They are related: to be treated with dignity, one must be worthy of respect.

They know what side their bread is buttered on

They like being cared for and return that sentiment in spades...it's mutual.

It is dignified to treat others with courtesy. Your self-respect lends you dignity. Respect others until they give you reason not to. Even then, don't lose your dignity by becoming contemptuous yourself. Set a good example and others will treat you with respect. It makes for better relations all around.

Maybe the animals take on some traits based on their owners, based on what they can get away with

Laughing...the few cats that owned me were a lot like dogs...
Our dogs take the concept of feeding to a whole new level, (hand feed, one piece at a time)...the only thing missing is the silver spoon!

Dignity acknowledges the other person as a human being with all the attendant rights and privileges. Dignity extends to calling someone by their appropriate honorific, title, or office.

Respect is not innate, however, it is earned and lost through behavior. I can initially treat someone with dignity - for being a human being - and the respect I believe they should hold. They can then respond or act in such a way as to demean themselves and/or others and thus cause me to lose respect for them.

Example: Barack Obama. While he was President, dignity dictated that he be addressed by his title and name as President Barack Obama rather than the more derogatory Barry Soetero many were fond of using. But then-President Obama held no respect from me because of his deceit and dismissal of those who differed with him politically.

Neither. Treat everyone with courtesy until they earn otherwise.

Words can be deceptive. What one person regards as respect may be different from another's. Often, in ghetto neighborhoods, you best be respecting someone, whether or not they deserve it, or you can be issued a a death sentence. This is very unlike the more mild, civil view of respect in more prosperous communities.

Treating someone with dignity is important, especially when they're down on their luck. I can acknowledge a person's dignity as a human being, without necessarily respecting them.

It's a false dichotomy. Ideally one would do both, however there is no dependence of one upon the other. As an example I cite the case of 'emergency aid' there is no dignified way to save a drowning man. Conversely a medic will provide aid to someone on need without inquiring about that person's deeds, merit, etc.

The distinction is only the viewpoint...
Respect is given by the person treating another with dignity.
Dignity is felt by the person receiving respect.

I have just realized what nonsense I have posted. The examples I gave proved the opposite of my intent. These "golden years" have turned out to be fool's gold.

A dog is for one who wants to be revered as a god. A cat is for one who is willing to serve and supplicate to his/her cat-master god.

Why do some here feel like political affiliations, Right or Left, have anything to do with how we treat one another? I, like many here, have friends that lean both ways and I treat them all with respect and dignity even though my left leaning friends are bordering on lunacy.

Seems like biggest issue here is we all have varying ideas of the definitions of respect and dignity. I always interpreted respect as a given for all humans in a "inalienable right" sort of way. Treating someone with dignity is a choice I make based on my opinion of that person.

I would say, continued respect is earned. Initially you should respect any stranger. Although, there are always exceptions.

I find it interesting that my experience with trump supporters is that they are FAR more respectful and accepting than the so called liberals on the other side

Love thecat comparison, as the owner of three cats and a Sheltie who all get along. Cats demand respect, or you will pay for it. They project dignity.
You can only treat a person with respect, if their actions have earned it from yuo, then it is in degrees. Dignity is something you observe in another person, it comes from within. It is not as common as respect. Some may say they have it, but it is wishful thinking. It comes from living ones life authentically, being their own best, and allowing others to do likewise. It is rarely found in Hollywood or DC.

If such a person is easy to avoid, it's time to move on. Been there, done that.

These are not the same thing. Respect is earned, Dignity is just something that people in a civil society owe one another. I realize that owing someone something as a person in civil society goes somewhat counter to objectivist philosophy....but it is a pragmatic thing to do as treating people otherwise may engender hatred and there is no value in doing that, so i would consider it to be a reasonable thing for an objectivist to do.

Treating people with respect initially is a good thing in that it encourages them to respect themselves and you.

That said, if the respect isnt given back, that is the signal that the person doesnt deserve respect, or even attention after that.

dogs have owners; cats have staff

Treating a homeless person with respect,
“Do you need help? Are you willing to do some work? If you want, I can help you find some work and become more self-reliant.”

Treating a homeless person with dignity,
“Here are your food stamps your royal majesty.”

Respect evolves from DOING respectable things. It does not exist in a vacuum.

How to feed your cat:

With dignity- Wear the servant uniform, use a silver plate, bow when presenting the dish, lower your eyes before the superior creature, place a crown on the cat's head, scratches from the cat are an admirable symbol of service to be displayed with stoicism.

With respect- Make some attempt to maintain the same time for meals, plate is clean as all of yours are, if the cat does not like the expert's recommended brand of tuna try something else, if the cat scratches wear gloves.