Picking The Right Pet
Choosing the right pet is an important decision. However, picking a pet on impulse without considering key issues can lead to unnecessary neglect and abandonment.
More than 10 million cats and dogs end up in shelters every year, some because of disappointing experiences.
Early Show Veterinarian Debbye Turner discusses the proper way to find the right pet.
Turners says future pet owners should take the necessary steps to choose the right pet that fits their lifestyle. Whether a person lives in an apartment, have kids, or travel a great deal, the right pet is out there waiting for the right owner.
Before getting a pet, future owners should go to the library or bookstore and get a book on breeds and pets to educate themselves. Veterinarians are also great sources of information about specific species and breeds. Also, friends that own pets can provide useful facts. The more a person knows, the better it will go.
The next step, says Turner, is to determine why a person wants a pet. Some might want a pet for companionship and need a naturally affectionate pet. Others might want a pet for protection — an alert, assertive dog breed would be perfect.
A purchaser of a pet should be aware if younger children or seniors live in a house. Toy breeds may not be the best choice for a family with infants and toddlers, who generally have not yet learned to be gentle with handling animals. A miniature poodle, yorkie and similar small animals could easily suffer a broken bone in the hands of an over-exuberant child.
Large, rambunctious dogs may not be the best choice for the elderly. A big dog could easily knock over an older, or weakened, person causing undue harm.
Turner suggests that parents should be mindful when buying a pet for children. She says in most cases, it is the parent that will be taking care of it. Parents should make sure they are willing to step in when the kids lose interest or get too busy.
Turner also says that getting a pet because it's popular or trendy is just plain a bad decision.
Dogs can live up to 20 years. So can cats. Some birds can live up to 70 years! Pet owners have to be ready for that kind of commitment. Remember, says Turner, pets are like raising kids, except the pet never goes to college and leaves home!
Pet owners spend more than $11 billion a year on pet care. The cost of veterinary care a year for a dog can run from $200 to $300 for a healthy pet. All pets must be vaccinated. And spaying and neutering dogs and cats prevents disease and pet overpopulation.
The cost of dog food for a year is between $100 to $400. Owners should not forget to factor in grooming, training, toys, supplies and boarding or pet sitting. This can add up to several hundreds of dollars.
Turner believes future owners should also consider if someone in the family has allergies or if other pets already live in the home.
Living arrangements are also important. If owners live in an apartment, cats, small dog, fish or bird are best for pets. If an owner has a yard it is fine to have a big dog. A pet owner that is not home a lot should get a fish or cat because they don't need lots of time and attention. People ready to buy a puppy should ask themselves if they have enough patience to teach it to socialization, house training and obedience.
WHICH PET IS BEST FOR WHICH SITUATION
Fish
Fish are great for the person on the go. They are colorful, fascinating and relaxing. But remember, fish need to be fed regularly. And their aquarium must be properly cleaned for them to survive. Tank cleaning can be a big, time consuming job. So if you owner does not want to do it himself, they should budget for the cost of having a professional come to the home.
Birds
This pet is best for the person who has plenty of time and affection to give. Life expectancy can range from eight to eighty years. Birds are very social animals. Many make the mistake of thinking that birds don't require a lot of time and attention but they do. They actually demand it. Behavioral problems can develop if a bird doesn't receive the stimulation it needs. Plus birds can need very specialized diets, housing and atmosphere.
Cats
Great for the on the go person, the elderly and older children. Usually, all a cat requires in fresh water, plenty of food and a clean litter box. They pretty much take care of themselves. Although cats are solitary by nature, they thrive on love and attention. So the owner must have time to give affection to their cat. If a person works long hours or travels some, cats can easily be left along for a day or two. But if an owner is going to be away for longer than two days, they should hire a pet sitter. Life expectancy for cats can range from 15 to 20 years.
Small Dogs
These breeds (Miniature Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pekinese) are great for single person households. They are great for old folks and apartment dwellers. They sometimes don't do well with a lot of people, noise and activity. They love individual attention. They are not always the best choice for families with small children. Toddlers can cause great harm to their fragile frames. Their life expectancy can range from 10-20 years.
Active Dogs
Medium and large sporting, hunting and working breeds (Labs, Goldens, Border Collies, Dalmations, German Shepherds) need lots of physical activity. They need time and space to run and exercise. These breeds are great for the active person who has time to run and play with their pet. The owner also needs either a yard - with a fence - or access to a park. Unless a person is dedicated to walking the dog at least twice a day, these are not the best breeds for people who live in small apartments. Their life expectancy can range from 7 to 15 years.
Giant Breeds
These dogs (Great Dane, Great Pyrenese, St. Bernard) need lots of room! They are very big. They eat a lot so count on a big grocery bill. If you have a small apartment, don't get one of these dogs. Be prepared for the fact that these dogs salivate a lot. Giant breeds don't live as long as smaller dogs. Life expectancy can range from 5 - 10 years.