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

Abstract

Background Emerging evidence supports the physical health and social benefts 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 signifcant..