OWNING pets has become a booming trend in the Philippines. In a 2021 survey by Rakuten, the country ranked highest in terms of dog ownership at 67 percent in Asia. Meanwhile, 43 percent of Filipinos own a cat, as per the survey.
Taking care of pets is fun and exciting because they provide people with companionship and increase their overall wellbeing.
However, it must be taken into account that fur-parenting is a serious lifetime commitment. It doesn’t end with providing their necessities, such as food and shelter.
Those who commit to being paw parents also bear the responsibility of ensuring their pets are safe, healthy, and secure under their care.
In this article, republicasia talked to some fur-parents and an animal doctor to discuss the emergence of adopting pets, as well as some tips on how to be the best parent to these magical furballs of sunshine and happiness.
Why Pinoys love taking care of pets
According to licensed veterinarian Dr. Marlo Wisco, most pet owners are taking in animals under their care as a substitute for having human children. This is based on his five years of experience in veterinary medicine.
“May mga furparents kasi na sometimes they do not choose to have children, so some are having pets para they could take care of [someone else],” he said.
He also said some people get pets because they are known to relieve stress and improve one’s emotional and mental health.
Aside from this, Gian Santos, 23, said taking care of animals gives him a sense of responsibility and helps him develop as a person.
After adopting a labrador mix named Cooper, Santos observed that he became more patient.
In photo: Cooper, a one-year old labrador mix. | Courtesy: Gian Santos
The one-year-old, whom he considers his own offspring, also taught him to be kind because of his playful and gentle nature.
“My dog helped me become a more responsible person with better patience and a more kind personality,” he said.
Angieleen Devisfruto, 23, shares the same feeling.
She also believes that, as a Christian, it is her responsibility to show kindness and compassion to these animals since they are also part of the community.
In photo: Phoenix, a 22-month old husky. | Courtesy: Angieleen Devisfruto
Cassandra Isidro, 24, said her pets, Snow, a persian-himalayan mix, Seven and Cee-Cee, shih tzus, Shadow, a labrador, and Elias, a senior belgian tervuren helped her cope with burnout.
In photo: Snow, a five-year old persian-himalayan mix. | Courtesy: Cassandra Isidro
In photo: Seven (left) and Cee-Cee (right), some 20-month old shih tzu dogs. | Courtesy: Cassandra Isidro
Isidro shared that she often forgets the struggles she faced at work upon coming home to her adorable children.
“They are my bundle of joy,” she said. “Whatever situation I’m going through evaporates like bubbles when I see them the moment I open my door.”
Although both Elias and Shadow have already crossed the rainbow bridge, remembering them still gives the 24-year-old a sense of joviality, thanks to these big boys’ charming and fun personalities.
In photos: Elias (left), a senior belgian tervuren, when he was seven years old and Shadow (right), a labrador retriever, when he was six months old.. | Courtesy: Cassandra Isidro
Furry creatures as part of the family
Because of these animals’ loving personalities, it has become irresistible for Filipinos to not treat them as part of the family.
According to a report from the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, pets have ultimately become an integral part of the Filipino family system.
This is because of the many benefits it provides to the family they belong to, which include improving human health and strengthening emotional bonds between household members.
Isidro’s relationship to her pets is a testament to this.
She told republicasia in a separate interview that she sees Snow, Seven, Cee-Cee, Shadow, and Elias as her own kin. She makes sure to provide for their needs like she would for her own children.
They sleep in her bed, and they even have godparents, who are Isidro’s close friends.
“I don’t see myself bringing an actual child into this chaotic world; that’s why I treat them as my children na lang,” said Isidro.
“My parents have already accepted that they are their grandkids, and my friends also stand as their godparents, bringing them gifts when their birthdays come,” she added.
Fur-parenting tips
Whether getting a puppy or adopting a senior cat, having one is a huge responsibility. However, Wisco said fur-parents should not see this as a burden or take it easily so as to compromise their pets well-being.
According to the veterinarian, it is important to monitor pets’ health as they cannot speak to voice out their problems.
This is why he recommends taking fur-babies to regular check-ups, depending on their clinic’s protocol. This would help them identify if their pets are in sound health or if they need medical attention.
Pet parents should also make sure that their pets have updated vaccines to protect them from viral infections. Giving them vitamins and immune boosters also helps them with their appetite and overall health.
Vaccinations, like the 5-in-one vaccine for pets, are crucial in providing them with an extra layer of protection against common illnesses and infections like parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, canine hepatitis, and parainfluenza, or dog flu.
“Sometimes kasi sa mga dog food, yung nutrients na nakukuha is not enough, so maganda sana na nagbibigay tayo ng multivitamins para nasu-supplementize yung mga kulang,” Wisco said.
“Yung immune booster, ito naman yung nagbibigay ng protection sa body ng pets against sa mga common viral infections,” he added.
Moreover, the animal doctor also emphasized that paw parents should also possess important values like compassion for animals and the financial ability to give them whatever they need.
This would ensure that pets are living not just a happy life but a healthy one, as well.
In times of sickness, Wisco also stressed that it is best to immediately take these pets to veterinary clinics to help them recover from their illness.
He said neglecting the signs and symptoms of infections and diseases could worsen the animal’s situation.
Worse, it could even lead to death, he further said.
In addition, he said that, as parents, they are responsible for ensuring that pets are able to attain and enjoy these five freedoms for their welfare and safety:
- Freedom of hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
- Freedom to express
Pets have feelings, too!
Aside from providing for their needs, it is also essential to recognize that animals have feelings too.
Isidro strongly believes in this concept. According to her, during Elias’ sudden passing, she noticed that Shadow, who used to be the former’s best friend, became distant.
She would often find him sulking in the corner where Elias used to hang out, which was unusual for the energetic retriever. He also stopped eating for a few days after Elias’ death.
Devisfruto concurs and said in a separate interview that she is positive that animals can also feel pain, sadness, fear, and even trauma, just like humans.
Santos said pets are affected by how their humans feel and act toward them.
Some im-paw-tant reminders
As fur-parents, it is a no brainer that people want to give their pets everything they want.
Sometimes, they even let them eat their food, a proof of how much they love and adore these furry creatures.
However, Wisco reminded fur-parents to be careful of what they feed their pets, as not all table food is safe for animals.
Some have a high salt content, which he said could lead to kidney problems and failure. Fatty and oily food, on the other hand, could make pets obese or develop heart problems.
“If they want their pets to eat table food, they can prepare boiled meat or vegetables like squash, potatoes, and sweet potatoes,” he said.
He added that if pets are situated outside their homes, parents should ensure they have a shelter that could keep them dry and safe, especially during the rainy season. It should also have a shade to prevent heatstroke.
