Association of attachment with level of physical activity among dog owners: A cross-sectional study

PLoS One. 2024 Nov 27;19(11):e0313160. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313160. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the association of attachment with the frequency of dog walking and physical activity level among dog owners. We analyzed data collected in an internet survey conducted by the Japan Pet Food Association in 2023. Valid data were obtained from 1041 dog owners. The mean (SD) age of participants was 52.5 (14.9) years, with 57.5% being women. Ordinal logistic regression models showed that a higher attachment score was associated with a higher frequency of dog walking after controlling for important confounders (B = 0.04, SE = 0.02, p<0.01, Adjusted R2 = 0.03). Linear regression models showed that a higher attachment score was associated with a higher moderate-vigorous physical activity level (B = 1.43, SE = 0.44, p<0.01, Adjusted R2 = 0.01). These results suggest that dog owners with strong attachment maintain physical activity levels through caring for their dogs. Higher levels of physical activity might have protective effects against adverse health outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dogs
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ownership / statistics & numerical data
  • Pets
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Walking / physiology

Grants and funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.