Lesson - 8

Human animal bond

Learning Objectives

In this lesson we will deal with human animal bond and benefits of
pets / companion animals for people.
Introduction

Human animal bond mutually beneficial

Dynamic relationship
Essential to the health and well being of both
Role of veterinarian - to maximize the potentials of this
relationship
Positive benefits enhances human life quality
Positive impact proved by scientific data, case studies and
validate therapeutic effect
Especially aids in improving the aged, sick and children
Benefits of pets for people
Companionship of pets relaxes and entertains
Important to improve the psycho social effect to the family
members
Protective against depression and loneliness
Reduces stress
Daily comfort, socialization and motivation offered by animals
associated with cardiovascular benefits
Dogs assist people - with mental illness
- With disabilities
- in law enforcement
- Bomb sniffing
- Search and rescue
- War tasks
Responsibility of veterinarian to the society

Members of important health profession

Veterinarian should use knowledge and skill for the benefit of
society
Through - Protection of animal health
- relief of animal suffering
- conservation of animal resources
- Promotion of public health
- advancement of medical knowledge
 . Continued

Veterinarians should protect health and welfare of animals and

people

Advise owners on proper care of pets and livestock

Safe supply of food of animal origin

Animal welfare and human care

Wild life preservation and conservation

Factors influencing the formation of human animal bond

Domestication

Anthropomorphism
Attachments between species

Ex : Dog eats when family sat for dinner

Neoteny
Physical features of babies

Make their appearance cute

Common in puppies, kittens and other infant - animals

 Allelomimetic behaviour

Mimic the behaviour of other group species

Example Mimicking human speech by some species of

birds

Social support

Animal owner eat, sleep and breath together

Dog owner take them for daily exercise walking, jogging and

playing
Concepts in man-animal bond
Pet implies ownership of animal property who live with
people
Companion animal implies a mutual relationship much more
like a child or friendship

Bond
Forming attachment
First noticed between mother and infants
Attachment formed between members of same species
conspecifics
Attachment formed between individuals of different species
heterospecifics