Assessment of caregiver burden in owners of dogs with behavioral problems and factors related to its presence

Caregiver burden has been recognized in pet owners caring for sick companion animals and is linked to psychosocial distress in pet owners, veterinary stress and burnout, and higher euthanasia rates. The objectives of this study were to determine if owners of dogs with behavioral problems experience clinically meaningful caregiver burden using a well-validated measure of pet caregiver burden, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), 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 the 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 meaningful burden (> 18) was reported 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 clinically meaningful burden established in prior work with seriously ill pets and were consistent with moderate elevation. Scores consistent with severe elevation (> 31) were reported by 26.1% of owners. Client age was significantly related to General Strain (r = −0.199, P = 0.001), Affect/Relational Discomfort (r = −0.227, P < 0.001), Guilt/Uncertainty (r = −0.172, P = 0.005), and Total Adapted ZBI (r = −0.230, P = <0.001). Overall bite history was significantly related to Affect/Relational Discomfort (r = 0.263, P = <0.001), Guilt/Uncertainty (r = 0.202, P = <0.001), and Total Adapted ZBI (r = 0.169, P = 0.002). The findings indicate that clinically meaningful caregiver burden is present in owners of dogs with behavioral problems seeking care from a veterinary behavior practice. By identifying clinically meaningful 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. 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.