A vizsla could become your best psychologist during quarantine

The presence of pets helps a lot when it comes to surviving social distancing and other restrictions that lock us into our home. During their time at home, many turn to their dog or cat for support. However, in an emergency like this, some pets may require even more care.

Hvg wrote that in a representative study, Nestlé Purina asked pet owners in Hungary about how they are putting up with the pandemic and restrictions and how they take care of their pets in this emergency. The results showed that according to respondents, one of the biggest benefits of working from home is that they can schedule their daily routine themselves (73%), and the other is that they can spend more time with their four-legged friends, which makes it easier for them to take care of their pets (43%). The third most popular answer was that pets help to relax, and their proximity has a good effect on their owner’s general well-being.

The research was also curious about how pet dogs and cats experience confinement. 59% of respondents said that their pets are particularly happy about the time they can spend together, and 42% of owners pay attention to walk their dog regularly. The majority of respondents think of their pets as an extra family member who requires constant care. There is also a significant number of people who think their pet is a ‘quasi-psychologist’ with whom they can ‘talk about’ everything.

Several studies have shown that the presence of dogs and cats – in the long run – can reduce blood pressure, stress, and the symptoms of depression, while at the same time increase work performance and creativity.

Consider some Hungarian dog breeds to become your new best friend

Komondor:
Due to their large size, they do not do well in flats, but if you have a family house with a garden, you might have just found your new cuddle-buddy. Do not let their size fool you; they are quite agile and athletic. They enjoy running around in a large fenced-off area and like to play with their housemate dogs. Komondors usually enjoy walking; however, dog parks are not the best places to do so. They can think that other, stranger dogs are threatening, and their guarding instinct can kick in, so it is best to take a walk with them in forest paths or secluded areas. Nonetheless, thanks to their instincts, they are perfect guarding dogs as well, but they require obedience training and early socialisation if you want them to be able to meet other dogs and let your friends into your garden.