Saying Goodbye to Family

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 490-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
George E. Dickinson ◽  
Heath C. Hoffmann
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Veterinary Clinic ◽  
Fictive Kin

Many humans treat their companion animals as “fictive kin” and thus want them to be treated with dignity and respect in death and disposal. Limited research exists on how caretakers themselves experience the euthanasia of their companion animal, including how they handle the remains and honor their legacy. This research fills this void by reporting the results of a survey of 567 individuals. Euthanasia was typically performed in the veterinary clinic, with the client remaining 74% of the time. Ninety percent or more of the clients expressed satisfaction with how the veterinarian treated the companion animal and the client. The majority of companion animals were cremated and honored their companion animals in individualized and diverse ways (e.g., shrines, tattoos, and photographs).

scholarly journals Monitoring the patterns of submission and presence of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes scapularis collected from humans and companion animals in Ontario, Canada (2011–2017)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark P. Nelder ◽  
Curtis B. Russell ◽  
Antonia Dibernardo ◽  
Katie M. Clow ◽  
Steven Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Blacklegged Tick ◽  
Host Type ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence

Abstract Background The universal nature of the human–companion animal relationship and their shared ticks and tick-borne pathogens offers an opportunity for improving public and veterinary health surveillance. With this in mind, we describe the spatiotemporal trends for blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) submissions from humans and companion animals in Ontario, along with pathogen prevalence. Methods We tested tick samples submitted through passive surveillance (2011–2017) from humans and companion animals for Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti. We describe pathogen prevalence in ticks from humans and from companion animals and constructed univariable Poisson and negative binomial regression models to explore the spatiotemporal relationship between the rates of tick submissions by host type. Results During the study, there were 17,230 blacklegged tick samples submitted from humans and 4375 from companion animals. Tick submission rates from companion animals were higher than expected in several public health units (PHUs) lacking established tick populations, potentially indicating newly emerging populations. Pathogen prevalence in ticks was higher in PHUs where established blacklegged tick populations exist. Borrelia burgdorferi prevalence was higher in ticks collected from humans (maximum likelihood estimate, MLE = 17.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI 16.97–18.09%) than from companion animals (9.9%, 95% CI 9.15–10.78%). There was no difference in pathogen prevalence in ticks by host type for the remaining pathogens, which were found in less than 1% of tested ticks. The most common co-infection B. burgdorferi + B. miyamotoi occurred in 0.11% of blacklegged ticks from humans and animals combined. Borrelia burgdorferi prevalence was higher in unengorged (21.9%, 95% CI 21.12–22.65%) than engorged ticks (10.0%, 95% CI 9.45–10.56%). There were no consistent and significant spatiotemporal relationships detected via regression models between the annual rates of submission of each host type. Conclusions While B. burgdorferi has been present in blacklegged ticks in Ontario for several decades, other tick-borne pathogens are also present at low prevalence. Blacklegged tick and pathogen surveillance data can be used to monitor risk in human and companion animal populations, and efforts are under consideration to unite surveillance efforts for the different target populations. Graphic Abstract

scholarly journals Untapped research opportunities in China: promising future avenues and potential concerns for aging companion animals

GeroScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Hoffman ◽  
Shanshan Song ◽  
Katharina Brugger ◽  
Teresa G. Valencak
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Agricultural Animal ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Laboratory Models

AbstractCompanion animals have recently been proposed as ideal translational models of human aging due to their shared susceptibility for certain diseases, similar environments, and sophisticated veterinary medicine diagnostics, all of which are not possible in rodent laboratory models. Here, we introduce and propose the study of companion animals in China as a largely untapped resource in academic and veterinary aging research. Pet ownership rates along with economic gains in the pet industry have skyrocketed over the last decade in China. Yet, the majority of research institutions still focus on agricultural animal research, not companion animals. In this perspective, we compare available pet ownership rates between the USA, the European Union, and China before focusing on the potential of companion animal aging research in China. In addition, we highlight some ethical considerations that must be addressed before large-scale companion animal aging research can be completed.

Understanding the Experiences of Elderly Bereaved Men and the Bond With Their Pets

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110048
Author(s):  
Monique C. Thompson, PsyD ◽  
Angela B. Kim, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Older Males

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the bereaved Older males’ experiences with the interaction and ownership of a companion animal after the death of their partner. The primary researcher recruited 13 participants via a criterion-based purposeful sampling method to assure the quality of the information collected. Results revealed six themes: (a) bonds with their pets grew stronger and closer after the loss of their wife; (b) men were able to express their grief to their pets; (c) companion animals helped the men psychologically during grief; (d) pets were influential during times when the wife’s presence would have been valuable; (e) companion animals helped men with loneliness and social connection; and (f) companion animals helped men find a new normal by providing a purpose and routine during bereavement. The pets proved to be a source of support for these widowed men.

scholarly journals The Perceived Impact of The First UK Covid-19 Lockdown on Companion Animal Welfare and Behaviour: A Mixed-Method Study of Associations with Owner Mental Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6171
Author(s):  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Luciana Santos de Assis ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Elena Ratschen ◽  
Paul Toner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Human Animal

Background: Companion animals may be a positive presence for their owners during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the welfare of a companion animal is strongly influenced by the behaviour of their owners, as well as their physical and social environment. We aimed to investigate the reported changes in companion animal welfare and behaviour and to examine the association between these changes and companion animal owners’ mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020 (n = 5926). The questionnaire included validated, bespoke items measuring outcomes related to mental health, human-animal bonds and reported changes in animal welfare and behaviour. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe experiences associated with human-animal relationships during the first UK lockdown phase. Results: Animal owners made up 89.8% of the sample (n = 5323), of whom 67.3% reported changes in their animal’s welfare and behaviour during the first lockdown phase (n = 3583). These reported changes were reduced to a positive (0–7) and negative (0–5) welfare scale, following principal component analysis (PCA) of 17 items. Participants reported more positive changes for cats, whereas more negative changes were reported for dogs. Thematic analysis identified three main themes relating to the positive and negative impact on companion animals of the Covid-19 pandemic. Generalised linear models indicated that companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores pre-lockdown reported fewer negative changes in animal welfare and behaviour. However, companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores since lockdown reported more changes, both positive and negative, in animal welfare and behaviour. Conclusion: Our findings extend previous insights into perceived welfare and behaviour changes on a very limited range of species to a wider a range of companion animals. Owner mental health status has a clear, albeit small, effect on companion animal welfare and behaviour.

Dilemmas Associated with Rehousing Homeless People Who Have Companion Animals

1995 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 851-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall S. Singer ◽  
Lynette A. Hart ◽  
R. Lee Zasloff
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Initial Visit ◽  
Normative Sample ◽  
Veterinary Clinic ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Homeless Men ◽  
Beck Hopelessness Scale

66 individuals were given a questionnaire during their initial visit to a veterinary clinic for homeless pet owners. Among the 35 men and 31 women, 32 had been homeless for 6 mo. or less and were termed the acutely homeless subgroup, and 34 had been homeless multiple times or for more than 6 mo. and were termed the chronically homeless subgroup. In responding to the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, both men and women participants had significantly higher mean scores on attachment to their pets than did the scale's standardization population. Participants did not differ from the normative sample of adults on the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Both men and women participants stated a preference for being rehoused. 93% of men and 96% of women said that housing would not be acceptable if pets were not allowed. 61% of the men and 33% of the women stated they would be willing to live anywhere pets were allowed except in a shelter Reluctance to live in a shelter was significantly greater among chronically homeless men than other subgroups, and they also had low desire to be rehoused. A majority of the participants had been refused housing because they had pets. Attempts to rehouse homeless individuals who have pets are likely to be unsuccessful unless accommodation for pets is included.

scholarly journals Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2349
Author(s):  
Heather Clements ◽  
Stephanie Valentin ◽  
Nicholas Jenkins ◽  
Jean Rankin ◽  
Nancy R. Gee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

scholarly journals PSVI-5 Undergraduate success in animal science courses based on demographics, motivation, and online courses

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 239-240
Author(s):  
Haylee Lavoie ◽  
Nathan Conner ◽  
Lisa Karr ◽  
Kathy Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Student Success ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Animal Science ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Student Demographics ◽  
Course Grades ◽  
Strongly Agree

Abstract A deeper understanding of student demographics, motivation, and outlook of online vs. face to face courses in Animal Science is needed to allow educators to facilitate greater student success. The purpose of this study was to investigate student factors which effected their final course grades. The following courses were surveyed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Department: Animal Products (ASCI 210), Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals (ASCI 240), Introduction to Companion Animals (ASCI 251), Companion Animal Behavior (ASCI 271), Companion Animal Nutrition (ASCI 321), Equine. Nutrition (ASCI 322), Equine Reproduction (ASCI 342), Animal Welfare (ASCI 370), Processed Meats (ASCI 410), (n = 139). The survey utilized a 5 part likert-type scale; (1) strongly disagree, (2) disagree, (3) don’t know, (4) agree, (5) strongly agree with questions measuring student motivation in scales of intrinsic motivation, self-determination, self-efficacy, career motivation, and grade motivation. Additional questions relating student demographics (gender, ethnicity, experience, area of study, e.g.) were included. Survey analyses and student final course grades were analyzed by Spearman Correlation Coefficients to observe correlations and p-values of student demographics, motivation, and online vs. face to face student success. Students with increased motivation in self-efficiency, self-determination, and grade motivation showed a tendency of higher final course grades. No significant correlations were found in student demographics with final course grades. The method delivery, face to face (n = 101) or online (n = 38) had no difference in final course letter grades. These data indicate student final grades appeared to be influenced greater by certain motivations, rather than demographics or methods of delivery. The results of this study will allow educators to identify motivators, to increased success in student learning in Animal Science.

Michael Joseph Day

2020 ◽  
Vol 186 (18) ◽  
pp. 620-620
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
One Health ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
The World ◽  
Teacher Mentor ◽  
Animal Vaccination

A teacher, mentor, coworker, volunteer and friend who worked tirelessly to transform companion animal vaccination practice around the world and to champion companion animals within One Health.

scholarly journals 339 Challenges and opportunities in developing a companion animal nutrition curriculum for veterinary students

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 68-68
Author(s):  
Susanna E Kitts-Morgan ◽  
Catherine Lenox ◽  
Dawn Spangler
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Animal Nutrition ◽  
Student Knowledge ◽  
Veterinary Students ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
New Graduates ◽  
Nutrition Curriculum ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Veterinary School

Abstract Preparing future veterinarians who are knowledgeable and competent in companion animal nutrition presents distinct challenges and opportunities for veterinary educators. Students enter veterinary school from vastly different undergraduate backgrounds, which translates to students with varying degrees of knowledge related to companion animals and nutrition. Oftentimes, nutrition may be overlooked or not emphasized in veterinary curricula, resulting in new graduates who are not able to perform diet assessments for patients. Because nutrition is a fundamental cornerstone of health, veterinary educators have a responsibility to provide veterinary students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent in companion animal nutrition. Challenges for veterinary educators in delivering companion animal nutrition curriculum can be broadly categorized as: 1) challenges regarding lack of student knowledge of the petfood industry/companion animal nutrition, 2) challenges in student ability to apply companion animal nutrition skills, 3) challenges in preparing students for communication with clients, and 4) challenges regarding educational resources to teach veterinary students. On the other hand, many opportunities exist for veterinary curricula to incorporate nutrition effectively. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, offering basic and advanced nutrition courses, nutrition labs, and nutrition case studies. To produce veterinarians competent in companion animal nutrition, veterinary educators must identify and overcome the challenges in training veterinary students.

The Possible Role of Companion-Animal Anthropomorphism and Social Support in the Physical and Psychological Health of Dog Guardians

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolina M. Duvall Antonacopoulos ◽  
Timothy A. Pychyl
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractWhile previous research suggests that individuals who humanize their companion animals may have insufficient human social support (Epley, Waytz, & Cacioppo, 2007), researchers have not examined the relation between companion-animal anthropomorphism and the health of animal guardians while taking into consideration their human social support levels. It was hypothesized that dog guardians with low levels of human social support would have poorer health if they engaged in high rather than low levels of anthropomorphism, while the health of dog guardians with high levels of human social support would not vary depending on their anthropomorphism levels. A sample of 203 Canadian dog guardians completed an online survey. Results revealed that, among dog guardians with low levels of human social support, those who engaged in high levels of anthropomorphism were more depressed, visited the doctor more often, and took more medications. Furthermore, among dog guardians with high levels of human social support, those who engaged in high levels of anthropomorphism were more stressed and depressed. These findings highlight the complexity of the relationship between anthropomorphic behavior, human social support, and dog guardians’ health.

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