scholarly journals Anthropomorphism and Its Adverse Effects on the Distress and Welfare of Companion Animals

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3263
Author(s):  
Daniel Mota-Rojas ◽  
Chiara Mariti ◽  
Andrea Zdeinert ◽  
Giacomo Riggio ◽  
Patricia Mora-Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Junk Food ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Locomotor Apparatus ◽  
Nail Polish ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
And Behavior

Anthropomorphic practices are increasing worldwide. Anthropomorphism is defined as the tendency to attribute human forms, behaviors, and emotions to non-human animals or objects. Anthropomorphism is particularly relevant for companion animals. Some anthropomorphic practices can be beneficial to them, whilst others can be very detrimental. Some anthropomorphic behaviors compromise the welfare and physiology of animals by interfering with thermoregulation, while others can produce dehydration due to the loss of body water, a condition that brings undesirable consequences such as high compensatory blood pressure and heat shock, even death, depending on the intensity and frequency of an animal’s exposure to these stressors. Malnutrition is a factor observed due to consumption of junk food or an imbalance in caloric proportions. This can cause obesity in pets that may have repercussions on their locomotor apparatus. Intense human–animal interaction can also lead to the establishment of attachment that impacts the mental state and behavior of animals, making them prone to develop aggression, fear, or anxiety separation syndrome. Another aspect is applying cosmetics to pets, though scientific studies have not yet determined whether cosmetic products such as coat dyes, nail polish, and lotions are beneficial or harmful for the animals, or to what extent. The cohabitation of animals in people’s homes can also constitute a public health risk due to infectious and zoonotic diseases. In this context, this paper aims to analyze the adverse effects of anthropomorphism on the welfare of companion animals from several angles—physiological, sanitary, and behavioral—based on a discussion of current scientific findings.

scholarly journals The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
Daniel S. Mills ◽  
Catherine Reeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

scholarly journals Knowledge regarding adverse effects of selected cosmetic products among higher secondary level girl students, Chitwan

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-32
Author(s):  
R Shrestha ◽  
J Shakya
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Skin Irritation ◽  
Secondary Level ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Nail Polish ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
High Level ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Girl Students

Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odour of the human body. The age that females begin wearing makeup gets younger and younger with every new generation. A descriptive study design was used to find out knowledge regarding adverse effects of selected cosmetic products among higher secondary level girl students. A total 70 female students of Maiya Devi Girls’ College, Bharatpur-10, Chitwan, 34 students of grade 11 and 36 students of grade 12 were selected by using probability simple random sampling lottery method. The result revealed that out of 70 respondents, 30% were of age 17 years, 51.4% were studying in grade 12. 34.3% respondents’ had experienced adverse effects from using cosmetic products, 50% had experienced acne, almost all respondent’s 98.6% got information of cosmetic products from television. Majority 82.9% of the respondents answered that cosmetic products are the substance use to enhance the appearance of body. Cent percent respondents’ had knowledge that lipstick cause lip cancer, 88.6% had knowledge that kajal cause dry eye syndrome, 97.1% had knowledge that skin lightening cream and sunscreen cause skin cancer and perfumes cause skin irritation, 87.1% had knowledge that mascara cause eye irritation, and 98.6% had knowledge that nail polish cause cancer and reading expiry and manufacture date can prevent the occurrence of adverse effects. Majority 72.9% of respondents had average level of knowledge, 17.1% had low level of knowledge and 10.0% had high level of knowledge. Statistically there was significant association between level of knowledge of the respondents’ regarding adverse effects of selected cosmetic products and grade of respondents (p = 0.044). 

scholarly journals Advancing Human–Animal Interaction to Counter Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Time of COVID-19: A Model for an Interdisciplinary Public Health Consortium

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2325
Author(s):  
Angela M. Hughes ◽  
Lindsey Braun ◽  
Alison Putnam ◽  
Diana Martinez ◽  
Aubrey Fine
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Human Costs

The mental and physical human costs of social isolation and loneliness—and their possible amelioration through human–animal interaction (HAI)—have both received intense attention since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its lockdowns, quarantines, and related mitigation measures. Concern about society’s “loneliness epidemic”, however, predates the pandemic, as does serious inquiry into HAI as a positive intervention. Recognizing the potential of companion animals to make a difference on an important public health issue, the Consortium on Social Isolation and Companion Animals—a novel partnership of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare—launched a joint initiative in 2019 to advance HAI research, address barriers to HAI, and support best practices in bringing together animals and people to ease loneliness. Beginning with a first-ever summit of multidisciplinary thought leaders, this collaboration has already yielded actionable insights and research projects. As a novel partnership initiative in the HAI field, it offers a promising model for future cross-disciplinary forward thinking to elevate HAI for the mutual benefit of companion animals and their welfare, as well as vulnerable human populations.

Cute and Cuddly and a Whole Lot More? A Call for Empirical Investigation into the Therapeutic Benefits of Human–Animal Interaction for Children

2001 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas, R. Fawcett ◽  
Eleonora Gullone
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Human Species ◽  
Unconditional Positive Regard ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Assisted Intervention

AbstractThere are many indications that humans have a tendency to affiliate with nature, and with other living beings, including non-human species. Examples of such affiliation range from spending time in parks and nature reserves to humanising our companion animals to the point that we accord them family-member status and strongly grieve their passing. Research has also shown that humans can benefit significantly from their relationships with non-human animals. For example, studies have indicated that even the mere observation of animals can result in reduced physiological responding to stressors, and in increased positive mood. In the present review, we propose that findings such as these may provide important information regarding the potential benefits to be derived from incorporating non-human animals into intervention strategies, particularly for children. Of specific relevance for children is their fascination with, and attraction to, non-human animals. There is also the very nonjudgemental nature of human–animal interactions (i.e., unconditional positive regard) that has been argued, among other benefits, to serve as a useful “bridge” for the establishment of rapport between therapist and child. However, despite promising avenues of investigation, the area of animal-assisted intervention remains largely neglected by researchers. In this paper, we call for sound empirical investigation into proposals regarding the potential therapeutic benefits of incorporating non-human animals into intervention programs.

scholarly journals Perspectives of emerging zoonoses – challenges and opportunities

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Muhammad Tariq Navid ◽  
Raheela Akthar ◽  
Muhammad Zeeshan Bhatti
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Zoonotic Disease ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Increasing Demand

Zoonoses are the infectious diseases that are linked with human and animals. During the last few decades, human-animal linkages and close associations have been increased the zoonotic diseases threats upto several times. The increasing demand and love for animal based edible proteins have resulted higher rate of human-animal interaction. Greater the interaction rate, higher the zoonotic disease threat. Moreover, the human, animal and environmental factors have increased the threat of vector-borne and food–borne illnesses globally. In the present study, we have focused on vector-borne and food-borne diseases that are transmissible between human and animal species. We have highlighted a few opportunities through which we can reduce the chances of emerging zoonotic disease illnesses in developing countries such as Pakistan.

scholarly journals (NON-HUMAN)ANIMAL COMPANIONSHIP: A CRUCIAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
JANET HOY-GERLACH ◽  
MARY RAUKTIS ◽  
CHRISTINA NEWHILL
Keyword(s):  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Stressors ◽  
Empirically Supported ◽  
Human Functioning ◽  
Animal Companionship ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Difficult Times

Background Human-animal interaction (HAI) offers benefits across physical, emotional, psychological, and social spheres of human functioning. The aim of this paper is to delineate how animal companionship, via provision of HAI benefits, offers vital support to people experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stressors. Method Each of the empirically supported types of HAI benefits – physical, emotional, psychological, and social – will be situated within a biopsychosocial framework of human functioning and considered in terms of how they may help to ameliorate stressors specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Benefits derived from animal companionship may help alleviate physical, emotional, psychological, and social stressors specifically related to experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion Benefits of animal companionship may be particularly salient for well-being and coping when people are experiencing a dramatic increase in stressors via a pandemic crisis. Community responses need to include plans (pet food pantries, temporary foster care, veterinary access/zoonotic safety) for keeping people and their companion animals together during such difficult times. Originality/value This article is unique in that it delineates the animal companionship benefits in terms of how such may help alleviate stressors associated with a pandemic.

Assessing the Dog: A Theoretical Analysis of the Companion Animal’s Actions in Human-Animal Interactions

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coley Vitztum ◽  
Julie Urbanik
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Objective Measurement ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Role ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Potential Methods

Companion animals are proposed as valuable assets in human-animal interaction (hai) for human-health interventions. The benefit of ahaiis presumably based on the interaction between the two species. Although the actions and reactions of the human are routinely evaluated, nominal consideration is given to the influence of the nonhuman animal’s actions in the interaction as well as in the outcome of the intervention despite evidence in studies demonstrating the cognitive, emotional, and physical capabilities of the animal. The attributes of the dog and the current role of the dog in animal-assisted therapy (aat) are presented in this theoretical analysis as the foundation for assessment of the animal inhaifor human-health interventions. Rationale for the legitimacy of the dog (animal) as a subjective participant and potential methods of objective measurement for the dog as a participant inaatandhaiare discussed.

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