Owners who view their animals as "fur babies" could be causing them unintentional harm, experts warn.
A group of veterinarians has sounded the alarm over the treatment of animals like human children, which often leads to excessive medication and surgery, not always in the best interests of the animal.
“Some veterinarians, including us, see the rise of the 'fur baby' phenomenon as a major problem for animals and their welfare,” said Prof. Eddie Clutton, chair of veterinary anaesthesiology at the University of Edinburgh.
He added that some veterinarians and shareholders see the concept as an extraordinary money-making opportunity.
Examples of extreme overcare
Some of the most well-known owners for disregarding animal boundaries include Paris Hilton, who has sheltered her dogs in their "private villa," and Demi Moore, who often takes her chihuahua Pilaf to fashion shows and superyachts.
Many animals are now placed in strollers, dressed in clothes, taken to "spa days" or fed gourmet meals, things that experts say are excessive without a medical reason.
More suffering than benefits
According to Dr. Tanya Stephens, a wildlife researcher, anthropomorphism – treating animals like human children – can cause more harm than good.
"There is an attempt by some veterinarians to promote the human-animal bond as something special for human well-being, without acknowledging that sometimes this is not all it seems and has some negative consequences for the animal," she said.
For example, village dogs, who live in groups, often have a better quality of life than designer dogs that stay alone all day.
Medication and treatment as needed
In their book, “Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas,” the authors challenge the idea that the most expensive or technologically advanced treatment is always the best. They suggest an approach that takes into account each animal’s individual circumstances.
Dr. Stephens added: “Preventive medicine has allowed animals to reach old age, but a longer life does not always mean a happier life if the animal is suffering from diseases of old age and the owner or veterinarian is reluctant to say the final goodbye.”
Social media and misinformation
Social media has compounded the problem, with influencers sharing “health advice” for pets that is often not based on science. Owners can look up their pet’s symptoms online before seeing a vet, making communication more difficult.
The origin of dogs
Genetic analyses show that dogs were domesticated 20,000–40,000 years ago in Eurasia, from a group of wolves living near hunter-gatherer camps. The gentler and less aggressive ones were more likely to come close to humans, gradually evolving into dogs. /GazetaExpress/
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