The family system is a functional unit comprised of interconnected members, their roles, affections, responsibilities and their relationships. Companion pets are often the “glue” in the family bringing members together and increasing family anchoring. Attachments with pets in the family provides not only psycho-logical but social and emotional support alongside. After a stressful workday or psychological exhaustion, their enthusiastic greeting, affection, non-judgmental support on arriving home becomes the most. preferred company in this modern era. These companion pets bring out the best in us in respect of responsibility, kindness, affection, first-aid, and concern for other living things. We develop a much deeper respect for life in general.
In modern society nowadays, both singles and couples, often choose to raise their companion pet before or instead of parenthood, for gaining abilities to provide furtherance, affection, limit- setting, concern and responsibility for the another living being, whereas in midlife crisis, many parents who are launching their young adult children turned out to be the pet family, or acquire a new companion, to fill a void or emptiness. Overall we have a single conclusive point that companion animals provide not only socioemotional support to the family, single, couple, children or to the elder member but also facilitates coping, recovery, and the most important RESILIENCE. So whenever person is feeling vulnerable, lonely, or depressed, others may be preoccupied with something, distant. because of some kind of responsibility, or uncomfortable in relating Bonds with their companion pet offers comfort, affection, and a sense of security to them. Their loyal bond sustained them with the family members throughout the aftermath. Pets often are a catalyst or therapy for release and discussion of deep emotions and suffering. There is growing interest and industry of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in individually oriented clinical practice for children and adults, yet its application in systemic approaches is thought to be explored soon.
Regular check-ups are an essential part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Many pet owners bring their pets either on every six months or every year to their veterinarian for wellness exams. Your veterinarian will advise your pet to run few basic diagnostic screenings tests based on your pet’s health condition and age. Those basic screenings are blood biochemistry, complete blood count, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasonography, X-rays, and faecal testing for the parasites. Early detection will save your money and your pet will also suffer less in dealing with the health issue. It is sad that our pets cannot talk, they can’t tell us what they are feeling, or if something is troubling them. Sometimes we are able to understand sometime we aren’t. The common known fact about our pet is that one year of a pet’s life is equivalent to 5-7 human years, dogs and cats age faster than humans, therefore, they need more frequent visit to the vet than we go to the doctor. This ultimately help the pawed friend to enjoy a long and healthy life with their loved one.
Dr. Deepti Sharma
M.V.Sc, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Veterinary Surgery & Radiology CSKHPKVV, Palampur