The increasingly strong link between people and their pets has being studied for many different professionals, seeking to understand the social, cultural and biological characteristics transformations caused by this phenomenon. The pet has become like little babies, cute mom and dad, faithful companions, living like part of the family. Many things has being change on the pet`s lifestyle, like industrialized food, new medications, indoor aspects, and others. The truth is that the handling of pets has never been more humanized. The strong owner’s attachment to theirs pets is a phenomenon caused by shortcomings of modern man lifestyle. I am myself a pet owner, like everyone who really loves pets. I think we should pay attention when people, decided to take preference of coexistence with animals rather than other human beings, search in fact, a guarantee of loyalty and authenticity in the relationship, aspects they find difficulty to achieve in a relationship between people in the world nowadays. We can see very often pets sleeping in bed with their owners, eating expensive foods and suffer from diseases that affect humans, such as cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems and cancer. Some of them have being medicated with psychotropic drugs to combat stress and depression. Some get dressed up as Santa Claus at Christmas, wear expensive jewelry, birthday parties, among others extravagances. Diseases, tests, diagnostic methods and treatments increasingly resemble those made in humans. Veterinarians are daily becoming more demanded to the application of their knowledge, gained throughout academic and professional life, to caring about the well-being of the one who is now a member of the family. The exaggeration on the pet care is a subject that can be seen from different points of view: by the need of company from humans and behind it - and sustaining it all - hides the pet industry that realized the humanization of pets as a great profit growth opportunity. Although beneficial for the pet industry this phenomenon is not always the healthiest path for the animal and owners. While some owners do not see disadvantages, experts demonstrate some concerns. The gestures of love are good. The problem is when the people forget about the animal nature needs. This growing pet humanization turned the pet existence from the backyard to the king of the house and we can see two consequences: the decrease in human relationship and a change in the animal’s lives. I think it is important first to have a reflection on our own nature as human beings. Also we can`t forget the difference between species needs. It is so basic to remember that pets are different species from human beings and respect this fact. Our current lifestyle has been disconnected from nature itself, especially in big cities. This can turn into a pet stress source. Usually they don`t need very much to be happy with us. Let`s try to become more simple again! Realizing that with exaggeration of care, the animal can begin to behave like a spoiled child: you may lose control, aggression, hyperactivity, antisocial behavior can happen more often. I know it's a challenge to maintain our connection to nature today, but I think, we can`t forget about it and do make an effort to treat our pets in a more healthier way, after all we love them and this is the most important thing.
Gisela Novaes