Human relationships suffer when you obsess too much time on your phone and other technologies. But, that is not the only relationship that suffers.
Humans’ attachment to technology could have negative effects on pets, too.
Unlike cats, dogs have a stronger connections with their human companions. They may feel sad when their pet parents focus most of their attention to a screen. Veterinarians warn that pets may develop behavioral issues because of this.
“We’re a nation obsessed by our mobile phones,” Iain Booth, veterinary surgeon and founder of VetUK, told Metro. “But this gadget dependence is jeopardizing the important relationships we have without pets, particularly dogs and to a lesser extent house cats.”
He explained that dogs may become sad and emotionally distant without feedback from their human. This may be due to the fact that dogs are pack animals.
“To understand what’s going on, we have to look at the basic principles of how a dog interacts physically and emotionally with a human,” Booth said. “You administer every facet of its life – you collect, you feed, you show it where it’s allowed to go and you – hopefully – nurture its development.”
So when you are more invested to your phone, Booth explained that vital bond with your dog breaks down.
“That dog requires constant feedback and interaction. It wants to please you – that’s simply how its evolutionarily hard-wired,” he added.
UK campaign group Digital Detox reported that adults spend an average of nine hours and 30 minutes a day on their phones – more time than they are asleep.
Veterinary nurse Amber Pickwork warned that this kind of lifestyle habits may be linked to the spike of reported unruly dogs.
“Id urge people to put their phones away when they’re with their dogs,” Pickworth said. “You might think you’re spending quality time with your animal when you take it for a walk, but the minute the phone comes out, the dynamic changes without you even realizing it,” she said.
“After all, as the saying goes – a dog might be a small part of your world, but you’re their entire world.”
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