Anthropomorphism - the tendency to attribute human forms, behaviors, and emotions to animals or non-human objects - is a trend that has been increasing worldwide for some decades.
While for some people it represents a way to strengthen the human-animal connection, showing empathy towards their pets and interest in their well-being, some experts warn that certain practices can be harmful.
In that context, a study released through the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the United States concludes that some behaviors of anthropomorphism towards pets can have a harmful effect both physically and emotionally.
The project involved 11 specialists from two universities in Mexico (Autonomous Metropolitan University and National Autonomous University of Mexico) and one in Italy (University of Pisa), highlighting that there are anthropomorphic behaviors that compromise the well-being and physiology of animals.
"Some practices can even lead to dehydration, a condition that can result in consequences such as high blood pressure, thermal shock, and even death, depending on the intensity and frequency of the animal's exposure to these stressors," comments veterinarian Karina Lezama, one of the authors of the study.
The researcher points out that anthropomorphic behavior is often a result of the intrinsic human need to relate to someone who is understandable and easily understood. This can lead to interpretative biases regarding the animal's actual state, often aimed at satisfying the human need for a certain type of relationship, rather than trying to recognize and appease the emotions, motivations, and intentions of the animal.
"This form of anthropomorphism towards pets intensified in the 20th century as people began to form close bonds with animals that show greater morphological similarity to humans, including pets and those that have an external physical resemblance to humans," adds the expert.
The study attributes anthropomorphism to an implicit connection with animals, adding that those with more similarities in appearance and behavior to humans are the ones that tend to be anthropomorphized.
Likewise, it points out that the tendency to anthropomorphize can be driven by factors such as the need for control, loneliness, satisfaction of one's own social needs, and emotional attachment to non-human companions.
Currently, companion animals play an important role in the lives of many people by creating a human-animal bond characterized by acceptance and treatment similar to that of family members.
“In a positive sense, owners invest to keep their non-human companions alive and healthy. However, humanization has supported countless products that do not always meet the biological needs of animals. Problems can arise when human behavior becomes incompatible with the needs of the animal and, consequently, endangers its well-being,” concludes Karina Lezama.
Metro spoke with Giacomo Riggio, a veterinarian specializing in animal behavior, to learn more.
Q: Can you give us some negative examples of anthropomorphism in the health of pets?
One very important issue is giving human food or products unsuitable for consumption to pets. Malnutrition is a factor observed due to the consumption of junk food or an imbalance in the necessary caloric proportions. This can cause obesity in pets, a condition that can affect their musculoskeletal system.
Another aspect is the application of cosmetics to pets, although scientific studies have not determined whether cosmetic products such as hair dyes, nail polishes, and lotions are beneficial or harmful to animals, or to what extent.
Due to the complexity of the functions performed by the skin, dressing animals can have adverse effects, forming a barrier that can interfere with thermoregulation, altering the balance between heat gain and loss. Textiles also increase moisture levels in the skin and can increase adherence between the fabric and the animal's skin, causing discomfort or even skin lesions.
Q: What other examples of negative anthropomorphic practices can you give us?
- Preventing or restricting their physical activity and movement. Carrying animals in arms or in school backpacks, or transporting them in strollers for prolonged periods. These are things that can affect their behavior and well-being by reducing their freedom of movement and their ability to control environmental stimuli. This can lead to the development of emotional disorders, such as phobias and anxiety.
Unnatural postures can have negative consequences. When dogs have flexed limbs, they may feel discomfort and develop a biomechanical and metabolic syndrome. If the movement of a limb is restricted, muscle atrophy and damage due to disuse can occur, leading to orthopedic diseases and osteoporotic fractures from increased bone loss and decreased physical activity.
Overfeeding along with lack of physical activity due to the close relationships between humans and animals can lead to obesity, a health problem that is increasing in both frequency and severity. In fact, it is estimated that between 20% and 50% of dogs are obese, due to an excessive number of meals, snacks, and/or treats.
Q: Any advice for better interaction between people and their pets?
- Although pets may seem to have certain similarities with human characteristics, they are not human. Companion animals have different biological needs that must be met and vary depending on the species, breed, age, physiological condition, and zootechnical aspects.
Therefore, understanding and recognizing that the anatomy, histology, and physiology of pets show particularities compared to humans will help people better understand the commitment that humans must take on to respect the nature of animals.
Any action that people consider taking regarding their pets should take into account not only empathy and human emotions, but also be based on scientific evidence to avoid actions that may harm their own interests and needs.
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