A recent survey by dog and cat wellness supplement Antinol by Vetz Petz has revealed that one in five (18 percent) UK pet owners are worried about leaving their pets alone following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions.
Out of the 2,142 pet owners questioned, 77 percent of those surveyed admitted that they will be spending less time at home from Monday 17 May to pursue leisure activities, such as going to restaurants (64 percent), bowling (7 percent), going to the cinema (28 percent), and holidaying in the UK (42 percent).
With less time at home and more spent working and in leisure, a quarter of pet owners (24 percent) also feel anxious that their animal will put on weight or suffer physically in the coming months.
Over the past twelve months, pet owners have become increasingly connected with their furry friends with two in five (39 percent) saying that they are now closer to their pet now than before lockdown. 67 percent believe their animal’s companionship has also helped with their own mental health.
Agreeing with this statement is Olympic Medallist, motivation speaker and animal lover, Gail Emms MBE who has joined Antinol to help raise awareness of pet health and wellbeing. She said: “The unconditional love and company of a pet has helped people, like myself, through each lockdown and given us a focus. Now with leisure reopening, most of us are rushing out to make up for what we have missed. This sudden absence from the home, plus many returning to working life, could leave our dogs and cats confused, anxious and less exercised.”
Gail’s West Highland Terrier, Rafa is 14 years old this month, “For an older animal like Rafa I’m concerned that the unavoidable reduction in exercise will mean his joints start to tighten and his weight will increase.”
In preparation, Rafa is currently enrolling in a new “Mobility Makeover” programme using Antinol to help improve his joint movement. Gail concludes: “It’s exciting to see life returning to normality, but before we head out to get our lives back on track, we must think about the impact these changes can have on our animals and prepare them as best we can.”
David Elsworth, Founding Partner of Vetz Petz said: “It’s great news to see leisure returning to the UK and lives start to take on a sense of normality, but our research raises alarms about the welfare of pets across the country. We hope this study helps owners to be mindful of their change in lifestyle and think how this can impact their pets.
“The long-term health and welfare of pets is a priority at Vetz Petz and we pride ourselves on working closely with our customers to make sure we help give the best care for their animals throughout the duration of their lives.”
Antinol is a 100 percent natural supplement for cats and dogs that helps keep them active and mobile by helping joint movement.
The survey was conducted by leading research consultancy YouGov who questioned 4,107 UK adults and found that 2,142 had a dog (1080), cat (1,034) or other pet. The survey was conducted on the 12-14 May 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
For more information on Antinol and for a FREE 30-day Mobility Booster of the product, visit the website.
