Pets
Consider your lifestyle and needs when choosing a pet
VETERINARIAN DR KATRINA WARREN shares her advice about selecting the most appropriate pet. DOGS AND CATS
Both are undoubtably the most popular pets and come in a wide choice of pure and cross breeds. There is an enormous array of sizes, energy levels, coat types and personalities. While the characteristics of many purebred animals can be reasonably predicted, all dogs and cats are individuals, so their behaviour can vary greatly. These factors mean it is important to choose carefully, thinking about your lifestyle and needs, now and into the future.
MIX OF PEOPLE AND PETS
Consider whether you have children or elderly people in your home. Young children should always be supervised around dogs. Large and boisterous dogs generally don’t tend to mix well with young children and the elderly, as the dogs have the potential to knock them over.
SPACE
You must be certain you are permitted to keep a pet where you live, as some apartments do not allow dogs and cats. You need adequate space to keep a dog. While they can be kept primarily indoors, you need to be realistic, and choose an appropriate breed and plan how you will manage them. You must also be able to
keep a dog secure to prevent them from roaming. In some areas, this also applies to cats. If you plan to keep a dog or cat indoors, it’s a good idea to select a breed or an individual that’s calm and not very active.
EXERCISE
Think carefully about how much daily exercise you can provide a dog and choose accordingly.
GROOMING AND FEEDING
Coat length is particularly important as this will affect the impact of shedding in your home and determine how much grooming you will have to do. Cats are naturally exceptionally clean, but longer coated breeds are likely to require daily grooming, so you need to allow time for that activity. Likewise, medium- to longcoated dogs can require frequent brushing. Some dog breeds are nonshedding, but require professional clipping, which is an additional expense to consider. Keep in mind that larger dogs consume more food, so are more expensive to maintain.
HOME ALONE
Dogs and cats are social animals and need company. Dogs that are left outside on their own all the time are more likely to become bored and a nuisance. If you’re not going to be able to spend time with your dog or cat, you should consider an alternative pet, or perhaps no pet at all.