27th November 2005
More than one in four British dog owners (26 per cent) believe that their pets are suffering from stress, with a quarter blaming their own hectic lifestyles, according to new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance.
The study of more than 1,000 dog owners found that half (53 per cent) describe their life as stressful – and this anxiety is being passed on to their pets.
As a result, symptoms such as vomiting (32 per cent), diarrhoea (34 per cent), loss of weight/appetite (12 per cent), lethargy (nine per cent) and loss of fur (10 per cent) are all afflicting the nation’s dogs.
Lack of quality time between owner and pet also seems to be adding to this stress. Internationally renowned pet behaviourist Dr Roger Mugford said:
“I estimate that nine out of 10 dogs I treat nowadays do not have enough contact with people. The number of people living alone increased greatly over the last 20 years and we are working ever-longer hours. This is leaving the nation’s dogs without human contact for greater periods of time.
“Dogs are social creatures who need the contact of humans or other animals, and this is having a negative impact on their psychological well being.”
However, the research also reveals that 15 per cent of owners are upset by not being able to spend more time with their pet. Encouragingly, almost a quarter of respondents (23 per cent) rated their dog as more important to them than their job.
Nevertheless, only half of time-poor dog owners feel that they spend enough quality time with their pet (52 per cent), with nearly one in 10 (eight per cent) managing less than half an hour walking or playing together on a typical week night.
Busy lifestyles are also having a direct effect upon canine health. Only 44 per cent of owners are able to walk their dogs the recommended two or more times a day, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) walking their dog less than once a day.
Chris Price, Business Manager at Direct Line Pet Insurance, said:
“Dogs are very sensitive to their owners’ moods and pick up on when they are unhappy, unwell or under pressure. Sadly, it seems that this empathy can lead to them suffering from stress themselves and requiring treatment for conditions like diarrhoea, vomiting and loss of fur.
“With the average annual cost of conventional treatment coming in at £350, treating a dog for stress and its symptoms can be expensive. For peace of mind and to avoid large veterinary bills, pet owners should consider taking out insurance.”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Carmel McCarthy/Direct Line Press Office
Tel: 0845 8782178/ Carmel.McCarthy@Directline.com
Notes to editor
Research was conducted between 12 and 17 May 2005 by YouGov Plc who interviewed a sample of 1,114 dog owners. The survey was carried out online.
Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
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