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Human Animal Bond
mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Human Animal Bond? | Defined as a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals. Influences the health and well-being of both humans and |
| emotional | love, attachment, companionship |
| psychological | stress relief, emotional support, motivation |
| physical | exercise, routine, health benefits |
| historical progression | adversarial relationship - survival-based animals for food and labor pasture ornaments/yard dogs indoor pets family members |
| Aristotle (350 BC) | Greek philosopher. Believed animals existed for human use (food, clothing, labor). |
| Rene Descartes (1600s) | French philosopher. Believed animals had no souls. Animals did not deserve ethical consideration. |
| Immanuel Kant (1800s) | German philosopher. Believed animals lacked self-consciousness. No direct moral obligation to animals. |
| ASPCA (1866) | founded as animals' welfare awareness increased. Focused on: - preventing cruelty - regulating animal research - eliminating vivisection (surgery on conscious animals) |
| Monotheistic Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) | - Humans seen as the height of creation - Moral responsibility to be compassionate toward animals. |
| Hinduism | One supreme being with many forms. Belief in reincarnation. Emphasizes equality of all living beings. |
| Buddhism | Encourages kindness to animals. Principle of doing no harm or minimal harm. |
| Ancient China (Tang Dynasty) | Dogs given as exotic gifts. Certain breeds restricted to imperial families. |
| Europe (18th - 19th Century) | Farm dogs allowed indoors. Increase in disposable income. Shift from working animals to companions. "Lap Dogs" symbolized wealth and social status. |
| Pet Ownership Statistics | Dogs: 38.4% Cats: 25.4% Birds: 2.8% Horses:0.7% |
| Household Trends | 80% of pets live indoors. More single-parent households. More childless couples. Growing elderly population. |
| Emotional Perception of Pets | ~1/3 of owners call pets "family". 80% refer to themselves as "mom" or "dad". 68% but pets' gifts. 63% say "I Love You" to pets daily. |
| Benefits of the Human - Animal Bond | Companionship and emotional support. Increased physical activity. Reduced stress and blood pressure. Lower BMI. Motivation and routine. Protection and assistance. |
| Veterinary Professionals' Role in the HAB Core Responsibility | Strengthen the bond between client and pet. Understand that bonds vary between households. |
| Strong Bond Households | Highly emotional decisions. Difficulty accepting when medicine can no longer help. May make selfish or prolonged care decisions. |
| Weak Bond Households | Decisions often financial driven. May not prioritize long-term care. Decision-maker may not be emotionally bonded. |
| Professional Communication & Ethics | Involve all bounded members in decision-making. Educate clients clearly and compassionately. Do not judge client decisions. Document ALL communication in the medical record. |
| Emphasize Care & Education | Husbandry (proper care and environment). Vaccinations. Medications & procedures. #1 REASON PETS ARE SURRENDERED TO SHELTERS. BEHAVIORAL ISSUES. |
| Building a Bond as Veterinary Staff | Stress affects patient behavior. Animals behave differently with owner's vs clinic staff. Explain procedures clearly to clients. Maintain open communication regarding patient progress. |
| Why Veterinary Medicine? | Prevent animal suffering. Promote animal welfare. Protect and strengthen the human - animal bond. |
| Examples of the Human-Animal Bond | Working dogs (police, military). Therapy and emotional support animals. Guide Dogs. Search and rescue (SAR). Elderly individuals and their pets. Children with special needs. |
| Commitment & Care | Lifelong commitment to the pet. Choose pets suitable for lifestyle and home. Understand time and financial responsibility. |
| Basic Needs | Food, water, shelter. Healthcare. Companionship |
| Legal Requirements (EL Paso Example) | Microchipping, Vaccination, City Licensing |
| AVMA Guidelines: Continued | protect animal health and welfare. Proper identification. Follow local ordinances (leash laws). Prevent overpopulation: managed breeding, containment, spay/neuter |
| AVMA Guidelines: Quality of Life | Provide training and socialization. Prevent negative impact on others. Provide exercise and mental stimulation. Include pets in disaster planning. |
| Plan for pet care if owner is unavailable. Recognize quality-of-life decline. Discuss end-of-life care with a veterinarian. | |
| Pros and Cons of Pet Ownership | Pros: companionship and unconditional love. Emotional and physical health benefits. Responsibility and routine. Protection and emergency assistance. |
| Cons: Cost of care. Emotional distress during illness or euthanasia. Lifestyle restrictions. Property damage. Potential liability. | |
| Human- Animal Bond & Compassion Fatigue | Definition: Emotional exhaustion from prolonged caregiving. Also known as secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma. Impact: Gradual loss of empathy and emotional resilience. |
| Compassion Fatigue: Warning Signs | Chronic emotional/physical exhaustion. Reduced empathy. Irritability, anger, anxiety. Sleep disturbances. Headaches, weight changes. Poor decision-making. Work-life imbalance. Decreased career satisfaction. *1in 6 veterinarians have contemplated suicide* |
| Managing & Preventing Compassion Fatigue Personal Strategies: | Strong support system. Healthy boundaries. Self-care routines. Hobbies outside of work. Journaling. |
| Workplace Strategies | Supportive clinic culture. Regular breaks. Mental health days. Leaving clinic during lunch. Seeking therapy. |