Inspired by this story, of a dog adopting nine ducklings after their mother went missing; we wondered why some dogs do this. Don’t dogs usually eat ducks? From kittens to baby tigers and lambs, dogs have been reported to accept other animals of their own. Why would they include other animals or birds in their pack?
Every animal need not apply
Not all animals are welcomed by all dogs into their pack even if they are alone and abandoned. Research has shown that all mammals give off scents or pheromones. These scents communicate with other animals and often dogs will respond to these scents. Though female dogs are more likely to take in other animals, male dogs have also adopted orphans.
Domestication plays a role
Dogs are more willing to accept another species into their pack because they have been domesticated over many years to be social. A social dog craves interaction with humans as well as animals. Though dogs would prefer the company of other dogs, they are able to form a bond with another animal for companionship.
Just like your human child has a teddy bear they cuddle and take everywhere, a dog likes that kind of support and bonding with another living thing. The other animal becomes their social support and their personal teddy bear.
Instinct or empathy
Humans may look at a dog looking after a flock of ducklings and be touched by how cute it is. Science is not sure, however, that dogs feel empathy or other emotions. Dogs do respond to other animals when they are stressed. Research has proven that dogs have similar basic emotions to a human two or three year old. If there is an empathy factor in a dog adopting another animal, it is of a very basic nature.
More likely it is the dog’s pack instinct kicking in. Just like your dog sees you as the boss of the pack, they see an orphaned animal as a member of the pack. Not on their own level, this new member of the pack needs to be shown the ropes and taken care of at first.
Interspecies adoption
Just a quick trip around YouTube will give you many examples of dogs adopting out of their species and happily raising ducklings, kittens, tiger cubs and more. Pairing exotic animals with a dog doesn’t happen easily or naturally in most cases. The predatory animal must think of the dog as its mother or father. When the potentially dangerous animal grows up, it is not likely to eat his or her mom because of the bond they have formed.
Not just dogs
Even though most of the news stories about inter-species adoption are about dogs, there are also wild animals and even marine life that have adopted. Cases of animals adopting one of their own species are very common and almost seem instinctual. This instinct may also kick in when these animals offer care to one not of their species.
The relationship between the animals has to be mutually beneficial. Social companionship, again, can be a big motivator in any animal species. This is true as long as the companionship is not outweighed by threat or competition. Adding another member to the pack that can secure more food or offer protection in a new way is a motivation for animals to adopt outside their species. The adopted animals typically pull their own weight.
