Assessing the Quality of Life of Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Their Owners

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Chronic diseases have been shown to affect the quality of life (QoL) of both humans and pets. Chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are a common cause of chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss, affecting the normal daily lives of the dogs and their owners. In this study, we aimed to assess the associations between canine IBD and both dog and owner QoL, as well as the quality of the dog–owner relationship, using a survey. A total of 110 respondents (30 owners of dogs with IBD and 80 owners of healthy dogs) completed the questionnaire. Dogs with IBD presented a lower overall QoL, health status, and activity levels. Owners of dogs with IBD had lower QoL and more negative impact on their QoL, more daily limitations due to their dog’s disease, and more distress compared to owners of healthy dogs. In addition, IBD dog owners were more likely to consider their dogs as their children. Regardless of the severity of the disease, IBD has a detrimental effect on affected dogs and their owners. ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the impact on the life and relationship of the owner. An online questionnaire based on a Likert scale score (1–10) was designed to assess items related to dog QoL, owner QoL, and the owner–dog relationship. Responses from 110 dog owners (30 with IBD and 80 healthy dogs) were included in the study. IBD dogs had significantly lower overall QoL (p < 0.001), health (p < 0.0001), and level of activity (p = 0.049). Owners of dogs with IBD reported lower overall QoL (p < 0.001). The scores for how their dog’s QoL might affect their own QoL (p = 0.028), how much their dog limited their social life, leisure time, or daily activities (p = 0.015), and how often they felt burdened by caring for their dog (p = 0.006) were significantly higher in the IBD group when compared to the healthy group. In addition, IBD dog owners were more likely to see their dogs as children (p = 0.0004). IBD has a negative impact on affected dogs and their owners regardless of the severity of the disease.