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Dog-parent guilt may arise through mechanisms similar to those seen in parenting.

Stronger attachment to a dog may also be linked to greater feelings of guilt.

Recognizing these dynamics can help mental health professionals better support clients.

A growing number of people live with and share their lives with a pet. It may be a cat, a dog, or less typical animals such as reptiles or small rodents. And these animals do not simply coexist in the household; people often develop very strong bonds with them.

These relationships can have a significant impact on the decisions people make in their lives, including small everyday choices such as where to work, where to live, or where to travel. People’s lifestyles are sometimes adjusted to match the needs of the animal.

But in some situations, people may also feel that they are not fully meeting their pet’s needs, whether because they work too much, struggle to provide enough physical activity or cognitive stimulation, or simply do not feel they are giving enough attention in everyday life.

Exploring Guilt Among Pet Parents

For some people, the perception that they are not meeting their expectations as pet parents can be associated with feelings of guilt and even a sense of inadequacy. And for people who........

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