STUDY: PET ANXIETY ON THE RISE

• Dog separation anxiety jumped well over 700% in only two years   
• Fear of strangers surged, outpacing a fear of loud noises to become the leading cause of anxiety in dogs after a 295% increase since 2020   
• Anxiety caused by other cats or dogs jumps significantly in dogs — from just 16.5% in 2020 to 43.52% in 2022

The last two years have had a significant impact on every part of daily life, including a 25% increase in anxiety and depression globally (1). From loneliness related to isolation and fear of infection to financial stress and worrying about loved ones, mental health suffered significantly. But how have our pets held up through all of this?

Change in general can be difficult for pets to process (2), and the last two years have brought significant change into nearly every household. From transitioning into new schedules (pet owners and children at home more frequently) to transition back out of these schedules, pets have had to readjust multiple times. In one study (3) conducted in 2020, pet (dog and cat) owners reported that their pets provided considerable support during difficult times, but these same owners imagined the overall quality of life for their pets decreasing.

Although the stress reducing benefits of pet ownership are well known (4) and many people turn to their pets for comfort and support during difficult times, data from a recent Green Element Study (5) found that our pets are not enjoying the same benefits from this relationship. Anxiety is plaguing our four-legged friends, and dogs in particular are bearing the brunt of it.