Human-pet Interactions Research Articles

Stroking and Leaning: The Give and Take of Social Touch Between Humans and Their Pets

ABSTRACT Affectionate interpersonal touch serves important social and affective functions. In this study, we asked whether the same holds for the physical contact between pet owners and their pets. An international sample of pet owners (n = 443) rated the typicality of different human and pet touch behaviors. They then provided body contact maps for typical behaviors and reported the duration of behaviors, probability across different situations, and associated affect. Human–pet touch was characterized by a range of tactile behaviors, especially stroking by owners and leaning by pets. Touching took substantial time (∼42 min/day) and occurred most often when owners were resting, after separation, and during joint activities with the pet. Some forms of touch entailed physically intimate contact and were followed by positive affect. Although the touch behaviors showed some differences, overall, owner touching and pet touching were similar and reciprocal. Together, our data identify parallels between interpersonal and human–pet touch and establish human–pet interactions as an important source of affectionate touch experiences.

Utilization of the easy electron-losing capacity of dog fur waste for green energy devices and self-powered smart pet care systems

The present global energy shortage and climate crisis can be addressed by embracing recycling, reuse, and recovery; for example, this can be achieved by methodically utilizing the problematic wastes for energy harvesting. This research describes a novel approach for recovery and reutilization of waste material by incorporating dog fur waste into a triboelectric energy harvester; this was accomplished via a simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly chemical processing to turn this problematic waste into a high-performance tribolayer. Due to the complications of operating practical devices with dog fur in its natural form, the dog fur waste was transformed for the first time into a uniform thin-film-based high-performance positive tribolayer. The optimization of the fabrication of the dog fur film featured hexagonal pyramid nanostructures, and a novel tribopair was selected and consisted of the dog fur-based film and a Teflon film; these films have very large differences in electron affinities. Based on this optimization and selection, we achieved an outstanding output voltage, current, and power density of 2021.46 V, 109.84 μA and 24,669.957 μWcm−2, respectively, along with appreciable mechanical stability during continuous operation up to 10,000 cycles. Our research demonstrates the potential for integration of green electronics and self-powered human-pet interaction systems while providing a sustainable approach to a circular bioeconomy.

Gaze in Interspecies Human–Pet Interaction: Some Exploratory Analyses

ABSTRACT This article examines video-recorded naturally occurring human–pet interactions during which the animal’s gaze is treated by the human as a turn-allocation device. Gaze exchange has been extensively studied as the social phenomenon par excellence, especially by scientific paradigms interested in defining sociality as mutual orientation. Recently, studies in ethology have shown the relevance of doing sequential analyses of gaze exchanges in animal interactions, providing important information on the “monitoring function” of gaze. Less is known about the “regulatory function” (i.e., the effect of animal gaze on the sequential organization of action) in human–animal interspecies interactions. This article aims to fill this gap, by investigating the role of domestic dogs’, cats’, and horses’ gazes on human conversation and courses of action. Findings demonstrate a systematic format: an animal-initiated gaze followed by a verbal turn of the human participant, which evidences the turn-allocational function of the animal’s gaze on human participation. Data are in French.

Examine pet travel experiences from human–pet interaction: the moderating role of pet attachment

PropósitoEl objetivo de este estudio es explorar el mecanismo subyacente de la interacción humano-mascota en el turismo con mascotas que afecta a las experiencias turísticas y a la vida cotidiana de los turistas. El estudio también examina el papel moderador del apego a las mascotas en este mecanismo.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueBasada en la teoría del intercambio social y la teoría de la cocreación de valor, esta Investigación desarrolla y prueba empíricamente un marco teórico de la interacción entre humanos y mascotas. Los datos se recopilaron a través de una encuesta en línea a turistas estadounidenses que han tenido experiencias de viaje con mascotas. Los datos fueron analizados mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales basado en mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS-SEM).HallazgosLos resultados muestran que el valor emocional medió parcialmente la relación entre la interacción humano-mascota y la intención de viajar/calidad de vida, mientras que el valor social medió parcialmente la relación entre la interacción humano-mascota y la calidad de vida. Los resultados del análisis multigrupo sugieren que la experiencia de viaje de los turistas con niveles bajos (vs altos) de apego a las mascotas se ve reforzada por la interacción humano-mascota, lo que conduce a resultados favorables.Originalidad/valorEste estudio enriquece la evidencia empírica sobre la experiencia del turismo con mascotas. Este estudio amplía la literatura existente al demostrar la heterogeneidad de la relación entre la interacción humano-mascota, el valor de cocreación, la calidad de vida y la intención de viaje de turistas con diferentes niveles de apego a las mascotas.

A self-powered human-pet interaction system enabled by triboelectric nanogenerator functionalized pet-leash

Amid the increasing popularity of human-pet companionship, wearable electronics that can monitor pets' health and exercise habits in real-time have become more and more prominent. With this comes the urgent need for a sustainable power supply for these devices to support the human-pet interaction system. In this work, a triboelectric nanogenerator functionalized pet leash (TEPL) is designed to harvest abundant mechanical energy from the relative motion between human and pet, which is mainly composed of an embedded TENG, a turntable with a coil spring, and a leash sewn with conductive Ag wires. Electricity is generated when TEPL is pulled out and retracted. The parameters affecting TEPL’s outputs (pull-out distance, frequency, grating-degree of electrode) are systematically studied. Incorporating the power management circuit, not only does the device is equipped with a fast-charging rate for commercial capacitors, it can also power the LED chaplet made by 84 lamps in series connection when co-exercising with dogs. In addition, TEPL is demonstrated to continuously drive various pet wearable electronics, such as acoustic mosquito dispeller, sports bracelet, calorie counter, and pedometer. This work expresses the integration and feasibility of using TENG technology to construct a self-powered human-pet interaction system to satisfy the pursuit of sustainable power supplies.

Effect of Human-pet Interaction; Zoonosis

Pets are the wellspring of bliss for human; likewise they affect their wellbeing. Be that as it may, there are some antagonistic parts of having pets as individuals having close contact with pets can be influenced by a few zoonotic illnesses, for example, Dermatophytosis, Toxoplasmosis, Rabies, Plague and Sarcoptes and so on. These ailments are caused by microscopic organisms, parasite, growths and infection that are available in the residential pets. The ailment can be transmit by means of skin contact, chomps (rabies), taking care of pet, eating tainted creature (Bacillus anthracis), drinking defiled water or by implication through polluted sustenance, creepy crawly vectors (feline scratch fever ). These zoonotic sicknesses are extremely destructive for people that likewise cause passing. Zoonotic infections are common all through the world. The vast majority of the nations around the world are endeavoring to control the zoonotic infections. Anti-microbials are accessible in numerous nations. The high danger of zoonotic illness can be overwhelmed by taking preventive measures. These counteracting measures incorporates: to maintain a strategic distance from contact with creatures, enhanced sanitation, hand washing in the wake of playing with pet, diminish the canine populace, dispose of the fomites, abstain from offering bed to their pet, utilize gloves and veil when taking care of with the live or dead puppies and felines that are powerless against disease. The absence of instruction and mindfulness is the significant reason for the irresistible ailments because of creatures. Open mindfulness programs assume critical job to mindful individuals and lessen the danger of the zoonotic malady.

A Self-Powered Human-Pet Interaction System Enabled by Triboelectric Nanogenerator Functionalized Pet-Leash

A Self-Powered Human-Pet Interaction System Enabled by Triboelectric Nanogenerator Functionalized Pet-Leash

Locking down the Impact of New Zealand's COVID-19 Alert Level Changes on Pets.

Simple SummaryThis investigation explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and following alert levels on pets in New Zealand. Pet owners were surveyed during the last week of the first Alert Level 4 lockdown (highest level of restrictions) and then three months later during Alert Level 1 (lowest level of restrictions). During lockdown, just over half of those surveyed thought that their pet’s wellbeing was better than usual, and most owners could list at least one benefit of lockdown for their pets. These included more company, play and exercise. Owners expressed that they were concerned about their pet’s wellbeing after lockdown, with pets missing company/attention and separation anxiety being major themes. The Alert Level 1 survey indicated that owners continued to play with their pets more but that higher levels of exercise were not maintained. Just over one-third of owners took steps to prepare their pets to transition out of lockdown. The results indicate that pets may have enjoyed improved welfare during lockdown due to the possibility of increased human-pet interaction. The steps taken by owners to prepare animals for a return to normal life may enhance pet wellbeing long-term if maintained.The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on human-pet interactions within New Zealand, particularly during lockdown, was investigated via two national surveys. In Survey 1, pet owners (n = 686) responded during the final week of the five-week Alert Level 4 lockdown (highest level of restrictions—April 2020), and survey 2 involved 498 respondents during July 2020 whilst at Alert Level 1 (lowest level of restrictions). During the lockdown, 54.7% of owners felt that their pets’ wellbeing was better than usual, while only 7.4% felt that it was worse. Most respondents (84.0%) could list at least one benefit of lockdown for their pets, and they noted pets were engaged with more play (61.7%) and exercise (49.7%) than pre-lockdown. Many respondents (40.3%) expressed that they were concerned about their pet’s wellbeing after lockdown, with pets missing company/attention and separation anxiety being major themes. In Survey 2, 27.9% of respondents reported that they continued to engage in increased rates of play with their pets after lockdown, however, the higher levels of pet exercise were not maintained. Just over one-third (35.9%) of owners took steps to prepare their pets to transition out of lockdown. The results indicate that pets may have enjoyed improved welfare during lockdown due to the possibility of increased human-pet interaction. The steps taken by owners to prepare animals for a return to normal life may enhance pet wellbeing long-term if maintained.

Jealous Behavior in Chimpanzees Elicited by Social Intruders.

Despite increasing interest in animal emotions, jealousy has rarely been directly addressed in comparative research, except for studies of human-pet interactions. Jealous behavior emerges when a valuable social bond is threatened by a third-party, prompting aggression or intervention attempts to direct the partner's attention away from the rival. Emotional reactions that protect relationships are expected in species in which social relationships are important for fitness, including primates. Previous primate studies have alluded to this ultimate function, but never explicitly tested predictions corresponding to a proximate jealousy mechanism. We demonstrate jealous behavior in a long-established colony of chimpanzees (N = 17) during a socially disruptive period due to group introductions, which provided an ideal experimental opportunity to test predictions of a jealousy hypothesis. Specifically, we found that negative reactions (agonism and intervention attempts) towards social closeness between two groupmates were generally more common when the aggressor/intervener had a valuable relationship to one (as compared with both or neither) of the dyad's members, indicating that the other partner represented a potential social rival. In line with this suggestion, we found that negative reactions most often targeted dyads containing newly introduced individuals, especially when the social conditions for jealousy were met, and in particular during the socially unstable introduction period. Results underscore the potential adaptive role of jealousy in protecting fitness-enhancing relationships from social interlopers, by extension indicating that this emotion likely evolved in diverse animal societies.

Methodological and institutional considerations for the use of 360-degree video and pet animals in human subject research: An experimental case study from the United States.

Head-mounted virtual-reality headsets and virtual-reality content have experienced large technological advances and rapid proliferation over the last years. These immersive technologies bear great potential for the facilitation of the study of human decision-making and behavior in safe, perceptually realistic virtual environments. Best practices and guidelines for the effective and efficient use of 360-degree video in experimental research is also evolving. In this paper, we summarize our research group's experiences with a sizable experimental case study on virtual-reality technology, 360-degree video, pet animals, and human participants. Specifically, we discuss the institutional, methodological, and technological challenges encountered during the implementation of our 18-month-long research project on human emotional response to short-duration 360-degree videos of human-pet interactions. Our objective in this paper is to contribute to the growing body of research on 360-degree video and to lower barriers related to the conceptualization and practice of research at the intersection of virtual-reality experiences, 360-degree video, live animals, and human behavior. Practical suggestions for human-subject researchers interested in utilizing virtual-reality technology, 360-degree videos, and pet animals as a part of their research are discussed.

Identification of separation-related problems in domestic cats: A questionnaire survey.

Identifying and preventing the occurrence of separation-related problems (SRP) in companion animals are relevant to animal welfare and the quality of human-pet interactions. The SRP are defined as a set of behaviors and physiological signs displayed by the animal when separated from its attachment person. In cats, SRP has been insufficiently studied. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a questionnaire for cat owners which identifies behaviors that may indicate SRP, as well as relates the occurrence of SRP to the management practices applied in the sampled cats. The associations of SRP with cats’ characteristics, as well as owner, environmental, and management traits were investigated. The questionnaire was developed based on the scientific literature about separation anxiety syndrome in dogs and a few papers in cats, and it was completed by 130 owners of 223 cats. Analysis of owners’ answers was done through categorization and acquisition of relative frequencies of each response category, followed by Fisher’s exact test, chi-square tests in contingency table and Multiple Correspondence Analysis. Among the sampled animals, 13.45% (30 / 223) met at least one of the behavioral criteria we used to define SRP. Destructive behavior was the most frequently reported behavior (66.67%, 20 / 30), followed by excessive vocalization (63.33%, 19 / 30), urination in inappropriate places (60.00%, 18 / 30), depression-apathy (53.33%, 16 / 30), aggressiveness (36.67%, 11 / 30) and agitation-anxiety (36.67%, 11 / 30) and, in lower frequency, defecation in inappropriate places (23.33%, 7 / 30). The occurrence of SRP was associated with the number of females living in the residence (P = 0.01), with not having access to toys (P = 0.04), and no other animal residing in the house (P = 0.04). Separation-related problems in domestic cats are difficult to identify due to the limited amount of knowledge regarding the issue. The questionnaire developed in this study supported identification of the main behaviors likely related to SRP in cats and could be used as a starting point for future research.

Fipronil Tablets: Development and Pharmacokinetic Profile in Beagle Dogs.

Increased human-pet interactions have led to concerns related to the prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations. Fipronil (FIP) is a widely used ectoparasiticide in veterinary medicine available for topical administration; however, its use may cause damage to the owners and the environment. The aim of the study was to develop immediate-release tablets of FIP, as well as to determine its pharmacokinetic properties after oral administration in beagle dogs. The prepared FIP tablets were evaluated for pre-compression (angle of repose, speed flow, and Carr's index) and post-compression (weight variation, friability, thickness, hardness, disintegration time, and dissolution rate) parameters. Orally administered FIP at a dose of 2mg/kg was rapidly absorbed with Cmáx of 3.13 ± 1.39μg/mL at 1.83 ± 0.40h post treatment (P.T.) and metabolized with 1.27 ± 1.04μg/mL at 2.33 ± 0.82h P.T. for fipronil sulfone (SULF) (the primary metabolite). The elimination of FIP and SULF occurred slowly and had maintained quantifiable plasma levels in the blood for up to 28days P.T. The goal of the study is aligned with the concept of One Health, which aims to collaboratively achieve the best health for people, animals, and the environment. Therefore, the use of FIP tablets for the control of ectoparasites in dogs may be a safer alternative for owners and the environment.

The "pet effect" in cancer patients: Risks and benefits of human-pet interaction.

"Can I keep my dog while receiving chemotherapy?" "Can my cat sleep on my bed while I'm on treatment?" "What precautions should I take with my pets in order to avoid infections?"" I read that my dog could give me breast cancer, is that true?" "Do you have assistance therapy dogs at your chemotherapy day unit?" These are not uncommon questions from cancer patients in oncology/haematology consultation rooms. The answers to these questions however, are widely unknown among physicians. Pet ownership is thought to provide patients with both emotional and physical health benefits. However, owning pets may also pose health risks to immunocompromised patients through zoonotic transmission of disease. Some studies have also suggested that the ownership of domestic pets may increase the risk of developing some cancers. But what is the evidence behind these claims? This paper presents the results of a literature review of a variety of scientific literature about pet ownership as a potential risk factor for suffering cancer, zoonotic diseases and the immunocompromised, and animal-assisted-therapy in cancer patients.

Psychological Mechanisms Predicting Wellbeing in Pet Owners: Rogers’ Core Conditions versus Bowlby’s Attachment

ABSTRACTWhile pet ownership may confer physical and psychological health benefits, existing research presents inconsistent findings, and the psychological mechanisms through which health benefits might be conferred are unknown. Exploring human–pet relationships from the perspectives of Bowlby’s attachment theory, namely “attachment-related anxiety” and “attachment-related avoidance,” and Rogers’ core conditions including “unconditional positive regard” and “empathy” may highlight the psychological mechanisms involved. This study compared quality of life (QOL) and psychopathology in pet owners with those without pets. In the pet owners, we additionally assessed pet attachment, and perceived empathy, unconditionality, and congruence in the human–pet relationships. We then compared the relative value of Bowlby’s attachment versus Rogers’ core conditions in human– pet relationships as predictors of wellbeing in pet owners. Overall, pet owners and non-pet owners did not significantly differ in terms of QOL or psychopathology. However, in pet owners, secure pet attachments were associated with lower psychological distress and psychopathology, and those perceiving higher levels of Rogers’ core conditions from their pets had higher QOL. Bowlby’s pet attachment insecurity predicted psychological distress and psychopathology, while Rogers’ total core conditions in pets were significantly predictive of QOL of owners. Differences in wellbeing may not be reliably discernable between pet owners and non-pet owners, as wellbeing is related not to pet ownership alone but to qualities of individual human–pet relationships. The results provide new information about psychological mechanisms through which human–pet interactions are conferred, and support for the applicability of both Bowlby’s and Rogers’ concepts.

CompanionViz: Mediated platform for gauging canine health and enhancing human–pet interactions

Abstract Advancements in personal data collection and visualization – commonly referred to as the quantified self (QS) movement – allow individuals to self-track health and other attributes. We extend quantified self (QS) concepts to the quantified other (QO) to explore how the use of technology, collection of data on one's pet dog, and personal visualization affect pet owners' understandings of, and relationships with, their pets. We introduce the term Human–pet–computer interaction (HPCI) as the study of how technology can be designed and used to advance human–pet companionships. As an example, we describe CompanionViz, a personal information visualization prototype designed to inform pet owners on their dogs’ caloric inputs/outputs, as well as exercise and movement habits. We present a user study of CompanionViz featuring a twelve-participant survey and one field study, consisting of three unique use cases, and show that by providing pet owners with quantifiable awareness of their dogs’ health and exercise habits using personal visual representations, pet owner–dog bonds can benefit.

An Experience Sampling Approach to Investigating Associations between Pet Presence and Indicators of Psychological Wellbeing and Mood in Older Australians

ABSTRACTIn this study we examined associations between pet ownership and presence and indicators of psychological wellbeing in older Australians, using an innovative, experience sampling methodology and a community-living sample of 68 adults, including 41 pet owners, all aged over 65 years. In response to randomized prompts the participants provided information about their location, social companions, activities, and mood state six times daily for seven consecutive days. They also completed a number of surveys measuring various aspects of wellbeing. There were no significant differences in our outcome measures between pet owners and those who did not own at least one pet, and few of our pet owners reported engaging in pet-focused human– animal activities, such as walking their dog or playing with their cat. However, frequency of pet presence during activities of daily living was associated with, and statistically predictive of, several measures of wellbeing and mood. From our results we tentatively conclude that more frequent presence of a pet, particularly a dog, may be associated with greater psychological wellbeing in this cohort. More importantly, we confirm that the intensive experience sampling methodology provides a novel means of examining human–pet interactions, enabling a closer analysis of moment-by-moment pet presence than has been possible using alternative approaches.

Социальные аспекты взаимодействия человека с домашними питомцами как копинг-стратегии

Социальные аспекты взаимодействия человека с домашними питомцами как копинг-стратегии

Pets as means rather than ends

Research relating to pets focuses almost exclusively on human–pet interactions or pet-specific behavior such as pet-food purchasing. Seldom has research used pet consumption as a context to study broader consumer–behavior topics. The influence of pet-related research is expandable by viewing pets as a path toward studying more general consumer-behavior questions.

A mobile pet wearable computer and mixed reality system for human–poultry interaction through the internet

Poultry are one of the most badly treated animals in the modern world. It has been shown that they have high levels of both cognition and feelings and as a result there has been a recent trend of promoting poultry welfare. There is also a tradition of keeping poultry as pets in some parts of the world. However, in modern cities and societies, it is often difficult to maintain contact with pets, particularly for office workers. We propose and describe a novel cybernetics system to use mobile and Internet technology to improve human–pet interaction. It can also be used for people who are allergic to touching animals and thus cannot stroke them directly. This interaction encompasses both visualization and tactile sensation of real objects.

Attachment styles impact on pet visitation effectiveness

This paper describes a field study on the effects of attachment styles on the subjective well-being of institutionalized older persons after participating in a pet visitation program. We compared how attachment style (i.e., secure, anxious ambivalent, dismissive avoidant, and fearful avoidant) moderated the impact of a dog visitation program in 52 elderly residents of an assisted-living facility. Controlling for pre-visitation mood, the results revealed that the secure style related to increases in positive mood after interacting with the dogs. The anxious ambivalent style related to increases in positive mood and decreases in ratings of depression. Most importantly, the fearful avoidant style related to increases in depression after interacting with the dogs. The results highlight the notion that not all participants benefit from taking part in pet visitation programs. Theoretically, this study presents preliminary evidence for the relevance of attachment styles in understanding human–pet interactions.