Assessment of Caregiver Burden in Owners of Dogs with Behavioral Problems and Factors Related to its Presence
18 Pages Posted: 7 Mar 2023
Abstract
Caregiver burden has been recognized in pet owners caring for sick companion animals and is linked to psychosocial distress in pet owners as well as veterinary stress and burnout. The objectives of this study were to determine if owners of dogs with behavioral problems experience elevated caregiver burden and to examine associations between total caregiver burden score, the three ZBI factors (General Strain, Affect/Relational Discomfort, and Guilt/Uncertainty), and owner-related and animal-related factors. A retrospective review was performed of clinical records from a privately-owned veterinary behavior referral practice in the United States which included a well-validated measure of pet caregiver burden, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) adapted questionnaire. Veterinary medical records for consecutively registered dogs from January 2020 to December 2020 were reviewed (n= 333 dog owners who completed the ZBI adapted questionnaire). Clinically significant burden (>18) was endorsed by 68.5% of owners. Average burden scores for the entire group (adapted ZBI=25.43±11.88/24, 0-60) were above the cut-off for clinical significance established in prior work with seriously ill pets and were consistent with moderate elevation. Scores consistent with severe elevation (>31) were endorsed by 26.1% of owners. Client age was significantly related to General Strain (r=-.199, p=.001), Affect/Relational Discomfort (r=-.227, p<.001), Guilt/Uncertainty (r=-.172, p=.005), and Total Adapted ZBI (r=-.230, p=<.001). Overall bite history was significantly related to Affect/Relational Discomfort (r=.263, p=<.001), Guilt/Uncertainty (r=.202, p=<.001), and Total Adapted ZBI (r=.169, p=.002). The findings indicate that caregiver burden is elevated in owners of dogs with behavioral problems. By identifying elevated burden in this population, we can endeavor to reduce caregiver burden through various measures, including reducing complexity of the treatment plan and working with allied mental health professionals. Future research is needed to investigate associations between caregiver burden and home type, number of behavioral diagnoses, specific behavioral diagnoses, and outcome of treatment (e.g. rehoming, euthanasia), as well as to evaluate how treatment may alter burden over time. This information will allow veterinary behavior teams to continue to identify key areas of interventions to reduce burden.
Keywords: behavioral problem, companion animal, pet owner, veterinary client, pet caregiver burden, pet caregiving
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation