Even though having a pet is one of the major reasons to be happy with one’s life, not everyone can keep an animal at home. Despite the fact that researches have proven that keeping a pet results in therapeutic as well as health benefits, not all get to have them. If you’re not a ‘pet person’ or the sight of a domestic animal scares you away or disgusts you to the core, you wouldn’t get any benefits by keeping a pet. Even practicality and way of life determines whether you’re worthy enough of a pet. Here are a few points to consider before owning a pet :
Financial Concerns :
A pet when home, isn’t alone. It brings financial needs to cater to too. Food expenses, veterinary bills, toys and other accessories, grooming expenses, a trainer’s expense and other maintenance fees can strike your budget real hard. If you’re one with the responsibility of running a large family with a meager income, probably the idea of having a pet wouldn’t suit you well.
A call for attention :
Another point to cater to is that mostly all pets require their daily dose of physical exercise. There’s absolutely nothing nourishing about unlocking a door to a dog locked all day.In order for your beloved pet to stay calm and healthy, its mandatory to get them some daily care and attention. A walk, or simply casual play-time wouldn’t be so bad. If you run on a very tight schedule and might be held up in office for nights, then probably a pet wouldn’t be your best option.
Members at home :
Families with small children and elderly members at home must consider whether to keep a pet home. Large dogs might accidentally walk over infants or push adults that are unsteady on their feet. If keeping a pet is still your choice, you must choose a small pet like a puppy, kitten or a bunny.
Destruction and its call :
Pets, though adorable can very destructive as well. An accident at home can occur ocassionally, when a pet stays. Some dogs love chewing shoes while some cats are always up to shred upholstery. Negative effects are often seen with pets kept alone without exercise or stimulation for a long period of time.If you cannot stand the idea of walking home to broken antiques or destroyed pots or are used to decorating your house with standing items all over, then you need to give a second thought to keeping a pet.
Responsible Shoulders :
A pet always needs an owner who is capable of being responsible whenever the pet is around. Dogs, of any size or breed, may injure people if not handled carefully. Even cats bite or scratch people they don’t recognise if not kept under control. Pet owners are therefore supposed to be vigilant and responsible with their pets.
Vacations may be no-more :
Are you absolutely in love with the idea of travelling every now and then ? Is your family up for a holiday abroad every summer ? Then you need to think carefully before having a pet. You need good and responsible care for your pet in your absence. Not all relatives or neighbours are fine with the idea of keeping a pet which is not their own. Not all pets can live in strange or new surroundings while you’re away and therefore it’s important to know these points well before you keep a pet.
Landscaping concerns :
If you love your garden way too much or are obsessed with your landscape, you need to reconsider your decision to keep a pet. Some dogs may be tempted to dig holes in your garden while dog urine can leave yellow patches too. Even bitches have been reported to be very destructive when it comes to landscape.
Health Risks :
Pets might be a source of health risks for a few people. While dogs and cats may transmit infectious diseases to their human owners, allergies are a very common health risk of pet ownership.If you or any of your family members has been reported with a pet allergy, you need to decide whether you can live with the symptoms of the allergy if you keep the pet. Also some neighbours and relatives might not pay you visits due to their pet allergies.
Reducing health risks from a pet
- Kids, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for getting sick from animals. Take these steps to reduce your risk:
- Wash hands thoroughly after contact with animals.
- Keep your pet clean and healthy, and keep vaccinations up to date.
- Supervise children under age 5 while they’re interacting with animals.
- Prevent kids from kissing their pets or putting their hands or other objects in their mouths after touching animals.
- Avoid changing litter boxes during pregnancy. Problem during pregnancies may arise from toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease spread by exposure to cat feces.
Source: NIH News in Health