A study reveals that acquiring a new pet, particularly dogs, may provide an initial boost in happiness that fades within four months. Long-term, it can lead to decreased calmness, activity, and life satisfaction. The study involved 65 new pet owners and 75 bereaved pet owners during the Covid pandemic in Hungary and found no significant impact on loneliness. Even the loss of a pet did not adversely affect owners' wellbeing. The findings suggest that the demands of pet care may outweigh initial benefits.
The study revealed that while pet acquisition gave a temporary boost in cheerfulness, after four months, the negative effects on calmness and life satisfaction emerged, particularly for dog owners.
Surprisingly, losing a pet did not seem to significantly impact the wellbeing of the owners, indicating that the emotional consequences of pet loss may not be as severe as often assumed.
Despite the common belief that pets alleviate loneliness, research indicated that new dog owners reported increased anxiety, contradicting the narrative promoted by shelters and pet food companies.
The researchers cautioned that the demands of pet care can outweigh the initial positive effects, suggesting that potential pet owners should consider the long-term implications of their decision.
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