Abstract
BackgroundDog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs with health problems have not previously been reported. The current study used a qualitative methodology to explore the impact of canine osteoarthritis on dog walking activity.MethodsOwners of dogs with osteoarthritis living in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices for semi-structured interview about life with an osteoarthritic dog. Participants were asked to reflect on walks that they had taken with their dog before he/she developed osteoarthritis, and to describe how those walks had changed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes.ResultsForty owners of 35 osteoarthritic dogs were interviewed. Prior to their dog’s development of osteoarthritis, dog walking distance, speed and location were usually decided by the owner to satisfy the needs and enjoyment of dog and walker. A diagnosis of canine osteoarthritis led to both dogs and their owners altering the walks undertaken. Walks were typically slower, shorter and limited to locations where physical infrastructure, underfoot surface and gradients were perceived by the owner to be navigable by their dog. Most owners did not go on additional walks without their dog due to feelings of guilt and because walking without a dog was less enjoyable. Many owners described negative effects on their own physical health and diminished enjoyment of walking as a result of their dog’s condition.ConclusionOur research suggests that osteoarthritic dogs may reduce the walking exercise their owners are able or willing to undertake. Since osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs, this is an important finding for those advocating dog ownership as a positive public health intervention. Strategies may be needed to ensure that owners of dogs that develop physical incapacities can continue to enjoy the health benefits they previously associated with dog walking. Future studies investigating dog walking activity should ensure that the health status of the dog has been considered.
Highlights
Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit
You’ve got a dog with you, and it’s ‘Morning! How are you?’ [Interview 11]. This qualitative research is the first to indicate that an osteoarthritic dog may limit the owner’s dog walking exercise and reduce the health benefits of dog ownership
Our research suggests that a dog’s physical health problem may limit both physical and mental health benefits associated with dog walking through slower, shorter, less varied and less relaxing walks
Summary
Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs with health problems have not previously been reported. Dog walking research has predominantly focused on health gains associated with walking exercise. Benefits to owners’ physical and emotional health as a result of dog walking are well documented [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. Barriers may include: local legislation on how and where dogs can be exercised; ownership of a smaller, old, ill or unsociable dog; adverse weather; the owner’s health state; and poor relationships with others using the same dog walking spaces [1, 4]. Several studies [1, 4, 13, 14] point to the importance for the owner that they perceive their dog to be enjoying their walk
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