Taking good care of your pet is more stressful than managing a romantic relationship or being a parent, latest research suggests.
That’s in response to a survey of two,000 pet owners, which found persons are more stressed about their ability to look after their fur pal (42%) than their relationship with a partner (37%) or their kids (30%).
Which may be because over half (51%) think their fur pals are also experiencing stress.
When asked what would help their pet feel calmer, their human companions noted spending more time outside (47%), connecting with other pets (46%), spending more time with them (44%) and a pet therapist (43%) as potential solutions.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of ElleVet Sciences for Pet Wellness Month, the survey also found people take into consideration their pet aging as much as they give thought to getting older themselves (65% each).
Pet parents think they’ll discover the signs their pet is slowing down, comparable to if their pet lacks energy (56%), not enjoys their favorite activities (54%) and has difficulty scaling stairs (51%).
Similarly, people pointed to lack of energy (60%), joint soreness (48%) and never having fun with the things they sometimes do (48%) as signs they, too, are getting older.
People’s top three worries about their pet’s health are digestion (37%), the shortcoming to play and luxuriate in life (37%) and their pet’s heart health (33%).
With regards to their very own health, people’s concerns include not having the ability to enjoy sports or activities without fear of injury (39%), their heart health (38%) and digestion (37%).
Over two-thirds (68%) of pet parents said watching their pet age and suffer can be very hurtful for them, more so than losing an expensive item (62%), losing their job (61%) and divorcing or breaking up with a partner (61%).
Many grew up with a pet and still cherish those memories, interested by their childhood fur pal greater than 3 times every week, or about 180 times a 12 months.
“Supporting your pet through all stages of life can minimize their stress, allowing you to create more completely satisfied memories together,” said Amanda Howland, co-founder and CCO of ElleVet Sciences. “As your pet gets older, it’s necessary to be proactive in identifying the signs of aging, comparable to difficulty moving, trouble sleeping and social isolation. It’s all about more time, and more quality time together with your pet, and for them aging and stress are intertwined so caring for discomfort related aging and cognitive decline can reduce their stress significantly”
On average, respondents have owned their current pet for five years, spending two of them establishing a bond of trust.
Six in 10 (61%) said their fur pal steadily comforts them after they’re feeling sad.
Actually, 73% consider their pet to be their “protector.”
People also shared their favorite memories with their current pet, including “listening to him snore,” “taking my pet on the boat,” “The day we brought him home from the humane society,” “watching movies together,” and easily “spending time together.”
“Similar to us, pets’ needs can change as they age, so their every day routines, weight-reduction plan, and exercise may have to be adjusted to enhance their quality of life, in addition to adding prime quality supplements. Small adjustments can ensure your pet’s golden years are less stressful for each themselves and their human companion,” Amanda added.
Pet parents’ top stressors
- My funds – 54%
- My job/profession – 49%
- My ability to care for my pet – 42%
- My health/wellness – 40%
- My romantic relationship – 37%
- My kid(s) – 30%
What would help pets feel less stressed, in response to pet owners?
- Spending more time outside – 47%
- Connecting with other pets – 46%
- Spending more time with me – 44%
- A pet therapist – 43%
- A change in weight-reduction plan – 38%
- A massage – 37%
- Vitamins/supplements – 31%
