It's difficult to understand why people don't realize that pets are gifts to mankind-Linda Blair
by David Primrose
Humanization in pet care – How close should we get?
Whilst many people might think that the companion animal – human bond is a “new” phenomenon, Man’s relationship
with animals as companions is recorded as going back to the time of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese and
Japanese societies.
It is without argument that there are many benefits associated with pets in society. So much so that this has given
rise to the birth of the new science of “anthrozoology”. Of interest to the pet care industry is understanding the
complex interactions between pets and humans that have a positive impact on human mental and physical health.
This has stimulated innovation to develop products that support the health and wellbeing of our pets ensuring they
give us companionship over many years.
A visible way in which pet owners often display the strength of their relationship with their pets is through purchase
of pet products that reflect human values of health, wellbeing and love. This has given rise to a sector of the pet
care market that has grown strongly and is expected to do so in future based on sales of clothes, jewellery,
shampoos, food and other lifestyle products for our pampered cats and dogs.
I have recently seen posts on social media websites for products like mints that give your dogs “kissable breath” and
another product that the pet owner attaches to their own tongue to groom their pet.
I have no problem with people making money from the pet care sector if the products are responsible, ethical and
safe for both pet and pet owner alike. Indeed, it would be hypocritical of me to condemn this on a personal level as I
rely on continued sales in the pet sector for my pension in retirement.
However, in terms of the risk of transfer of pathogenic bacteria and parasitic organisms between pet and human, how
far should we allow humanization to go?
Whilst the veterinarians look more closely at the use of antimicrobials like antibiotics in companion animals maybe
we should relook at the products we offer for humanization in pet care?
Alongside the strengthening of pet-human bonds and the role of pets in society, a key part of this is our responsibility
as pet owners.
If we call ourselves responsible pet owners, surely, we have a role to play in controlling potential transfer of
antibiotic resistant pathogens from our pets into humans? If we gamble and take the risk, who are the winners?
HUMANIZATION IN PET CARE
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