COVID-19 Prolongation... Reduced Walks for Pets Raise Concerns of Depression and Anxiety Stress [Kim Suwan's Animal Report]

Decreased Walks for Pets Lead to Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
Owner: "Dog Sleeps More and Licks Paws... Worried"
Expert: "Need to Enrich Environment by Increasing Play Activities"

Due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, on the morning of January 28, a dog wearing a mask was held in its owner's arms at Pyeongtaek Port International Passenger Terminal in Poseung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "My dog has been lacking energy lately," "I'm worried because it sleeps more and doesn't move much."

As the COVID-19 pandemic prolongs, not only people but also pets are experiencing 'corona blue,' showing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, with natural disasters like the rainy season and heatwaves occurring consecutively, many dogs have been unable to go on proper walks.

Consequently, dogs with reduced outdoor activities such as walks are exhibiting abnormal behaviors like excessive licking of their bodies, tail biting, and loss of appetite, showing signs of depression, which is causing concern among pet owners. 'Corona blue' is a newly coined term combining 'COVID-19' and 'blue' (meaning sadness), referring to a type of depression caused by significant changes in daily life due to the spread of COVID-19.

Experts analyze that this phenomenon arises from restricting the activities of dogs, which generally have higher activity levels and a strong desire for walks, more so than humans. They also warn that staying indoors only can increase feelings of depression.

According to a survey, the majority of the public is actively practicing social distancing.

According to a recent 'COVID-19 Public Risk Perception' survey conducted by Professor Yoo Myungsoon's team at Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, among 1,000 adults nationwide, 93% of respondents reported refraining from going out.

Given this situation, the frequency of dog walks has decreased due to strengthened social distancing and restrictions on outings. In particular, the stress levels of dogs have increased proportionally to the reduced walking time.

Pet owners have expressed that their dogs are showing abnormal behaviors as the number of walks decreases. Office worker Kim (29) said, "With the resurgence of COVID-19 and the overlapping rainy season and typhoon, I can hardly take my dog for walks, which I used to do 4 to 5 times a week," adding, "Even though I wear a mask properly, I feel pressured by the apartment residents, and there are announcements several times a day asking us to refrain from going out."

He continued, "Since I can't take my dog out at the usual times, it just sleeps. It also keeps licking its paws, and even after taking it to the hospital, no specific cause was found," expressing concern, "I thought this can't continue, so I try to play with it at home, but it's not as active as before, which worries me."

Dogs with reduced outdoor activities are more susceptible to depression and various diseases. For dogs, walking is an important activity to smell, observe, build social skills, and relieve stress.

Citizens are taking a walk with their pets at Namsangol Hanok Village in Jung-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Mun Ho-nam

There are also research findings that dogs who do not get walks can develop depression. According to a recent study by the UK animal welfare organization PDSA, 465,000 dogs in the UK are confined at home without walks and are suffering from depression as a result. Additionally, the number of dogs left alone for more than five hours a day is estimated to be 2.3 million.

The PDSA emphasized in the study that "walking and meeting other dogs are essential for dogs."

Common symptoms of depression in dogs identified through research include △biting or destructive behavior △lethargy △loss of appetite △loss of interest in favorite toys or walks △changes in sleep patterns △separation anxiety △weight changes △howling △excessive licking of body parts △refusal of physical contact with the owner.

In response, the Rural Development Administration introduced prevention methods for 'corona blue' in dogs whose outdoor activities have decreased due to the COVID-19 situation.

According to the Rural Development Administration in April, dogs with reduced outdoor activities use less energy, so to prevent overweight, it is necessary to reduce the amount of food given and provide snacks rich in dietary fiber. The feeding amount varies depending on breed and health condition, but about 80% of the usual recommended energy intake is advisable.

It is also important to engage in activities using indoor spaces with good sunlight, such as balconies, and to ventilate frequently to provide opportunities for mood changes.

Kim Donghoon, head of the Animal Welfare Research Team at the National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, who participated in this survey, said, "Many dogs and owners are stressed due to activity restrictions caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," advising, "Strengthening bonds with dogs through various indoor activities can help emotional stability and relieve stress."

Experts advise that environmental enrichment, such as increasing play activities, is necessary to reduce corona blue symptoms in dogs.

Lee Wonbok, president of the Korea Animal Protection Federation, analyzed, "With social distancing raised to level 2.5 and expected to continue for some time, people are also experiencing stress and physical abnormalities. Dogs, which have higher activity levels and a strong desire for walks than humans, are no different."

He added, "No matter how long the COVID-19 situation continues, keeping dogs indoors all the time is not good for their emotional health. It is necessary to take them out for short periods while wearing masks and following quarantine rules. Also, increasing time spent together indoors and providing environmental enrichment such as nose work, where dogs find snacks by scent, or tug-of-war games, is important," he advised.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.