Association of dog ownership with health-related QOL in young and middle-aged adult

Comparison between main dog carer and non pet owner

Abstract

　To investigate the association of the ownership of dog with health status, health-related QOL (SF-36), lifestyles (exercise habits, dietary habits, drinking, smoking), educational background, and family member were assessed for the main feeder of the dog and the non-breeders of the pet through internet. In addition, the breeding situation of the dog was examined for the main feeder of the dog. Each component summary score of SF-36 was examined between the main feeder of the dog and the non-breeders of the pet using 3different analytical models; model Ⅰ : non-adjusted U test, model Ⅱ : analysis of covariate adjusted for age and sex, model Ⅲ: analysis of covariate adjusted for age, sex, lifestyles, educational background, and family member. As the results, the main feeder of the dog showed significantly higher summary score of physical and role/social components than the non-breeders of the pet in every analytical model. This fact seemed to be due to the increased physical activity in daily life by walking with the dog. The summary score of mental component, however, was significantly higher in the non-breeders of the pet than that in the main feeder of the dog in model Ⅰ and Ⅱ, but not in model Ⅲ. These results suggested that the main feeder of the dog is in better health physically and socially due to daily dog walking.