MORE than nine out of ten dog owners (95%) say their four-legged friend has been critical in helping them deal with the stress of the COVID-19 lockdown.
However, the new study also revealed that canines have felt the pressure of the pandemic themselves with 37% of British owners claiming their pets have experienced stress as a result of restrictions.
The survey of more than 1000 British dog owners, for DogsPlanet.com, gives a fascinating insight into how critical dogs have been to people’s mental health over the last 12 months.
Rémi Andrivet, founder of DogsPlanet.com, said owning a dog had clearly helped people deal with the loneliness and isolation that has come from lockdown restrictions.
He said: “The results of this survey are yet more proof that dog truly is ‘man’s best friend’.
“Perhaps...