Pets Information

How to Choose a Pet


Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United States? Recent statistics have shown that 62% of homes have a pet, and that 46% of homes have more than one pet. That adds up to 380 million pets in a nation with a human population of 290 million people.

The first three categories are cats (78 million), dogs (65 million), and birds (18 million). Also popular are fish and small animals but their number is far behind the numbers of cats and dogs.

More and more people are buying pets because they realise the great advantages of having a pet, a pet is a great companion, a loyal friend and a part of the family. Since a pet has such an important role to play in your life it is important thinking hard to pick the right pet for you.

Carefully considering what pet you will get before getting it will pay off in the long run, that way you wont pick a pet you are incompatible with, you will get on well with your pet and you wont have problems with it in future. A poorly chosen pet may eventually have to leave, and the blame for the imcompatibility will be with you.

If you are choosing a pet the real choice you are probably making is whether to get a dog or a cat, perhaps you are considering a pet that requires less effort such as a fish or bird also. If you decide to opt for a dog you must then choose what breed of dog toget, with over 150 breeds you are spoiled for choice!

A dog will probably prove to be a better companion than a cat - it will be more of a friend, however a dog will also need more care than a cat. Dogs like to be around people whereas cats are more autonomous, they will generally spend their day off by themselves. Cats are more attracted to their home then to their owners generally.

You will need to carefully consider how much space you have, cats and dogd reuire quite a bit of space, so if you live in a small apartment then even a small breed of dog or a cat will feel restricted. If you have very little space perhaps you should go for a bird or fish, or may be a hamster?

Bear in mind that a dog cannot be left alone for very long, they need feeding, walking and attention. This may be a problem if you are away often and there is no one else around to mind the dog. Perhaps a kennel or neighbour would be available to care for the dog while you are away. Cats, though independent, do not like being left alone either although they can cope better than a dog.

Dogs need a lot of attention, they must be walked at least once or twice a day, on top of that they are full of energy and need space in which to live and play. Obviously the larger the breed of dog the more space it needs, large dogs such as shepherd dogs and Saint Bernards need a lot of space. Also consider how much your dog will eat - big dogs eat big meals!

Big dogs have the advantage that if trained properly, they can protect their owner and home, while small dogs (like poodles) are more like a joyful toy at home. Small dogs are also suitable for children or for elderly people, who do not have the energy to walk a dog for miles and miles.

No matter what pet you decide on, ensure you have thought your desision through properly, a badly chosen pet will be unhappy if it doesn't suit you, so pick carefully.

Alyssa Hallam is the webmaster and operator of AH Pet Her site has a great collection of information on all different kinds of pets, including a free newsletter, pet resources and articles. For great pet information, go to: http://www.ahpet.com


MORE RESOURCES:

CatChannel.com

We're spending more on medication for pets
Los Angeles Times, CA - 2 hours ago
Yes, we are spending more and more on medication for pets. Newsweek reports: Next month this will change when Slentrol, the first diet drug for dogs, ...
FDA Approves Single-Dose Antibiotic for Cats, Dogs CatChannel.com
all 2 news articles


Riding With Your Pets
Washington Post, United States - 13 hours ago
Dear Heloise: A couple more thoughts on our PETS RIDING WITH US in vehicles. Even an enclosed sport utility vehicle or car can pose certain hazards that we ...


Pet Rescue Is Heroic, And Pets May Know It
Hartford Courant, United States - 8 hours ago
Q: Our entire lives we've rescued pets from shelters. I really believe that at some level these dogs and cats bonded so tightly with our family because they ...


NBC13.com

Pets need special attention to cope with holiday fireworks
Seattle Times, United States - Jul 4, 2008
Pets that are left outside on the Fourth of July are at greater risk of jumping fences, breaking their chains or becoming so agitated they might hurt others ...
Pets often best left at home during summer Oakville Beaver
Keep Pets Safe On Fourth of July TurnTo23.com
Pets and Fireworks WCTV
WTHR - AXcess News
all 45 news articles


NEWS2USE: Life jackets for pets keep them safe on boats
Detroit Free Press, United States - 13 hours ago
A vest is necessary to keep pets safe on boats or houseboats, say Keene and John J. McGovern of Berkeley, flotilla commander. Having a pet on board, ...


Pets' corner: The cost of getting and keeping a pet
Independent, UK - 21 hours ago
By Chamois Rose-Wood I'd like to buy a small pet for my children, but I am daunted by the cost. How can I keep the cost of purchasing and maintaining a pet ...


Second Chance Treasures resale shop in White Rock benefits East ...
Dallas Morning News, TX - 17 hours ago
Since it was established in 2001, Dr. Fling and staff have rescued and placed more than 1250 pets through the East Lake Pet Orphanage. ...


Pets abused in Ontario
Edmonton Sun,  Canada - 11 hours ago
By SUN MEDIA ST. CATHARINES, Ont. -- Niagara humane society investigators are looking into a third gruesome case of animal abuse in a little over a week. ...


Owners can help pets beat the heat
Biloxi Sun Herald,  USA - 15 hours ago
If you own a cat or a dog you should take precautions to help your pet beat the heat this summer. Here, from the Humane Society of the United States, ...
Pet owners scrambling to find pups spooked by fireworks Arizona Daily Star
all 3 news articles


Holiday fun, for pets and their people, too
Bend Bulletin (subscription), OR - 9 hours ago
By Cindy Powers / The Bulletin Daisy, a 3-year-old miniature dachshund, gets a ride in a stroller Friday morning at the annual Fourth of July Pet Parade in ...

Pets - Google News

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