Longitudinal evidence of the impact of dog ownership and dog walking on mental health.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence supports the physical health and social benefits of dog ownership. This study examined the longitudinal effect of dog ownership and dog walking on mental health. METHODS: Data from a cohort of 1023 participants taking part in the RESIDential Environments project, in Perth, Western Australia were collected over a 2 year period (baseline and follow-up). Self-report survey items measured mental health (stress and depression), dog ownership status and weekly minutes of dog walking. Logistic regression models accounted for potential confounding factors including socio-demographic, self-rated health and baseline mental health. RESULTS: Overall, no statistically signif..