Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34200926›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of environmental research and public health2021

Dog Walking before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: Experiences of UK Dog Owners.

Sara C Owczarczak-Garstecka, Taryn M Graham, Debra C Archer, Carri Westgarth

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in International journal of environmental research and public health, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 18 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
18citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

18 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Incidents of dog bites involving humans in the Khakhu Madala local area of the Thulamela sub-district, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care · 2026
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  16. Pet Ownership and Multiple Sclerosis during COVID-19.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2021
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Sara C Owczarczak-GarsteckaDepartment of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.ORCID 0000-0001-5323-8117
Taryn M GrahamDepartment of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.ORCID 0000-0002-0486-7598
Debra C ArcherDepartment of Equine Clinical Studies, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.
Carri WestgarthDepartment of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.ORCID 0000-0003-0471-2761

Funding

Medical Research Council G1002402
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThis study investigated the impacts of the first COVID-19 UK lockdown on dog walking and ownership.

methodsAn online survey was circulated via social media (May-June 2020). Completed responses (n = 584) were analysed using within- and between-group comparisons, and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were created. Open-ended data were coded into key themes.

resultsDuring lockdown, dogs were walked less frequently, yet for a similar duration per week and closer to home. Dogs whose owners lived alone, or whose owners or household members had heightened vulnerability to COVID-19 were walked less than before, as were high-energy dogs. A minority of owners continued dog walking despite exhibiting symptoms or needing to self-isolate, justifying lack of help, dog behavioural problems, living in less populated areas, and the importance of outdoor exercise for their mental health. Dog ownership had multiple benefits (companionship, purpose and motivation; break from bad; positive to focus on) as well as challenges (changes in dog behaviour, balancing dog needs with public health guidance, accessing pet food/supplies and services, and sharing crowded outdoor spaces with others). Most did not have an emergency care plan for their pet before the pandemic and only a handful developed one.

conclusionsFindings can be used to inform public health and dog welfare strategies for future lockdown situations or other disasters and emergencies likely to impact on daily routines.

Indexed as

COVID-19WalkingAnimalsCommunicable Disease ControlDogsHumansOwnershipPandemicsPetsSARS-CoV-2United KingdomCOVID-19dog ownershipdog walkinglockdownpandemicpublic health

Identifiers

PMID34200926
PMCPMC8296116

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.