Should one own a pet ?

Why should one own a pet???

If you didn’t know, there are many physical and mental health benefits of owning a pet. Since pets require regular exercise, this forces you to go outside and exercise with your pet, even if it is only regular walks.  Also, walking or playing with your pet leads to socialization with people that own the same pet as you or just like pets.  That’s what happened with “Mimi and me” when we lived in my last flat.  I made many friends with whom we walked the dogs almost always at the same time every day.  Not long after meeting these people, we started to walk our dogs together at night. Also, walking them regularly can lower your triglyceride levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. I did a research project investigating the benefits of animal assisted therapy and it confirmed the values of having a pet in your life.  Your pet provides both physical and mental health benefits.  There is nothing quite as special as when you return home from a busy day and your pet greets you with a wagging tail, a toy to be played with, or a meow – he/she does not care about the trials and tribulations of your day, only that you are home now and anxious to express their happiness for it – what a treat! 

Are you picking the Right Pet for your family/lifestyle?

Here are a series of questions to ask and answer:

• Are pets allowed where I live?
• How long will this pet live?
• What does the pet eat?
• How much exercise does the pet need?
• How large will it become?
• How much will it cost for veterinary care?
• Do I have enough time to care for and clean up after the pet properly?
• What type of habitat does this pet need to be healthy?
• What type of exercise does this pet need?
• What breed of pet (e.g., dog) will be best for my current situation and for the next 10-20 years?  If you have children or plan to have children, you want a breed that is conducive to children’s behavior, etc. 

It would be best if you asked yourself these questions; otherwise, you might suffer the consequences like I did with Mimi. I did not plan well when I got her.  I thought she would be just like our other dog; generally, low maintenance, and very responsible.  Surprise, I was wrong. A couple of thousand dollars later, I realized that owning a pet is so much more than feeding and enjoying it’s company.  You have to be able to devote time to the pet – exercise (which is super good for owner and pet), medical care if ever needed (veterinarian services can be expensive depending on the medical conditions to be treated – pet insurance is available and useful).  If it were not for my dad, my stepdad, and the dog-sitter always helping when she was sick, I would have gone crazy. Our effort and time are what has kept Mimi with us. If you have an allergic pet like Mimi, you may have to cook for them (special diet).  Even given all the trials and tribulations, Mimi is the best thing that has ever happened to me – my bestie, my travel companion, and now a celebrity! 

Keeping you and your Pet germ-free:

People with weak immune systems should talk to a vet when choosing a pet.  So they can take the right precautions when getting their pet. For example, people with allergies can get a hypoallergenic dog.

Pregnant women should avoid getting a cat while being pregnant or dealing with stray cats. Cats can carry a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis a disease that can cause congenital disabilities. That does not mean you have to get rid of your current cat just don’t cleanout its litterbox – have someone else do so.

Pregnant women should avoid rodents that can transmit a disease called lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, which can cause congenital disabilities. Again if you have one already, have someone else clean its habitat.

Always wash your hands after touching your pet or touching its food or cleaning its habitat and feces. 

It is essential to keep your pet habitat clean. If you have a dog, always carry a doggy bag to clean up after your dog. In not removing your dog’s poop or cat, you can cause hookworms to form, so make sure to dispose of your animal’s business correctly. If you have a cat, clean its litterbox daily and change the sand once a week. So you avoid getting sick and keep your family healthy.

Teaching your children the correct way to interact with your pet is essential, so no accidents happen. So don’t let the child pull your dog’s tail, make sure it keeps its fingers away when the pet is eating. The positive is when your children interact with your pets, it teaches them responsibility. Scientific studies have shown that children who grow with pets have a more significant emotional intelligence than others.

To conclude this article, I would like to say Mimi has changed my life, and she brings people around us and me so much joy.