Since I’m a married woman without children, I’m usually asked questions about my womb. The typical answer is usually something like, “my dog is my baby.” This elicits a giggle, but I also sometimes try to make some serious statements.
A store associate recently stated that she would have gotten a dog if she had the choice.
She gushed about how much she loved her dog, which made me think about the psychology behind pet ownership.
She said that her dog provides her with unconditional love, which is something I’m familiar with.
Is it a real thing that people would want to own pets? According to a psychiatrist, it’s not uncommon for people to do so, especially since raising a child can be very challenging.
However, the health and behavioral concerns of children and pets are vastly different.
Dr. Julian Lagoya of Mindpath Health explained that the health and behavioral concerns of children and pets are very different.
It’s also possible that people have more love for their pets than their kids due to how their own offspring can cause them more stress and headaches.
It’s also easier to take care of a pet than it is to care for a child, as they have more complex needs.
While there are some issues that come up with raising a pet, it’s easy to wax poetic when talking about how much simpler life is with pets of all ages.
Besides being more complex, pets also tend to fall into your routine.
They don’t ask for much beyond what they need, and they don’t show signs of tantrums or talk back when they’re not being asked for much.
Moreover, they don’t have to deal with the expense of school supplies, expensive gadgets, or college tuition.
It makes sense to be more happy to see a dog when you walk into the house than you are to be in charge of your own blood and flesh.
According to a 2019 survey conducted by Pet Owners, over 30% of parents prefer to have their pets over their kids.
A study conducted in 2014 revealed that the brains of mothers are similar to those of children when it comes to the emotional bond between them and their pets.
According to Lagoy, this feeling can also occur with other animals, such as cats and dogs.
He noted that humans have a more intimate relationship with cats and dogs than other animals. It’s important to pay attention to this if you’re constantly placing your priorities on your pet instead of your kids.
If you’re feeling a bit resentful or a lack of affection towards your offspring, it’s important to consult a mental health professional.
According to Lagoy, one should be more likely to love their own kids more than anything else, but the bond between a pet and a child is different.
If you feel that you’re being treated poorly by the authorities and have a preference for the welfare of a pet instead of a child, you might need to seek professional assistance.
A therapist can help with a variety of issues, and they can provide you with the space to work through your feelings.
According to Lagoy, your feelings are valid, and you should refrain from feeling guilty if you’re more likely to love your pet than your child, especially if your offspring is struggling with their behavior. There is no limit to love, and it’s perfectly fine to be secretly grateful for how a dog or cat snuggles up close to you during a tough day with your kids.