subject: Choosing A Pet [print this page] A pet can change the personality and spirit of your home. They can be a shield against loneliness or a playmate for a child.
Choosing the right pet for your home can be a big decision. You want to make sure that you can provide for it, that the pet will fit the lifestyle you live, and that it has a personality that will fit in.
Before purchasing or adopting a pet it is important to realize the financial and time requirements that a pet consumes. They will need medical checkups, the right kind of food, and other breed specifications fulfilled.
Pets are not an object you can let be for a couple months and come back to find it in the same condition. They need care and attention.
While thinking about this it is important to remember that certain animals will require more maintenance than other. For example, a gold fish will need it's bowl cleaned every so often and food sprinkled in once or twice a day.
In contrast, a poodle requires veterinarian attention and professional grooming in addition to normal feeding, walks, and care. It is also important to consider the age of the family.
Young children will not be able to handle pets that could be dangerous, such as snakes. Traditional pets like dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils are all good options for young children.
Recently reptiles have been growing as a popular option for a pet. Reptiles are easy to groom, control, and care for. They are also unique pets. The most popular pets in the reptile category are lizards, turtles, and frogs.
Keep in mind that your children may not understand that being rough with an animal can harm them. If this is the case, their interaction with the animal should always be under supervision.
Hamsters have traditionally been the favorite pet for very young children. They are friendly, have soft fur, and rarely bite.
Hamsters also require very little grooming and are relatively cheap to buy and maintain. Besides the age of the family, the term you are willing to commit to caring for the pet should also be considered.
The average life for dogs and cats is somewhere between 10 and 12 years old. However, indoor cats have been known to live until they are 20 to 25 years old and dogs can live up to 18 years old.
Once you have purchased a pet, you have moral commitment to care for it the rest of its life. Buying a pet is not a good idea if you cannot make this commitment.
The environment in your home should also be considered. Pets love stable homes where all of their needs are met. Pets do not only need enough room to run, a place to sleep, and food. They also love to live in stable homes.
They like to have an established routine with specific feeding times and a bed time. Decide which pet will best fit your daily schedule, personality, and budget.
It is generally suggested that a pet should not be adopted if someone with a very volatile temper lives or very young children live in your home. It is also a good idea to postpone buying a pet if your family is one that travels a lot. Pets need attention and love being around people.
They do not do very well when their family is gone for extended periods of time frequently, even if they are provided for by a hired pet sitter. People who are sickly and have extended, frequent hospital stays are also encouraged to not invest in a pet.
However, a pet can be very beneficial to a human's health. Loneliness is reportedly one of the largest problems in America.
Side effects of loneliness include decreased motivation to do things and a pessimistic attitude. People who are lonely feel disconnected, anxious, and depressed.
When people suffer from these symptoms they often feel a lack of energy to change. Many people do not have positive relationships with friends and family because of death, divorce, or argument.
However, these people still find happiness and success because they do have a connection with a pet. Caring for a pet is very therapeutic. They can reduce stress, and increase the feeling of wholeness and peace.
If you can, pets provide the health benefits that are worth the investment of time and money.
by: Terry Daniels
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