Prototypes Connect Human Diabetes with Feline and Canine Diabetes in the Context of Animal—Human Bonds: An Anthropological Analysis

Abstract

This study explored whether previous experiences with human diabetes influenced how people perceived and responded to the onset of diabetes in a companion animal, and if the experience of diabetic pet care might influence people's thinking and actions in relation to human health. We conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with sixteen (16) pet owners who had treated dogs and cats for diabetes, along with semi-structured interviews with seven (7) health care professionals and an appraisal of documentary sources. We found that talking with pet owners about their experience of diabetic pet care brought to the surface poignant reflections on human health and health care. They did not strictly separate human health from what they had learned in the course of caring for a companion animal, in other words, even as they recognized and honored species differences. These findings suggest that the anthropological concept of illness prototypes is relevant for the field of anthrozoology. Indeed, illness prototypes that cross species boundaries may prove useful for health researchers, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and professionals who treat human patients or who aim to promote human health.

Associations between the neighbourhood food environment, neighbourhood socioeconomic status, and diet quality: An observational study

“…Current evidence supports associations between dog ownership and increased physical activity [ 61 ] and better cardiovascular outcomes [ 71 ] compared with non-owners, however, to our knowledge there is no evidence to date on the association between dog ownership and dietary outcomes. The association between dog ownership and diet quality within the context of chronic disease risk reduction and management is one that warrants further exploration given that the way in which owners of pets with diabetes interact, interpret, and respond to the diagnosis and management of their pet’s diabetes may influence their interpretation and response to preventing and managing human (illnesses) diabetes [ 59 ]. Finally, time spent in the neighbourhood was used as a proxy for exposure to the walkshed food destinations.…”

“…Diet quality has many correlates [ 5 , 22 , 59 ]. Covariates associated with diet quality and transport within the neighbourhood in previous literature [ 2 , 5 , 22 , 27 , 59 – 61 ] were captured from the online physical activity, health and demographic questionnaire and included: sex; age (20–39 years, 40–59 years or ≥60 years); race (Caucasian or other races); marital status (married or living with partner, or, other arrangement); dependents (any age) at home (no dependent, or, at least 1 dependent); highest education completed (high school or less, college/diploma/trade, or university); gross household income (≤$59 999, $60 000–$119 999, ≥$120 000, or refused to answer); smoking status (daily or occasional smoker, or, non-smoker); car available for personal use (always, or never/sometimes); dog ownership (owner or non-owner); self-reported mental and physical health (poor, fair, good, very good, or excellent); hours spent sitting per day, and hours spent in the neighbourhood during a typical week.…”

From more‐than‐human solidarity to multi‐species biographical value: insights from a veterinary school about ethical dilemmas in One Health promotion

“…If the animal is someone's pet, then the legal owner must consent to examination and treatment by a veterinarian (Gardiner ). At the same time, however, veterinary practice with pets and adherence to veterinary advice usually pivots on regarding the pets themselves as persons , who resemble humans biologically and even psychologically or spiritually (Rock and Babinec , ).…”

Social Dimensions of the Human–Avian Bond: Parrots and Their Persons

“…One serious consequence of inappropriate anthropomorphization of birds and other companion animals is the tendency to overindulge or feed inappropriate human foods. With a human population faced with escalating incidence of morbid obesity and Type II diabetes, it is not surprising that pets should be experiencing similar patterns (Rock and Babinec 2010). Indeed, Tufts University has recently opened a clinic to treat obesity in companion animals (http://now.tufts.edu/newsreleases/tufts'-school-opens-obesity-clinic-pets).…”