Are pets to blame for the falling birthrate?
Birthrates across the western world are falling - with many blaming housing and the high cost of living.
However, a study from the Department of Ethology at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University has found a new culprit - the family dog.
The authors found many people view dogs as less difficult to look after than children, while equally emotionally fulfilling.
On Lunchtime Live, vet Pete Wedderburn said that the research came as no surprise to him.
“It’s normal now for people to see their pets as part of their families,” he said.
“It’s a phenomenon that’s recognised and talked about at veterinary conferences too.
“What it means is that the level of veterinary care that people want is going up and up.
“Whereas 20, 30-years ago, if you told somebody that their dog had something that required something like an MRI scan and complex surgery, they would just say, they would laugh at you.
“Whereas now, it’s an automatic expectation.”
Man playing ball with his happy whippet dog on the beach. Picture by: Carla Tracy Photography / Alamy. 5 June 2023Mr Wedderburn added that animals “make fabulous companions”.
“They give completely unconditional positive regard; in other words, they are always good to us,” he said.
“They’re always friendly, they’re always great company with us.
“Humans - even humans you love - sometimes they are a bit judgemental and their love seems a bit conditional.
“Animals don’t have conditions, they just give positive regard all the time - and that's what we love as humans.”
Main image: A young boy lying down with dog in field. Picture by: Alamy.com.
