How
To Be The Owner Every Pet Wants
You
may want a new pet, but should you get on?
There are plenty of good reasons to do it. Pets provide consistency, stability, entertainment, an
emotional outlet, a means of stress reduction and a method of socialization.
If you already have one pet, then a second may give all those things to
the first. But there are equally
good reasons not to get a pet.
Maybe
where you live pets aren’t allowed, or you can’t properly exercise your pet.
Perhaps your busy schedule or budget restraints won’t allow you to
properly care for the pet, a family member has severe allergies, or you’re
unwilling to commit to a life-long, loving, responsible pet partnership.
In
some ways, choosing a pet is similar to choosing a family car. You
can pick from a variety of types, colors and sizes... but only one will be just
right for you. Purebred or half-breed, as with making the right car choice
you should ask around...seek advice; veterinarians, breeders, pet trainers and
behaviorists, shelter personnel, etc.
There
is also a major difference between getting a new car and adopting a new pet.
A pet is a living being whose life your human family will shape, share,
and nurture. You can’t trade it in on a whim or just park it in the
kennel. A pet partnership is a
lifetime commitment. Your pet will
become an important part of the family for years to come. Therefore, you must consider the traits of the breed and a
specific pet versus the lifestyle and commitment of your family before you make
a final selection to get a certain pet or to get a pet at all.
Few
would argue that pets deserve and need to have owners who are loving and
responsible. In fact, we use the
term “responsible pet ownership” loosely all the time, but “responsible”
for what?
Remember these 8 points and you’ll be on your way to sharing your life with the ideal pet.
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Exercise you pet |
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Concentrate on preventative health care |
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Follow your veterinarian's advice |
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Keep you pet’s teeth and gums healthy |
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Don’t overfeed your pet |
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Don’t give excessive treats |
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Get socialization and behavior training |
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Spay/Neuter your pet |
Contributed by Janet Swim
