The rise of the
furchild: why our
dogs are more
human than ever
Have you ever:
- Referred to your puppy as 'my baby'?
- Enrolled them at doggy day-care?
- Bought them an outfit... that matches yours?
...then you're not alone.
For the first time ever, the data is clear: more Australians consider their dogs mini humans and an integral part of the family, albeit furry ones, than ever before.
So why is this happening, and what does it mean for all of us - people and pets alike?
Four-legged family members
So what's going on? According to Dr Adam Sternberg from Greencross Vets, we consider pets part of our family - no matter whether we're purchasing them as a puppy from a reputable breeder or adopting them from the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League or similar shelters.
"We're not just adding a pet to our home - we're adding them to our sense of identity."
Dr Adam Sternberg, Greencross Vets
It's true that as families are less likely to live in a couple-with-kids household1, with smaller families more common, puppies have leaped into the gap.
More people purchased dogs from breeders or adopted them from shelters during the COVID pandemic, for example - incidentally, the same time Australia's birth-rate plunged to a record low2.
"We're thinking of our puppies as more human than ever, and caring for them accordingly," explains Sternberg.
"That's not a bad thing - in fact, it might have something to do with the increasing lifespan and healthspan of our dogs, and we already know that caring for a pet is good for the health of humans, too4."
As puppies grow, so do we
Of course, not every pet owner sets out to treat their pup like a child. More often, it's something that just happens - and part of this is basic biology.
Studies show that oxytocin - also known as the 'love hormone' - spikes in both species when humans and dogs make eye contact5. This hormone, which is also responsible for parent-child and romantic pairings in humans, shapes our relationship with a new pet - and can lead us to some unintentional behaviours.
New dog parent Ryan agrees. "When we first got Minnie, we were adamant she'd be crate trained and not be allowed in the bedroom. Just a few weeks later, she sleeps in the bed every night. Luckily for her, she's cute."
5 things vets want new dog owners to know
So if you're thinking of taking the plunge and becoming a dog parent, what do you need to consider?
We asked Dr Adam Sternberg for his top 5 tips.
1.
Vaccinations are a non-negotiable for new puppies, says Dr Adam Sternberg. If you're adopting an older animal, make sure they're up to date with their vaccinations.
Initial vaccinations are required from 6-8 weeks of age, covering a range of infectious diseases. "Remember, they won't be fully covered until two weeks after their third booster at approximately 14-16 weeks," says Dr Adam Sternberg, "so avoid interactions with unknown animals until that point."
Parasite prevention is another must, because untreated flea, tick and worm infestation can cause serious (and costly) health issues. Stay on schedule with regular preventatives - which could be a tablet, a chew, a topical liquid or spray, or in some cases a collar.
You can make things easy in these early days by joining a preventative wellness program like Greencross Vets' Healthy Pets Plus - a membership plan that covers vaccinations, microchipping and unlimited consultations, and discounts on parasite prevention.
2.
Once upon a time, dog food was dog food - but these days, we're all more aware of the importance of good pet nutrition.
"There are a number of ways to provide a complete and balanced diet. More people are tending to home cooking meals for their pets, because they wish to feed a more "human diet" aligned to what they like to eat over commercially available products. After all, pets are family."
explains Dr Adam Sternberg.
It's important, though, to be sure your home cooked dog food recipe stacks up. “95% of online pet food recipes are lacking essential vitamins and minerals,” says Dr Adam Sternberg. One solution? Try a fresh-frozen option like The Nosh Project, which gives you the peace of mind your pet is getting balanced, human-grade, home-cooked nutrition, while also saving you the time and hassle of actually, well, cooking.
Need advice? Petbarn store team members have up to 100 hours of pet nutrition training, so just ask.
3.
Just like human babies, puppies maximise their potential with quality learning opportunities.
"Puppy school helps socialise and develop communication skills, while Beginner Classes provide valuable training in manners and communication for older dogs,"
explains Dr Adam Sternberg.
Given these vital skills, it's no surprise more humans are enrolling their puppies in formal learning experiences than ever before.
Top treats, training and clean up products
4.
Puppies require a lot of sleep - they're growing, after all! That means considering bedding options - of which there are many.
"A few generations ago, dogs slept in the yard - in a kennel, if they were lucky," explains Sternberg.
"Now there's a boom in dedicated dog beds that are as plush and comfy as our own."A dedicated sleep space provides your dog with the foundation for a solid sleep routine - something that's vital for all babies, fur and human alike.
5.
Finally, it's smart to consider what you'll do if unexpected vet treatment is necessary.
"Pet Insurance covers common situations like accidents, illness, broken bones and more - and those are often pricey to treat as there is no Medicare for pets,"
explains Dr Adam Sternberg.
Video call services like WebVet also help make vet care more affordable. What's more, they can be accessed from anywhere - good news given 55% of Australian dog-owners planned a trip with their pet last year.6 (Remember, if you're travelling by car with your dog, always ensure you're across tethering laws.)
At the same time, take a preventative approach. Consider a wellness program like Healthy Pets Plus that can keep your pet healthier and happier for longer - and save you money along the way.
"Then once you've got the basics covered, your puppy is ready to thrive," says Dr Adam Sternberg.
The rise of the furchild: why our dogs are more human than ever
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. People less likely to live in couple families with kids [Internet]. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Bureau of Statistics; 2019 Mar. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/people-less-likely-live-couple-families-kids
2. Laria M. Australians having fewer babies than ever [Internet]. KidsNews. NewsCorp Australia; 2021. Available from: https://www.kidsnews.com.au/humanities/australians-having-fewer-babies-than-ever/news-story/8b7f2c3d83310fb90d04d804dff7d596
3. RSPCA. How many pets are there in Australia? [Internet]. RSPCA Knowledge Base. RSPCA Knowledge Base; 2023 Jan. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-many-pets-are-there-in-australia/
4. Basaraba S. Do People With Pets Live Longer? [Internet]. Verywell Health. Verywell Health; 2020. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/pets-and-longevity-2223874
5. Karen B. London, PHD. Chemistry Between People and Pets Is Real (It's Science). The Wildest;.Feb 2023 Available from: https://www.thewildest.com/dog-lifestyle/oxytocin-chemistry-between-people-and-dogs-real
6. Australian Dog Lover. Stayz Unveils Ulti-Mutt Holiday Homes in Australia [Internet]. Australian Dog Lover. 2021. Available from: https://www.australiandoglover.com/2022/03/stayz-unveils-ulti-mutt-holiday-homes.html
All information contained in this report is from Pet Pulse unless stated otherwise.
