Do you know that people and their dogs have almost 84% of the same DNA? Yes, it's correct! Our pets are not only integral to our lives, but they are also part of us genetically. We shared the planet with dogs for thousands and throughout this time, a relationship was formed that is much more than just friendship. This is a joint experience or journey, in which not only the people had to adapt but to the environment, diet, and lifestyle their genes did.
So let’s embark on this captivating voyage into the lives of pets and humans and examine the impact this blend has on everyday routines and health.
An Evolutionary Journey Together
Humans and dogs have been associated for thousands of years, dating back to when the wild wolves first began to interact with people. These interactions facilitated the domestication process, which could be said to have altered human as well as canine conduct. But it was not only about co-existing; it was about evolving together.
As time passed, dogs became accustomed to living in human society and adopted a way of life as well as a diet similar to ours! Humans began adopting an agricultural facet, and so did dogs with their ability to consume a starch-laden diet. This enhanced evolution left a trace in genetics that resulted in our bodies and theirs showcasing striking parallels in the assimilation and adaptation of nutrients as well as reacting to environmental stresses.
Common Health Risks
One of the things I found most astonishing when it comes to our interconnectedness at a genetic level is the fact that it applies throughout our presence, and can impact our well-being. Health concerns like Diabetes, Heart disease, and even Cancer plague dogs, and some want to think that this is pure coincidence. That is far from the truth, smoking as an example is a genetic flaw that both the canines and the humans at their most basic level, share.
Lifestyles and Health: Many pet owners are at fault for this, the owners set a poor example when it comes to what a healthy meal is, and what isn’t. Processed diets pair up with bad eating habits lead both the canines and their owners down the thick path of obesity.
Behavior and Stress: Humans while sharing a meal with their furry companions, often forget that they need breaks. As a result stress and anxiety consume the canines, leading them to misbehave, which goes to show how closely embedded we are in a physiological and emotional context. Though dogs do the same things and don't misbehave when there's a break.
The Impact of Epigenetics
Epigenetics as a field analyzes how our environment, diet, and lifestyle affect the expression of certain genes, and it is quite intriguing. In her book Canine Nutrigenomics, Dr W. Jean Dodds aims to show how the same applies to the genes of our pets and not only to human genes.
Let us analyze the mechanism step by step:
Diet – healthy or junk – Effects on Gene Translation: It is well known that eating a balanced diet cuts down the chances of developing chronic diseases and this applies to pets too. Hence, following a healthy regime alongside pets increases and enhances the expression of genes.
Environment – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Environmental factors such as pollution, stress levels and physical activity can all catalyze gene expression thereby causing alteration in one’s health.
Two-way Influence: With maintaining healthy routines in individuals comes in added advantage for their pets, making their lifestyle healthy indirectly as well and setting off a cycle of upsurge.
For example; these shifts build upon one another and demonstrate our capacity to better the health of our pets if we switch to a diet containing fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which is a wholesome diet. Such a concept explains quite well the essence of the relationship between us and our four-legged companions.
Behavioral Connections
Has it ever crossed your mind how your dog always seems to be a reflection of who you are? If you are happy, they are more playful, and when you are under stress, they appear to be agitated. This is not an accident, rather it is due to having a biological basis and because of hundreds of years of co-evolution.
It has been scientifically established that pets, especially the dogs, have the ability to sense human emotions. This sense owes its origin because these animals worked side by side with humans and depended on them for survival. The stronger our bond with them, the more they seek to understand our emotional signals.
Ways Opened By Psychology to Strengthen the Bond
Having established the depth of the connection with the pet, the key question that arises is how can this be applied to benefit the pet and the owner more?
Focus on Diet
Develop mealtime menus which meet the requirements of both the owner and the pet.
Avoid pre-packaged items and instead focus on ingredients that are organic and nutritious.
In order to formulate a diet strategy that is appropriate for the pet’s breed, age and activity level, it is advisable to obtain the advice of a veterinarian.
Take Part in Active Exercise
Regular walks or play activities should be incorporated in the daily schedule of both humans and pets.
Your pet will benefit physically from fetch, and agility training will provide them with the mental engagement they require.
Optimize The Surroundings
Cut down the noise and clutter in the house to minimize stress for your pets.
Engage with them by cuddling, playing or through simple companionship for quality time together.
Be Aware of Health Problems
Take your pet for regular vet visits to check and monitor their health.
Research the most frequently occurring genetic problems in a breed, or ones which are characteristic for a given breed.
Start Meditation
Do some relaxation with your pet and practice mindfulness with them.
Since pets often imitate their owners, a calm and positive attitude can have a calming effect on your pet.
An Affectionate Silence
The zoomorphic relationship with the pet is deeper than we think. It's not just feeding it or throwing a ball to it, the emphasis here is on the span of development, health, and happiness that we can achieve together. We can cultivate health if we understand the genetic factors and emotional attachments that are integrated with the creation of life with us.
So, when you are making plans such as “I will prepare some healthy food” or I “will go for a quick stroll” don’t forget: there is a companion in this endeavor. Both of you can develop lifestyle changes that can help ensure that both of you will enjoy a longer and healthier life.
This is because when it comes to our pets, it is not just about giving them shelter in our homes, it is about giving them a part of us, a life including our blood.