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Updated: Sep 23, 2025
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The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
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Canine Caregivers: Paradoxical Challenges and Rewards
Lori R Kogan1, Jean E Wallace2, Peter W Hellyer1
1College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|May 14, 2022
Summary
Caring for an aging dog presents challenges similar to caring for human family members. This complex experience can deepen the human-animal bond, offering rewarding memories despite difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human-Animal Interactions
- Gerontology
Background:
- Companion dog ownership is prevalent in the U.S.
- Dogs age faster than humans, necessitating senior care.
- Limited research exists on the impact of caring for aging dogs on guardians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the experiences and perceptions of dog guardians caring for aging dogs.
- To understand the multifaceted impact of senior dog care on owners' lives.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory mixed-methods design.
- Online anonymous survey administered to 284 dog guardians.
Main Results:
- Caring for an aging dog shares similarities with caring for human family members.
- The experience involves both positive and negative factors for guardians.
- The process can enhance the human-animal bond and create lasting memories.
Conclusions:
- Caring for aging dogs is a complex journey for guardians.
- This caregiving role offers opportunities for profound human-animal connection.
- Further research is needed to support guardians of senior dogs.
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