Many people consider their dogs as part of the family but do our furry friends reciprocate these feelings?

According to an expert, it all hinges on how you nurture your pets. The key is to involve them in household activities and ensure they feel loved and secure.

Lisa Larson, an animal communicator, shared on Quora that if "you treat him in a maternal fashion, mother him, care for him, give him the feeling of being safe, and do all those 'motherly' things we do as pet parents" then your pet will perceive you as its parent.

She further stated: "I would say most animals have that relationship, some have a sibling relationship, some are best friends, some are even business partners, but dogs definitely feel they are part of a 'family', if their family gives them that type of love and treats them that way, which is absolutely delightful to know."

On the other hand, those who believe "dogs are just dogs and need to be treated like dogs", are unlikely to cultivate the same intimate relationship.

People agreed with Lisa's analysis in the comments section, as reported by Devon Live. One commented: "I say dogs and cats know if you treat them with love and affection they do think that you are the parent. Both of mine do - my dog and cat."

One other user chimed in: "We are blessed to be their mums."

A further individual shared: "I am my doggie's mum and he is my very precious little boy. I look at his sweet face and I have to get up and pet him!

"When we are asleep he has the whole other half of the bed but he sleeps so close to me that I feel him breathing."

They added: "My parents were not doggie lovers although they loved my family's doggies. So I didn't know how much I would love a dog until my husband and I got our first dog.

"My husband was one of those TRUE doggie lovers. And his love for our pet(s) taught me about the deep love between a doggie and its owners or parents!"