, and cognitive health. Human–animal interaction, including pet ownership, is related to positive and negative aspects of human health. Not all pet owners respond in the same way. The levels of pet attachment and pets’ influence on their owners’ lives could moderate the relationship between psychological status and health outcomes. Purpose: We examined the moderating role of pet attachment in the relationships of psychological status (mental wellbeing, happiness, anxiety, depression) to physical function (physical wellbeing, usual- and rapid-gait speeds, physical performance battery) in community-residing older adult pet owners. Methods: A cross-sectional, secondary analysis of pet-owning older adult participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (n = 178). Results: In regression analyses, controlling for age, gender, and comorbidities, pet attachment and pet influence moderated the relationships of physical wellbeing to mental wellbeing and anxiety (p < 0.05). Pet influence also moderated the relationship between anxiety and usual gait speed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Greater attachment and influence buffer the relationship of perceptions of poor mental function with perceptions of poor physical wellbeing suggesting one mechanism for health benefits of human-animal interaction. Full article