Apr
5
Written by:
NJVMA Admin
4/5/2011 11:53 AM
For most people, living on their own is a transition that marks a new beginning, which often times can be both liberating and lonesome. Taking into account lifestyle and several other factors before bringing a pet home is absolutely critical to ensuring that the animal will get the attention, safety, and caring it deserves.
When considering what type of pet is right for you it is important to consider several things. Assessing your personal needs and lifestyle along with the needs of the animal should be priority number one.
Below are some guidelines to consider when choosing your new companion:
Talk to a Veterinarian
- Find a Vet that you feel most comfortable with, and will best fit your pet’s medical needs
- Schedule a pre-purchase consultation to help decide what pet will best fit into your life style. This will also help decide what you expect from your veterinarian, and can lead to you developing a strong relationship with him/her.
- Remember that veterinarians are great resources; after all, pets and their people are what veterinarians are all about.
- Veterinarians and their staff can also assist you with making your pet’s transition into your home go as smooth as possible. Through education on pet food, litter boxes, leashes, crates, and training. Most importantly, making sure that your new friend is on a proper health care regimen.
Spaying/Neutering
- These procedures not only prevent unwanted puppies and kittens but also contribute to the health of your pet.
- Even if you acquire a pet that is already spayed and neutered it is still necessary that you get a complete physical exam.
- More than 3 million cats and dogs nationwide are euthanized in shelters, and spaying/neutering is the only effective method of birth control, and way that these numbers can go down.
- Felines and canines are not the only household pet that should be spayed or neutered. Rabbits reproduce faster than both dogs and cats and often end up in shelters for this reason.
Nutritional Needs
- Obesity is the #1 nutritional disorder among dogs and cats. Extra weight puts them at risk for health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal problems, and diabetes mellitus.
- Raw liver fed daily in large quantities can cause vitamin A toxicit
y in both dogs and cats. Along with ingesting raw eggs which runs the risk of contracting either a bacterial or salmonella infection.
- Milk should never be used as a substitute for water, but should be considered a food. Although it does not provide a balanced diet for your animal.
- Reducing the intake of table scraps as well as treats can be helpful in preventing excess weight gain as well as increased activity.
Grooming/Hygiene
- Young animals have probably never experienced the shock of an unexpected shower, which is why from an early age it is important to teach them how to enjoy a bath. This can be done by gently pouring water from a pitcher on their small body and comfort him/her with soft words and treats.
- Puppies and Kittens can suffer from hypothermia, or low body temperature so make sure to use warm water and towel dry them thoroughly to avoid a possible chill.
- Beware of human products when choosing shampoo because they are too harsh on your pets’ skin, instead pet shampoos that are safe for dogs or cats should be used. Although make sure to read guidelines since some shampoos are not safe for animals less than twelve weeks old or cats of any age.
- Longhaired dogs and cats can often be kept fresh smelling and neat with periodic brushing and combing.
- It is important to begin coat care, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming at an early age to train your pet that these are part of normal pet life.
- Prevent periodontal disease in your cat or dog by learning proper brushing and making appointments for your pet to receive routine teeth cleanings.
Caring/Socialization
- If you are allergic to either dogs or cats, or someone in your household is there are plenty of options you can take. First off, if you or a family member has a dog allergy you may want to look into breeds that are hypoallergenic. Although for those with cat allergies it is wise to stay away from a feline friend all together.
- If you have a small backyard, a large hunting breed dog may not be your
best option if you do not intend on walking or jogging every day.
- Always make sure that before taking your pet to a friend’s or family members home, that you make sure they are welcome there. Also keep in mind the other guests at the destination and if everyone would be comfortable with you’re pet being there.
- Before socializing with your pet make sure he/she is up-to-date on vaccinations and that his pet identification tag has current contact information.
- Be a clean dog owner and always carry bags to clean up after your pet.
- Always be aware of your pet’s behavior and where they are when in public as well as inside your home. This is important to avoid any injuries, dog/cat fights, and illness.
Cost/Expenses
- The larger the animal the more it will eat, the more fleas and tick products it requires, and the more medication it will need when it gets sick. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget you may want to consider a small breed animal.
- If money is a concern, look into pet insurance as well as pet savings accounts.
- One way to save money is to stay on track with regular exams and prevention in order to avoid costly events that could have been solved easily if caught earlier.
Personal Lifestyle
- When thinking of what type of animal you want it is important to think of where you live as well as how often you are at home. If you live in an apartment, you might want to avoid a very rambunctious large breed dog, especially if you are rarely home.
- If you have a job that requires a lot of travel you may want to consider adopting a mature cat, or possibly a reptile. Mature cats are generally sedentary and often fit right into households that are quiet all day long. Animal shelters are a great place to find older animals in need of a loving home.
- Before leaving your pet alone it is necessary that you pet proof your home to avoid them getting into mischief or getting injured while you are not away.
- Along with the needs of food and water pets also need your love and attention so you must plan on spending time with them.
Once you assess all these factors get ready to begin building an amazing relationship with your new pet. Animals have the ability to brighten anyone’s day, and everyone deserves to benefit from their loving nature. What else could be better after a long day of work than being greeted by a wagging tail and friendly nuzzle. Contact your veterinarian, local clinic, or shelter today to begin the process of welcoming a new member into your home.
If you need a veterinarian, please visit the Find a Veterinarian page on our website. The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association represents the state's 1,400 licensed veterinarians.