Choosing a Pet - Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Commit

Choosing a pet that fits in perfectly with your family can be

difficult. There are many factors to consider before you bring

a pet home to your family. You should ask yourself the

following questions before you commit to anything:

    Is my home the right size to add an animal?
    Will everyone in the household be able to live with the

hair?
    Will this pet pose a risk to my family/children?
    How often will my pet be inside/outside of the house?
    How physically active am I? Do I need to change my

activity habits for my pet?
    How much time can I devote to the pet?
    Do I have the financial resources for possible veterinary

bills?
    Can someone care for my pet if I decide to travel without

them?
    Can I withstand the noise level that the pet will

introduce to my home?

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed after reading some of

these questions, that is a good thing. It is better that you

don't have a pet or delay getting a pet than to get one and be

unprepared for a change in lifestyle.

Choosing a dog for your home

Below are some tips for adding a dog or a puppy to your home:

    Dogs are very social creatures and will require that you

spend a significant amount of time with them each day. Leaving

them alone with no form of entertainment or exercise can lead

to bad behaviors.

    Each dog breed has different behaviors and needs. If you

are set on getting a specific breed, make sure that you have

researched it thoroughly before you commit to owning it. For

more information dog breeds, please visit the American Kennel

Club website.

Bringing a new cat to your home

Thinking of adding a kitty to your home? Here are some things

to consider:

    Cats are less social than dogs, but they still require

significant attention. Not giving your cat the attention it

needs can lead it to get bored and destructive.

    Cats can have differing personalities. Some will want to

be held, others will try to scratch you to death if you touch

them. Make sure you are familiar with the cat's personality

before you bring it to your home, especially if you have young

children.

    Speaking of scratching, cats need to scratch. Some

consider it cruel to declaw your cat, and it is debate that

this can also cause them pain. Consider buying a scratching

post, otherwise your furniture will become one.

    Most cats will use a litter box without hesitation,

however, be sure to keep it clean and change it often.

Final thoughts on choosing a pet

To sum it up, research and commitment. The more you know about

your pet before they are in your home, the better prepared you

will be. This will help you to have a smoother transition when

you bring a new cat or dog home. Remember, most dogs and cats

can live 10 or more years. Make sure that you can commit to

this many years and give them the care they need.

For more tips on pet care, visit our website:

http://utahpetcare.toddgoates.com/

Thanks!

For pet owners or future pet owners in Utah, visit our website

for a tips on giving your pet a happy, healthy, and long life.

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