pet ownership
Do you have a dog or a cat, or maybe both? The majority of people in Australia do, with similar numbers of ownership across all developed countries. Whilst the biggest surge in ownership occurred during Covid, the rates of pet ownership has continued to grow. There are about 29 million pets in 6.9 million households in Australia. This figure includes dogs (48%), cats (30%) then fish and small mammals, such as guinea pigs and reptiles.
People who grew up with pets are more likely to owns pets themselves as adults, with the greatest growth in pet ownership amongst 28 – 35 year olds worldwide. This group of younger people will spend about 150 euros (AUD 264) a month on their pet. People over 65 are less likely to own pets.
Australia ranks behind the US and China for pet ownership. Most pets now live partly or full time indoors. Pet food and accoutrements is a growing market. Demand for premium pet food is growing rapidly. Many Australians consider their pet a member of the family and, as a result, the pet industry is growing rapidly. Clothing, accessories, care, training, tech items and even therapy sessions are popular.
Luxury brands are hot on the pet trend! Amongst other things, the luxury brand Celine offers a lambskin bowl and a plastic toy featuring the brand’s monogram (160 euros), Dior, Prada and Louis Vuitton offer collars and leashes. Dolce & Gabbana have launched a dog perfume (100 euros). Other luxury brands offering dog or cat merchandise include Gucci, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Barbour, Moschino and Versace.
Pet owners say their pet offers good company, affection and comfort. Owners of dogs say they prompt exercise. There is a social aspect about visiting the local dog park. I’m having coffee tomorrow with someone I met at our dog park 24 years ago. I also have lunch with a group from the dog park occasionally. Good company, a beautiful park, lots of exercise on grass amongst the trees and lots of amusing antics provided by the dogs.
benefits of dog ownership
Then I opened an article called ‘How Your Dog Can Help You Worry Less and Live More’ (Link) Every dog owner knows the joy of arriving home tired or frustrated to be met by an enthusiastic pet. They’re very pleased to see you and keen for a cuddle and attention. All they want is some play time and then to cuddle up with you. In fact, research shows dogs can help us manage stress and anxiety. There’s no judgement, no tricky questions and no need to explain. This is the concept of Angelika von Sanden’s book, ‘Sit, Stay, Grow. How dogs can help you worry less and walk into a better future’. The author is a social worker and therapist, so was often told by dog owners how their dog gave the owner a sense of purpose, the need to carry on, ‘the shoulder to cry on, the one steady, unjudgemental being in people’s lives.’
She writes that daily walks, playing and even just observing your dog can ‘relieve negativity, find happiness and live more meaningful lives. Von Sanden suggests we need to treat ourselves with the same love and kindness we extend to our dogs. ‘We treat our dogs with so much more love and patience than we give ourselves.’
Other studies she refers to support this claim, showing dogs can lower cortisol levels, increase oxytocin and also lower blood pressure levels. Patting a dog can trigger regions of the brain associated with social bonding and relaxation. The author also claims dogs can teach us to be more intentional by paying attention to their behaviour, such as curiosity, joy and intention. She says ‘ a dog is an amazing example and teacher to help us be in the present moment. No phone, just you and the dog.’
The daily dog walk is an opportunity to observe your dog. Focus on what the dog looks at, sniffs, just being present in the moment. The author suggests beyond companionship, dogs, through curiosity, loyalty, playfulness and their ease can help their owners to enjoy these behaviours, too.
We’re currently without a dog. We had intended to do a lot of travel this year, so were postponing getting another one. Reading this article reminded me of the time spent at the dog park over the last 20 years. Our dog park is green with mature trees, views of the river and delightful dogs and their lovely owners. I miss going to the park!
All images Pixabay.
