Are you trying to decide which pet best suits your family? You’re not alone—as no two families are alike, it’s important to find a pet that fits your family dynamic. There are several important factors to consider prior to bringing home a new pet: where you live; in town, in the county, in a house or apartment, whether you have children, allergies, or an irregular work schedule. The kind of lifestyle your family leads, the cost to care for the pet, and the overall health of your family.
If your family is prone to severe allergies, you’ll most likely want to avoid pets whose dander contains allergens that might worsen symptoms. While the animal kingdom does come with some furry friends of the hypoallergenic variety, reactions to these animals can vary depending on the person’s individual sensitivity. For a full list of hypoallergenic breeds, click here. For fur-free, consider a reptile or fish. Despite their small size, these pets can provide large amounts of happiness, companionship and love to your family. Since neither reptiles or fish require daily walks, these pets might be a good fit for a household where the caregiver’s schedule has unpredictable hours
If someone in your family is prone to minor allergies but still wants a furry friend, a bird or small animal such as a ferret, bunny, guinea pig, chinchilla or hamster can be a great addition and can also provide equal amounts of love. Before committing to a small mammal, be sure to do your research on which one would be best for your family based on size, care and needed supplies. Even small animals require daily exercise and should spend some time out of their enclosures in a supervised and safe pet-proof environment. Because they do not require daily walks like dogs do, small animals would also be a good fit for families who do not lead a very active lifestyle. For all members of your family and especially for those that suffer from allergies, it’s a good idea to spend some time with a new perspective pet before you buy or adopt to gauge your sensitivities to the pet.
If you’re considering adding a dog or cat to your family, you’re not alone—according to The American Pet Products Association survey, the US has about 83.3 million dogs in 164 million households and 95.6 million cats reside within those 164 million households. Adding these four-legged family members can mean the ultimate companionship your family is looking for. Veterinarian care for both cats and dogs should be of utmost importance to make sure they’re properly vaccinated and in good health. Dogs and cats should be treated monthly for fleas, ticks, heartworm and other parasites. Both animals should be spayed and neutered to avoid unwanted litters and overpopulation. Dogs require daily exercise, some more than others, while cats should also be on an exercise regimen to avoid obesity.
Pets can and should be thought and cared for as another family member when added to your household. It’s important to consider your family dynamic prior to adding one of these lovable pets to your household to ensure their overall health and happiness.
For more information on choosing the right pet for your family, contact us! Our experienced and friendly staff is waiting to answer your questions—after all, at Petsway, we’re dedicated to helping you find your pet’s way to health and happiness!