Take home message: The COVID-19 pandemic induced significant routine changes which increased stress levels for many dogs. A better understanding of these effects can improve stress management and the well-being of canine companions in times of disruption.

During the pandemic, owners spent more time at home with their dogs due to lockdowns and social restrictions. Dogs have a long history of coevolution with humans, serving various roles from hunting to providing companionship. The pandemic altered daily routines, which had potential implications for the well-being of dogs. Previous studies have found changes in routines, environments, and emotional states can lead to stress and behaviour problems in dogs, sometimes resulting in owners surrendering their pets to animal shelters. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dog behaviour in response to changes in their owners' routines and emotional states, ultimately shedding light on the complex relationship between humans and their canine companions.

Data collection occurred between November 2021 and February 2022, employing a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with dog owners and an online survey with 140 participants. The survey utilized 28 standardized questions and Likert-scale responses to gather data on past and present dog behaviour, household information, and owner stress levels. The data were analysed thematically, focusing on stress levels, routine changes, and the interplay between dog and owner behaviours.

Key findings included:

1. Changes in Routines:

Owners spent more time with their dogs, seeking emotional relief from them. While this increased bonding may seem positive, it resulted in varied emotional responses in dogs, including heightened attachment and anxiety. Alterations in exercise and social interactions impacted dogs' physical health and behaviour. Dogs experiencing abrupt changes in their routines were more likely to exhibit higher stress levels and were at risk of developing separation-related behaviours (SRBs) post-pandemic.

2. Effect of Changing Alone Time:

Changes in the amount of time dogs spent alone at home during the pandemic significantly affected their stress levels. Dogs experiencing dramatic increases or decreases in alone time exhibited higher stress scores, putting them at risk of developing SRBs post-pandemic.

3. Attention-Seeking Behaviour:

Alterations in exercise routines were linked to changes in dogs' attention-seeking behaviour. Dogs that experienced significant shifts in exercise levels, whether an increase or decrease, displayed higher attention-seeking behaviour. Reduced exercise was particularly associated with higher stress and attention-seeking scores.

4. Owner-Seeking Comfort:

During stressful periods, most dog owners sought comfort in their pets, reflecting a strong emotional bond. There was a clear positive correlation between human stress levels and dog stress levels, indicating that dogs are sensitive to their owners' emotional states. Similarly, a positive correlation between human stress and dog comfort suggests owners often turn to their dogs for emotional support.

5. Sex and Neuter Status:

While previous studies suggested that sex and neuter status might influence stress levels in dogs, this study did not find significant differences based on these factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected dogs through changes in their owners' routines, emotional states, and living environments. This study highlights the need for better owner education on recognizing and mitigating stress in dogs during disruptions. Based on these results, recommendations include raising awareness among dog owners about maintaining stable routines and environments, particularly providing guidelines for effective pet care during crises. Future studies should consider larger sample sizes and a specific focus on sex and neuter status to yield more comprehensive results. Controlled studies which delve deeper into specific stressors such as the impact of energy expenditure on sleep patterns and other behaviours are also suggested. Ultimately, these efforts can benefit both dogs and their owners during challenging times.

This study was carried out by Mathilde Aass in fulfilment of her BSc in Equine and Veterinary Bioscience at the University of Aberystwyth. Mathilde is now in her second year at Bristol University undertaking an accelerated veterinary medicine degree, having spent the past two years working as a veterinary clinic assistant in Norway between semesters. Mathilde would like to be a small animal vet to pursue her interests in how owners' routines and behaviours impact companion animals' well-being, particularly focusing on stress and hormonal changes, and exploring ways to reduce stress and discomfort in veterinary clinic environments for dogs and cats. Well done, Mathilde!

Lucy Ross, PhD graduate, University of Nottingham

Lucy Ross has been a BSAS Early Careers Council member for five years. She has now graduated from the University of Nottingham with a PhD in improving the heifer-rearing efficiency of fully-housed dairy systems in the UK.