Who's the Better Listener, Your Husband or the Dog?

By Petside Team | April 28, 2010 7:01 AM

People cope with problems by talking things out . . . but to their pets? A new AP-Petside.com poll asked pet owners to reveal who's included in their most intimate discussions, and the results are sure to get people talking.

One out of 3 married women (33%) say their pets are better listeners than their husbands. Diane Demaske, a Petside Facebook fan, says her pets "can read my emotions better than my husband." Overall, 25% of pet owners feel their pet is a better listener than their spouse, and the battle between cats and dogs continues - dog owners are more likely to declare their dog as the better listener than cat owners (25 % vs. 14%).

About 1 in 10 pet owners (8%) claim they often talk about their personal problems to their pets. Women (10%), single men (9%), and people earning under $50K (12%) are most likely to do the talking. Only 5% of men, 4% of married men, and 5% of those earning more than $50K tell their problems to their pets.

But Petside Facebook users tend to disagree. We asked "Do you talk to your pet about your life? Do you think they understand you?" and our Wall flooded with responses.

"I talk to my pets about everything," said Jacque Truelove-Desimone. "I know they understand. They know my moods, and when I'm not feeling well, they love to curl up next to me and help me feel better."

Judith Graham Breslin agreed. "One of them just sits and listens," says Breslin. "The other one will grunt and slap his paws around...my pets know when I am happy, sad, sick, etc." Donna Malley-Burke's service dog "understands almost everything," while Vivien F. Ariola's dog "knows when I am going somewhere without him by the way I dress...especially the types of shoes."

But what if a pet seems down? Who can they talk to? Few in our poll have taken their pet to a vet or pet psychologist (5%) or given their pet an anti-depressant (4%), but almost 20% would be at least somewhat likely to take a pet to a vet or psychologist if it showed symptoms of depression. Women were nearly twice as likely as men to say they would bring their pet to a professional (23% vs. 13%). And many more people under age 30 would do so compared to those over 65 (30% vs. 12%).

Interestingly, dog owners (23%) were more likely than cat owners (11%) to consider visiting a vet or psychologist about their pet's mood. Hopefully, many pet owners don't have to make this decision, since 85% of owners say their pet displays mood swings infrequently.

Do you talk to your pets (more than your spouse or friends)? What do you think of pet psychologists? Join the conversation by dropping us a comment below.

Comments (18)

Arca April 28, 2010 8:01 AM

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You should always take your pet to the vet if it is experiencing change in mood or "mood swings." Generally, it is a sign of an underlying medical condition, not just "depression."

Cheri Lindsey May 11, 2010 1:11 AM

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yes

Tiffany May 11, 2010 8:11 AM

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this is so true. I have 2 cats both completely different one is a service cat and is my 3rd arm. I know more than the vet when something is up with her, just recently she was talking to me more and I know the different meows & I am not a nut either. She has back problems and the acupuncture doc thought it was HER BACK I THOUGHT MAY BE IT IS SOMETHING ELSE. IT WAS she has crystals in her urine and is still not up to par, so here we go for another opinion , Never get one opinion when it could be serious, you would get a 2nd opinion for yourself if you were sick right. Your furbabie deserves the same.

justine April 28, 2010 7:03 PM

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great article, wish dog-owners the best, though some dogs just need lots of belly loving

cheri Lindsey May 11, 2010 1:12 AM

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Yep

myer April 30, 2010 4:09 PM

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I definitely to talk to my animals (dog and cat) quite frequently, fully knowing they don't understand and only sense the tone in my voice. my dog can turn abad day into a good one with puppy kisses. I will also tell the animals how crazy their mom (my wife) is acting, etc...in front of the wife. a bit easier than saying it directly. there are times I think the dog looks sad, but probably wouldn't seek treatment and assume she just looks sad and isn't.

33 year old, married male

Donna Garza May 11, 2010 1:14 AM

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true

George May 11, 2010 7:45 AM

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I am disabled from a car accident,was married 20+yr's.My wife left when I became disabled and needed her the most.I then did Dog rescue for a couple years and rescued upward's of 200.My home has since had at least4 to max of 9 and being home can watch them closly.I agree that it shows a problem not just depression.I find each has their own personality and if you look deeper they mirror people in likes and traits.They have I have seen a morning like a human when not just a mate passes but even one of our "Pack".I watch closly how they interact with each other too.Thx George "Barkerdady" Pappas

Dianne wakeley May 11, 2010 10:47 AM

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I HAVE BEEN MARRIED 45 YEARS, AND MY CHIHUA AND TINY TOU DOXIE ARE MUCH EASIER TO TALK T, CRY WITH, AND DONT MAKE ME FEEL STUPID OR SILLY.THEY SAVE ME FROM VALIUM. AND I HAVE A GOOD HUSBAND, ITS JUST THAT HE IS A GUY......

nancy buck May 11, 2010 3:40 PM

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From the day our beloved dog died, one of our cats who previously (for many years) had been very distant (both before and after the dog's arrival),suddenly became very responsive and now never leaves our side. This cat just seemed to know how badly we were hurting and wanted to help.

connie May 11, 2010 6:20 PM

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I wish I could have a dog..but living in an apartment building like I do, no dogs are allowed. Maybe if I hit the lottery I can buy my
own house and then have a dog or maybe two...."so sad"
I always had a dog when I was younger living at home.

Sez May 13, 2010 7:03 PM

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I talk to my dog quite a bit, especially when I'm on my own with him. I don't think he understands exactly what I'm saying but he does listen and being a sibe, like most arctic dogs he will 'talk' back. He does seem to know when I'm upset/down or not well and always stays close by and is very affectionate when this happens, and often makes me laugh. I had cats growing up too that also often did listen and were always right by my side and very affectionate when I was having a hard time, and did their own thing at other times. Animals make my world a better place, I think; and often are the nicer creatures than some of the humans in this world.

Mike May 14, 2010 8:20 AM

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Interesting! I hope that everyone has a great weekend.

Heather GK May 16, 2010 8:17 PM

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My dogs DO listen better than my husband of 10 yeras, who gets "tired" of hearing ,me talk about work or my feelings. My husband talks alot when he complains and acts very little. He gets tired of hearing other people'sproblems but loves talking about his own. My dogs however are a captive audience (no un intended). They listen and vocally sympathize. Both are rescues.

Tim May 19, 2010 7:51 AM

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This is a great article. Sadly, it works for both genders. My wife can't seperate the love I have for her and my dogs. She thinks I love them more than her. Toward that end, she makes no effort in our relationship. Is it any wonder why I would find more comfort in them than her ?

Cathy May 26, 2010 6:31 PM

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Don't you pet kooks realize that the animal is too stupid to judge you? Too stupid to talk? Too stupid to listen with comprehension? You're reading so much into mindless animal instincts. Animals can't love. It's only pack instinct! They grovel for your FOOD.

Erin May 30, 2010 10:22 AM

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I talk to my cat(s). I use to have a black and white one named Bootz but I had to give her away cuz my apartment doesn't let us have animals :( not to worry, she has a great home with other cats and lots of room to roam. They do understand your moods. When I was sad or upset, Bootz would come and lay with me and follow me around. When I got pregnant, she would sleep next to my belly almost like she was protecting it. After I lost it, she would mope with me and lay in my bed for a few days only leaving to eat and to go restroom. Animals do know. I have another cat named Verde, she lives with my dad. My dad said she'd sleep on the counter next to mine and my sisters pictures and meow for us. She's quite happy now that me and my bf live there. She's one of the fat, content, useless house cats but I'd be devastated if I lost her

Ash August 27, 2010 7:15 AM

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Before we had our dog, I would talk to my cat. Whenever I would feel sad, he would nudge me in the face, paw at my back, and sit beside me just looking at me as if he just knows! Now when I feel sad, our dog (bichon/poodle mix) makes me smile because she is always smiling and happy!! I will start playing fetch w/ her to help get me energized again. I can talk to my animals easier than my husband!

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