subject: Your Obligations To Your Pet [print this page] Owning a pet is a bigger responsibility than many people realize. When they envision adopting a darling ball of fluff, they only see the benefits they as the owner hope to gain from it--companionship, love, and, of course, a little extra fun.
That is certainly meant to be part of the deal, but there are some extra obligations that you may not be thinking of, even as you stroll through the rows of cages as the local animal shelter. Let me give it to you straight so that when you make that commitment for the life of your new pet, you can feel more prepared and act in a responsible manner.
Remember that this little critter is wholly dependent upon you. That is more than just giving it food, water, and occasional attention and playtime. Think about the other needs this particular animal has.
For example, many people become enthusiastic about a certain type of cat or dog without considering the grooming it will need. Long-haired cats in particular and some dogs with heavy coats need constant brushing, and if that is not done, vicious mats and clumps of fur can occur, which often have to be cut off if they get too severe because they can cause skin damage. Ouch!
You will have to always keep your pet current on all their shots. This means that you must be organized enough to keep track of when they had their last round of vaccines and be financially stable enough to pay for them. Remember that there are some clinics that provide shots at discounted rates, but if you have multiple critters, this can add up quickly.
Along the same lines, you need to ensure that every one of your pets has had a microchip implanted. This is a small device that is placed in the pet "subcutaneously"--right under their skin. In the event they are lost, a microchip ensures they can be more easily located.
Cats need to stay indoors. Your neighbors or friends might allow their kitties to roam to catch mice or birds on their own, but leading studies prove that outdoor cats have a significantly shorter lifespan, as they can be attacked by other animals, contract diseases, or be hit by a car. If you love your cat, don't take that gamble.
Guard your pet against fleas and ticks. Not only is infestation by these nasty little boogers unpleasant, it can be hazardous to you and your beloved ball of fluff. They carry diseases--some ticks can even infect you with Lyme's Disease, which is very painful and not easily treated--and they just make life miserable.
Don't wait until after an infestation has already occurred--protect them starting today. You owe it to them.
by: Art Gib
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
