Caregiver burden in owners of dogs with chronic enteropathies-a survey-based assessment.

Owners of dogs with chronic enteropathy experience significant caregiver burden; veterinarians should proactively address owner well-being.

This cross-sectional survey-based study investigated caregiver burden (CB) in owners of dogs diagnosed with chronic enteropathy (CE) compared to owners of healthy dogs. A total of 670 participants completed questionnaires adapted from the Zarit Burden Interview and the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale, with disease severity assessed using the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index. Owners of dogs with CE (n=223) reported significantly greater psychological burden and reduced quality of life (QoL) compared to controls (n=447). CB was positively associated with the frequency of severe clinical episodes, indicating that disease activity directly influences owner well-being. Key contributors to CB included the time demands of veterinary visits, perception of the dog as time-consuming, and financial strain. Notably, concerns related to the dog's welfare—including fear of suffering, clinical relapse, and death—were identified as the most significant sources of burden, ranking above logistical and financial stressors. Despite substantial psychological impact, the owner-dog emotional bond remained largely preserved, with most owners maintaining strong attachment and closeness to their pet. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating owner well-being into the veterinary care model for CE patients. Clinicians managing dogs with CE should proactively screen for CB, offer structured communication about disease prognosis, and consider referral to support resources when appropriate, as unaddressed CB may indirectly affect treatment adherence and overall patient outcomes.

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