Owners That Treat Pets as Part of the Family
The Pros and Cons of Treating Pets Like People
Jul 3, 2009
Recently the Associated Press-Petside.com released a poll conducted over three days about people treating their pets like one of the family. Results from the poll showed:
- Over half American pet owners consider their pet as much a part of the family as any human member
- 36% stated that their pet was part of the family, but not considered a full member
- 19% had bought their pet an outfit
- Single people were more likely to consider their pet as a full family member then married people
- Some single women considered their pets as surrogate children
- Approximately one quarter of those surveyed celebrate pets’ birthdays
- About a third surveyed have their pets name in family holiday cards
- Half of the dog owners surveyed and 40% of the cat owners polled gave their pet human food at least sometimes.
The Negatives to Treating Pets as One of the Family
While it is important for an owner to treat their pets well, it is also important to remember that dogs and cats are not people. Dogs in particular are very family-oriented, but to them, the family is a pack and within a pack, is a very delicate hierarchy. Owners need to make sure that pets know their place within the family to avoid bad behaviour, and dogs and cats need to be disciplined like dogs and cats and not children.
See Preventing Common Behavioural Problems In Dogs and Why Does My Dog Roll Over And Expose His Belly? for more information.
Feeding your pets human food can be unhealthy and in some cases, dangerous. Some human foods are actually toxic to pets, but many are just considered junk food, and while small amounts of treats may be fine, feeding table scraps every evening, can lead to an overweight or obese pet.
See Can I Feed My Dog Chocolate or Macadamia Nuts? For more information or ask your veterinarian if you are unsure or simply try and stick with dog and cat specific treats.
Vegetarians and vegans have made dietary choices and are able to supplement their diets with vitamins and other foods to get the nutrients they require without the need for eating meat. Dogs and cats are carnivores (dogs can survive on an omnivorous diet, but for them to thrive a carnivorous diet is best) and have different nutritional requirements to humans. It is not advisable to force vegetarianism or veganism onto your pet.
The Positives to Treating Pets as One of the Family
Dogs and cats that are treated as one of the family, but know their place and are well disciplined are fine. In fact, they couldn’t be more loved. There is nothing wrong with celebrating a pet’s birthday, as pets generally love the attention. As long as the birthday cake is made of dog or cat food and no humans have a slice, it can be a fun day for all.
There is also nothing wrong with putting a pet's name on a holiday card and showing how much it means to you. As for dogs’ wearing jumpers, this can come down to a matter of opinion, but as long as the dog is comfortable, it can be nice and cozy on a cold wintry day, and they do look ever so cute.
Owners treating their pets as members of the family usually have the most loved and spoiled pets, and this provides many benefits to both owners and pets, as long as owners remember that pets are animals and do have different needs. And owners that treat their pets like family members can rest assured they are certainly not alone.
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