Do we love our pets too much, and could it be harming them?

In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore the dramatic shift in how we view our pets - from animals that fit into family life to “fur babies” at the heart of it.

We’ll look at the benefits of closer bonds, but also the hidden welfare risks when pets are treated like humans.

From the rise of “pet parents” to why I now call myself a “guardian,” this episode is about finding a balance between love and species-specific care.

In This Episode:

• How pet ownership has changed over time
• The welfare risks of over-humanising pets
• Why anthropomorphism can lead to behavioural problems
• The role of language in shaping owner attitudes
• Why “guardian” might be the healthiest mindset for pets and people

Key Takeaways:

• Pets are not property — but they’re not children either
• Anthropomorphism can compromise both physical and behavioural health

• Words matter: they shape how we think about and care for animals

Resources & Links

🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet health advice and resources
📊 Read the UK survey from Purina: Purina Pet Ownership Survey
📚 Learn more from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute: https://habri.org/
🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for daily insights and updates

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