DOG AND CAT OWNERS ARE ‘LESS LIKELY TO BE STRESSED OUT DURING LOCKDOWN’

DOG and cat lovers are happier people and better equipped to deal with the stresses and strains of lockdown, says a new report.

Almost 80 per cent of people said they have relied on their dogs for a mood boost while the restrictions have been in place – and 99.7 per cent admitted they have positively contributed to their wellbeing.

The findings were revealed in The Dog Difference report, which polled more than 5,000 people for tailored food firm tails.com.

Emma Kenny, resident psychologist on ITV’s This Morning, and the owner of four dogs, two cats and a rescue squirrel, told us: “Dogs impact on us and part of that is because they have evolved with us and emphasise with the way that we feel.

“What the studies have shown is that oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, and serotonin are released when you connect. If you stare into your dog’s eyes for a few moments, both of you get that receptacle experience, which is why you find them looking at you lovingly.”

Having seen the benefits, Emma recommends that those in a longer lockdown to consider a pet.

She added: “They are things that remind us constantly of our worth and I would definitely say to people who are socially isolating, you can transform your life with a dog or a cat.

“A dog will enhance your life in a billion different ways, or a cat, if you need a more independent experience.”

Pet vet

SEAN McCORMACK is on a mission to help our pets.

Sean, head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, says: “I’ve ten years of experience and every day I am hearing about the problems that Britain’s beloved pets are facing.

“So if your pets are under the weather, acting funny or you have a query about nutrition or exercise, just ask me. I’ll be answering YOUR questions every week and helping to keep your pets happy and healthy.”

Benjamin Wilton, 29, of Oxford, has a five-year-old Shih Tzu called Henry and a three-year-old cat called Nell.

1. Q) They both get on like a house on fire. Sometimes Henry mimics what Nell does when they are together, such as licking his paws and he loves playing with her cat toy. Is there a chance my dog actually believes he’s a cat?
2. A)I don’t think so but it’s tempting to think that way. These cross-species friendships are really lovely to see, especially when many people think dogs and cats are supposed to be mortal enemies. I think Henry just likes Nell’s company, and maybe mimicking her is his way of bonding.

Tim King, 31, from Bishop’s Stortford, Essex, has a five-year-old beagle called Boris and a comment about his pet’s memory has made him question how a dog’s brain works.

1. Q) How well can dogs remember things? Are those videos of them going crazy having not seen people for five years real? I feel like if I went missing and then came back, Boris would not remember me.
2. A)Oh, Boris would remember. We’re ­learning more and more about how dogs learn, their memory and their amazing ­relationships with us humans all the time. And it is a really special relationship.

Dogs form powerful and long- lasting bonds with the people they love. There is no doubt about it.

Gavin Cartwright, 46, from Leeds, has a four-year-old bull terrier called Ralph. He has noticed he has strange habits when out for a walk.

1. Q) He loves to smell every single thing that he comes across. Every bit of grass has to be sniffed or urinated on. He’s also started licking certain bits of grass like there’s a substance on the floor. Is he drinking other dogs wee?
2. A)This is totally normal dog behaviour. But maybe it is more noticeable now that lockdown means our dogs are not getting as much exercise or mental stimulation. Scents outdoors, including that of other dogs’ excretions, are of huge interest to them.

Smelling and even licking them is what I call “doggy social media”. It allows Ralph to find out who’s been about and when. It is also why dogs sniff each other’s butt when they greet, so they can learn their aroma.

Sophie Souter, 26, from Rotherham, tried to cut her eight-year-old poodle’s coat after it started to get slightly matted since being in lockdown – and it went terribly wrong.

1. Q) Ditzy doesn’t really enjoy going to the groomers but her hair was getting so bad I tried to sort it out myself. I accidentally nipped her with my special dog clippers. Should I keep an eye on it in case it gets infected or will it be OK?
2. A) If it is just a superficial burn or graze of the skin with the clippers, using saltwater or a very diluted pet-safe antiseptic may help prevent infection.

You will also need to prevent Ditzy licking it — it is just an old wives’ tale that licking can be healing or antiseptic. But if it is an actual cut in the skin then, yes, it is very prone to becoming infected, not to mention painful. So it may need antibiotics, pain relief or stitching up. Or all three.