Do you call your furry friend your “baby”? Veterinarians are warning that humanizing —a form of anthropomorphism—can cause them distress.
A team of British zoo psychologists and veterinarians has issued a warning to those who treat their pets like children, particularly by showering them with excessive attention and making them feel like the world revolves around them.
According to experts, pets have transformed from helpers and guardians into family members. This metamorphosis has led to the rise of what’s being called the “profitable fluffy baby phenomenon.”
Experts Against Misplaced Positioning of Animals
Many pet owners who equate their animals with children often see them as a way to make money, especially online. One of the harmful consequences of this trend is the frequent medical check-ups and unnecessary surgeries for these furry companions, as reported by Daily Mail.
“ believe that the rise of ‘furry children’ is a significant problem for animals and their welfare,” noted Professor Eddie Clatton, head of the veterinary anesthesiology department at the University of Edinburgh.
Among the most well-known pet owners who have turned their animals into Instagram stars is Paris Hilton. She purchased a mansion for her for $325,000 and shares photos of its residents on social media. Clearly, in this case, it’s not about making money but about drawing attention to herself through her “furry child.”
Not to be outdone, Demi Moore regularly walks her Chihuahua, Pilaf, at fashion shows and vacations with him on a superyacht. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift posts photos of her taken during her travels on private jets.
Examples of excessive pampering of pets include taking them for rides in strollers, buying them trendy clothes, visiting pet salons, and having “family” outings to restaurants. Experts believe all of this is unnecessary for the animal’s development unless there are medical reasons for such activities.
Of course, pet owners usually have good intentions, veterinarians say. However, an incorrect approach to raising animals and sharing their lives online can lead to certain problems. For instance, social media users can spread misinformation that hinders owners from making sound decisions about their pets’ care and undermines their trust in veterinarians.
Dr. Tanya Stevens, a researcher at the Royal Veterinary College, stated that anthropomorphism often causes suffering for pets. “In reality, rural dogs that roam in packs may have a better quality of life than a designer dog left alone all day,” she noted.
In their new book, “Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas,” Stevens and Clatton, along with their colleagues, debunked the stereotype that the most expensive and technologically advanced (including treatments) are the best for animals.
The authors emphasized that the skyrocketing popularity of has exacerbated issues related to the over-pampering of pets. Public figures and ordinary people share health tips for their furry friends on their accounts and heed advice from others that isn’t based on scientific facts. Pet owners often search for symptoms of their pets’ ailments online and engage in self-treatment instead of visiting a veterinarian.
However, experts have previously warned that the consequences of over-pampering a pet include a lack of boundaries, separation anxiety, insufficient socialization, and a sense of exceptionalism. All of this gradually causes psychological discomfort for the furry friend.
Photo: Unsplash
