Our pets are a massive part of our family but it is possible to cross the line between animal and child. Take a look at how you can give your pet the life they deserve that is healthy for everyone.

We’re not saying that your pets can’t be your family but there’s a fine line between treating them like family and spoiling them too much. As time has gone on, the relationship between pets and their owners has changed quite considerably.

Pets have gone from being symbols to protectors to hunters and now to our fur kids. As the bond between humans and pets has changed so has the essence of the animal.

Let’s dive into this a little more.

Being a pet parent

The terms “pet parent” or “dog mom” and “cat dad” have become pretty popular. There’s nothing wrong with these terms and to be honest, it’s an honour being a pet parent.

The problem that some pet parents have though is forgetting that their pet is in fact a pet. Not in the obvious sense, you are well aware that your pet is an animal and not actually a child. But the lines become blurry when we choose to treat our pets as though they are human children.

Pets need boundaries, structure and routine. In our time, we have encountered pet parents who carry their doggos around because, according to them, “their dogs don’t like walking” or giving your cat bottled water because they can’t drink tap. It’s not an exaggeration, some pet parents choose the best of the best for their furbabies.

So, how do you give your furkids the best without going overboard?

Striking a balance with your pets

More often than not, we want to shower our pets with love and affection. We also tend to project our emotions onto them. We often think we’ll hurt our pets’ feelings if we do something that we think is upsetting but our pets don’t feel things the way we do.

Instead by not enforcing rules and boundaries, we are creating uncontrollable, aggressive and undisciplined pets.

Pets don’t necessarily need the same type of affection as a human child would need but similar to a human kid, pets need guidance, structure and consistent rules and routine. This will help them develop healthy habits.

Just because you enforce structure and rules, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun though. Bake those pet-friendly treats, go on adventures, and snuggle with them on the couch. Love them and welcome them into your family but that doesn’t mean they can get away with certain behaviour.

For example, if your doggo hates a bath and throws an absolute tantrum when it’s bathtime. Don’t give in. Bath them, it’s better for their wellbeing as well as yours.

The disciplined side of life

There are a few things you need to do in order to create structure in your pet’s life. Try the following;

• Train your pet – if you have a dog, take them to dog training classes. If you have a cat, train them yourself (teach them not to jump on kitchen counters and not to claw the furniture etc).
• Give them their own space – your pet needs their own bed and safe zone.
• Never feed your pet human food – it’s not great for their health and will cause them to beg.
• Remain consistent – if you enforce a rule once, enforce it always. It is far easier to break a habit than create one so by remaining consistent, you’ll teach your pet what is acceptable.

Let the fun begin

As we mentioned, it’s not all doom and gloom military living. Embrace your fur kid and enjoy the time you have together. Some fun and safe things you can do include;

• Take your dogs to the dog park – it’s great for socialisation.
• Give them pet-friendly treats – who doesn’t love a delicious snack?
• Buy them toys – a great way to keep them stimulated and distracted so they don’t get up to nonsense.
• Give them all the cuddles – while pets don’t always feel the things we feel, they still love to be loved, tickled and stroked. Spend some quality time with your furbaby.

Just remember, pets are pets and they were made to be our companions, not necessarily our children. Giving them direction, consistent rules, and letting them know what behaviour is expected from them creates a peaceful, respectful pet, and builds the relationship and bond between you and your best friend.

Yours in cuddle-worthy pet insurance,

Oneplan