Having a pet at home is not only a great source of love, but it also has multiple benefits on people’s physical, psychological, social and emotional health. “Investigations such as that of Bhatia and Sarma, called Impact of Pet Ownership and Relationships on Human Psychological Health and Function [de 2022], confirm that interacting with animals can have positive effects such as reducing stress and improving general well-being. For children, pets become great playmates, they promote personal and emotional development and encourage physical exercise,” he explains. Rosana Alvarez Bueno (Málaga, 51 years old), graduated in Veterinary Medicine and Food Science and Technology and accredited in behavioral medicine and ethology – the study of animal behavior. Furthermore, as she adds, having an animal in the family offers the child the opportunity to cultivate a sense of responsibility and empathy.
The also author of the books canine ethology (Amazon Books, 2018) and feline ethology (Amazon Books, 2018), as well as co-author of Stress-free management in the veterinary clinic (Servet Diseño y Comunicación, 2020), points out that living with animals has a significant impact on our lives, both from an evolutionary and health perspective, without forgetting the commitment that this requires.
ASK. What does the work of an ethologist consist of?
ANSWER. I am a veterinarian specialized in behavioral medicine. I work in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders. Traditionally, behavioral problems have been taken into account separately from medical conditions, but behavior depends directly on the health status of the animal and vice versa. Thus, ethology is a very broad science that is related to many other sciences and that can be worked on from many areas, always scientific.
Q. What aspects should families consider before deciding whether to adopt an animal?
R. The behavior, age and size of the dog, as well as the lifestyle of the caregiver are key factors. In general, the needs of the species in question, the time and space available, the level of commitment that can be made, economic aspects, the age and physical condition of the species should be taken into account above all. family, as well as the life expectancy of the species.
Q. How should they create attachment bonds with the animal?
R. The attachment bond with the human species is more developed and studied with dogs, although other bonds are also currently being studied, such as those between the cat and the pig. It comes from the mother-child bond, it is a relationship in which one of the individuals represents a secure base, protection and refuge effect and the other shows a preference towards the caregiver, is stressed when they disappear and is comforted when they meet again. This is what must be promoted, behaving as a secure base that accompanies him, that spends quality time with him, that satisfies his needs, that is consistent and predictable and that does not harm him.
Q. What are the most common doubts that families ask you?
R. The real problem is that they do not ask their questions, but rather they already come with the problem for not having resolved it before it happened. I wish families would come more to ask questions before deciding to share their life with an animal. As humans we are moved more by whim and emotions than by responsibility. And it’s not that it’s all wrong, empathizing with an animal that needs help is good, showing compassion is an admirable characteristic. But a little responsibility never hurts.
Q. What can be done if the pet does not adapt well to the family?
R. If there is any sign of change, you should go to the animal health professional, the veterinarian, just as we would do with our son or daughter. Companion animals can experience behavioral and mental health problems that are similar to those we see in people. These problems are influenced by many factors, including genetics, their breeding and living environment, and the social relationships they have.
Q. It is difficult to understand that a family is capable of abandoning their pet…
R. According to the study He would never do, from the Affinity Foundation, the four main reasons for abandonment in Spain are unwanted litters, behavioral problems, loss of interest in the animal and the end of the hunting season. They are very different causes and some of them should be pursued and punished. But in my experience there are very difficult family situations. In this case we are not talking about abandonment, but rather relocation. There are problems that are not treatable within specific circumstances and are treatable in others. There are very committed families who give everything for their animals, even at the cost of losing a lot along the way.
Q. What should a child learn about caring for their pet?
R. Minors must learn to be responsible guardians, care properly, and be aware of animal diseases. This includes understanding your needs, your health and the importance of your well-being. Children and adolescents with strong emotional attachments to pets exhibit higher levels of compassion toward themselves and others. Furthermore, improving children’s knowledge, for example, about dogs significantly reduces the risk of aggression.
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