Opinion: When treating pets like family goes too far

Dressing pets in elaborate outfits might be appealing for social media, but does it really serve a pet’s best interest?

Australians spend more than $33 billion each year to make sure their pets are healthy, groomed and stylishly well-accessorised.

It has seen our furry friends being upgraded from simple companions to cherished family members that are showered with attention, affection and all the creature comforts they could wish for.

Viewing pets as family members often leads to improved care, increased attention on their wellbeing and a rise in responsible pet ownership. But are we barking up the wrong tree by treating our pets more like humans and forgetting their real needs?

In today’s pet economy, our four-legged companions enjoy luxurious treatments and items that were once unimaginable. From designer pet accessories like stylish collars and leashes to gourmet pet food, the options appear endless.

Pets can now indulge in fashionable clothing, plush and comfortable beds and even professional spa and grooming services complete with massages and facials. High-tech fitness trackers monitor their activity levels and customised portraits immortalise their presence.

But it often crosses the boundary between providing good care for pets and imposing human lifestyles on them. For instance, dressing pets in elaborate outfits might be appealing for social media. But does it really serve a pet’s best interest?

Similarly, the pet food market offers myriad gourmet options though it is often unclear whether these products meet a pet’s nutritional needs or merely cater to human preferences.

And while it can be fun and heartwarming to celebrate a pet’s birthday, does the pet appreciate the cake and presents or would it prefer a simple day of play and affection?

Providing pets with shelter, comfortable bedding and nutritious food is a responsible part of pet ownership. Yet we must be careful not to go overboard and compromise their wellbeing by imposing human ideals on them. We need to ask ourselves whether ours pets genuinely benefit from excessive pampering or whether we are merely indulging our desire to humanise them.

Our actions must genuinely enhance our pets’ lives rather than erasing their natural instincts and needs. So should we put a leash on our pet pampering ways or let our furry friends continue to enjoy the royal treatment they have become accustomed to?

Professor Gary Martin is a workplace and social affairs expert