When it comes to the concept of addiction, many people think that it is limited to humans alone. However, it is important to mention that even animals can get addicted, including your pets.
Addiction is a strange aspect of nature that proves that almost all creatures, big and small, can get addicted to a wide range of substances.
A good chunk of the knowledge we have about addiction today was first tested with animals in the laboratory to understand how it affects humans.
There are several cases of animals who took substances that affected their mental state of mind.
Hence, it debunks the myth that states that addicted individuals had a poor mind frame or character because animals have been known to take different substances to achieve a mental state goal.
When your pets are exposed to addictive substances, there is an equal chance that it would affect them. You will notice that your pet’s behavior is out of place- it’s not something you are used to.
If a pet enjoys the euphoria and thrills that come with addiction, they are likely to repeat the same act- just like humans!
Therefore, it is important to watch what your pets are exposed to. Keep substances like drugs and alcohol out of their reach so that they don’t develop an obsessive interest in them.
When it comes to behavioral addiction, there is an unlikely chance that pets can get addicted except if they are given the full freedom to do what they want. However, since the pet is under your care, their behaviors and mannerisms are likely to be regulated by you.
Pets, and animals in general, can be used as the ideal test subjects when researching addiction because we can control their lives and the likely influences around them.
A pet’s behavior when addiction is involved is not due to socioeconomic incidences or society, it is purely because of the substance it ingested.