What do dogs think about electric mobility? It is difficult to get an answer from them unless you can understand their barking, but a new study seems to give us some answers. In fact, recent research from the University of Lincoln investigated dogs’ relationship with electric cars.
Dogs and electric cars: the study
An admittedly atypical but absolutely legitimate study was conducted by Daniel Mills, professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the English University of Lincoln. The project (carried out in collaboration with CarGurus) studied the effects of travelling by car (electric and otherwise) on our four-legged friends.
The study involved 20 dogs: each dog was taken on two 10-minute trips, one in an electric vehicle and another in a diesel car. The researchers found that the dogs did not seem to suffer any discomfort in the electric cars and tolerated the change from one vehicle to the other well.
The modes of analysis
By analysing the dogs’ heart rate and other values, the researchers found that travelling in the battery-powered car was not a source of stress for the dogs and that many dogs seemed to enjoy the car ride.
Further analysis of the research found that many dog owners try to keep their pets relaxed in the car: almost half of the dog owners surveyed said they use biscuits to encourage their dogs to get into the car, 46% put a toy or blanket in the car to make them feel safe, and others try to listen to soothing music.
The Future
Professor Mills, author of the study, said: “Most dogs will travel by car at some point, if not every day. However, although electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular among motorists, until now no studies have been conducted on their effects on dogs. The results showed us that dogs seem to be relaxed in electric vehicles […]”.
In short, our four-legged friends seem to be electric lovers, or at least do not seem to disdain it.
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