A new research on human-animal relationship shows that seven in 10 pet owners feel like they know their companion animals better since the pandemic began.
Humans also noticed some behavioral changes in their furry best friends. Six in 10 respondents said they saw their pet act differently during the pandemic. 27 percent said their pet’s behavior has improved, and nearly 17 percent said their animal’s behavior has gotten worse.
36 percent of animals have been more active this pandemic, 31 percent have been acting needy, 27 percent have been struggling to move up and down the stairs, and 26 percent became more curious than usual.
As the pandemic began and humans were forced to self-isolate in their own homes in order to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, more people also decided to adopt a cat or a dog to keep them company. 72 percent of them said they would not have gone through the pandemic without their lovely animal companion’s company.
OnePoll, on behalf of Zoetis Petcare, a United States business unit of Zoetis, conducted a survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners to learn more about how old and new pet owners are feeling and coping with their companions amid the pandemic.
81 percent said the pandemic made them feel closer with their animal companions than before. However, pet owners are also concerned what could happen to their furries once they go back to work and would not be at home as they had been.
56 percent of them said they plan to lessen their social activities and try to bond with their animals at home to help their pets with the sudden changes in their lifestyle. 42 percent said they ought to continue working from home even when quarantine ends.
17 percent said they plan on adopting another animal who needs a home to keep their furry pal company when they go back to their normal work schedule.
“We’ve seen an overwhelming number of pet adoptions over the past several months and whether you’re an experienced pet owner or new pet owner, it’s important to get to know your pets’ behaviors and be aware of environmental changes that may impact them,” said Daniel Edge, DVM, MBA, MSc, Director, Medical Affairs for Zoetis Petcare, according to the New York Post.
“Whether you’re spending more time at home, or there’s added noise outside, temperature spikes or other changes in the environment or home schedule, there are easy ways you can make sure you and your pet have the best experience together right from the very first day you bring your pet home.”
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