Pets in the Family: Practical Approaches

Abstract

Adapting family life cycle theory to include pets provides veterinarians with a framework for understanding and reinforcing the human-animal bond. The family genogram with pets is a practice tool that identifies all people and pets in the family, enhancing the practice of One Health at the community level.

Are Millennials really Picking Pets over People? Taking a Closer Look at Dog Ownership in Emerging Adulthood

“…Few studies have examined the roles of pets in the lives of emerging adults; however, pets have been recognized for their protective effects on people's health since the 1980s (McNicholas et al, 2005). This lack of attention to pet ownership during emerging adulthood is surprising given that Hodgson and Darling (2011) explored pets in the family life cycle, noting that after leaving home, young people often acquire a pet with which they establish patterns of Are Millennials really Picking Pets over People?…”

Pets' Impact on Your Patients' Health: Leveraging Benefits and Mitigating Risk

“…Pets can also act as replacements for human family members, either augmenting or interfering with human dynamics. 14 People are deeply affected by the loss of a pet; their responses can echo those to the loss of a human family member or companion. 18,22,23 Grief may be severe, affecting the owner's health and well-being.…”

“…12 Pets are actively integrated with everyday living. 4,13,14 They participate in family rituals and ceremonies. Many families buy holiday gifts for their pets and often celebrate their birthdays.…”

“…4,14,22 Asking about pets ( Figure 1) is a simple and valuable communication ap-proach. 56 Enquiries about the patient's home life, including pets, is appropriate when taking a patient's environmental history to update the cumulative patient profile, especially during the initial visit and periodic health reviews.…”

“…15 In times of family transition, such as illness or death, pets support coping, resilience, and recovery. [13][14][15][16][17] Military families report that pets provide significant support and stability during the disruption caused by the relocation of a family member. 15 Contrary to stereotype, pet lovers seldom supplant humans with animals in their relationships; rather, they generalize their capacity for love, empathy, and compassion to all species.…”