Dog Ownership Linked to Higher Anxiety, No Happiness Boost, Veterinary Study Finds

New Study Challenges the “Pet Effect”: Dog Ownership May Reduce Well-Being Over Time

While many dog owners swear their pets bring joy, new research questions the long-touted “pet effect”—the idea that pets significantly boost human health and happiness. A study tracking pandemic-era pet owners found that the initial cheerfulness of acquiring a dog fades within months, often giving way to increased anxiety and lower life satisfaction.

Key Findings
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest followed 65 people who adopted pets and 75 who lost pets during Covid. Participants completed well-being surveys over six months. Results showed:

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects: New pet owners reported a brief mood boost (lasting up to four months), but over time, dog owners experienced declines in calmness, activity, and life satisfaction. Cats also reduced owners’ activity levels, likely due to staying home more, though less drastically than dogs.
• Losing a Pet Had Minimal Impact: Surprisingly, losing a pet did not significantly affect well-being.
• Dogs vs. Cats: Dogs posed greater challenges, with demands like training and care potentially outweighing benefits. Cats were less burdensome but still led to lifestyle changes.

(Image Caption: A playful yet chaotic dog, reminiscent of “Marley and Me,” illustrating how pets can increase stress.)

Why the “Honeymoon Phase” Ends
The study suggests that early excitement and unrealistic expectations mask the realities of pet ownership. As novelty fades, challenges like vet bills, travel restrictions, and behavioral issues emerge. “Dogs don’t cure loneliness—they can make owners more anxious,” said lead researcher Judit Mokos.

Contradictory Past Research
Previous studies painted a rosier picture. A University of Kent study equated pet ownership to a £70,000 salary boost in happiness. Another found dog owners often value their bond with pets over human relationships. However, the new research emphasizes that lasting benefits may depend on an owner’s lifestyle and devotion.

(Image Caption: A woman struggling to manage her energetic dog, highlighting the demands of pet care.)

Drawbacks of Dog Ownership
The study lists key challenges:

• Shorter lifespans than humans.
• Housing and travel limitations.
• Frustration from disobedience.
• Risks to other animals.

Expert Insights
“Pets aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” said researcher Eniko Kubinyi. During the pandemic, impulsive adoptions may have led to mismatches between owners and pets. True benefits might only apply to devoted animal lovers or isolated individuals.

(Image Caption: An older adult enjoying a quiet moment with a cat, suggesting pets may benefit specific groups.)

The Bottom Line
While pets bring fleeting joy, the study warns that long-term well-being depends on readiness for the responsibilities. As the Scientific Reports paper states, “The demands of pet care—especially for dogs—can outweigh initial benefits.”

Pet Myths Debunked
Common misconceptions about dogs include:

1. They love sharing attention.
2. All enjoy hugs.
3. Barking always signals aggression.
   Understanding these nuances is key to a harmonious pet-owner relationship.

In short, think carefully before adopting—it’s a commitment, not just a cure for loneliness.

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