Choose a Pet That's a Perfect Fit
Ever seen a dachshund working on a fire truck? A chihuahua police dog or a cocker spaniel rescuing people in the Swiss Alps? Just doesn't seem to fit, does it? Oddly enough, a lot of people put a new dog or cat in a similar situation when they choose the wrong pet. Here are some suggestions for choosing the right pet:
Smaller breeds usually adapt more easily to apartment living.
Think twice about giving a puppy or kitten as a surprise gift; impulse-buying is almost always a bad idea.
A new puppy or kitten is under a lot of stress, in a new environment, away from littermates; take the time necessary to comfort your new pet.
Some breeds, especially larger dogs, generally need lots of exercise; without it they may become bored and restless, resulting in destructive behavior.
If you don't want to spend a lot of time grooming your pet each day, a shorthaired breed would be your best choice.
Choose a reputable breeder, most will give you plenty of time to select a pet, provide certain guarantees and allow you to take the pet to your veterinarian for a pre-purchasing checkup.
When visiting a breeder, observe how your prospective choices interact with their littermates; chances are, a less sociable puppy or kitten will grow up to be a less sociable adult.
Consider adopting an older dog or cat from an animal shelter; older pets are usually housebroken, less active than a puppy or kitten, and they won't grow any larger.
If you adopt a pet from a shelter, ask the shelter personnel about his or her behavior; for example, is he or she aggressive, noisy, clean, fearful?
Make sure the animal shelter pet is in good health; ask if the pet has been spayed, neutered, vaccinated or deformed. With any new pet, be sure to visit your veterinarian.
Before you make your final decision, it is important to consider the genetic heritage of the breed. Some dogs were bred to fight, others to hunt, and still others, simply for their beauty. As a rule, your dog's temperament will be greatly influenced by the general traits of the breed. Ask your veterinarian which breeds tend to be more noisy, aggressive, hyperactive or prone to certain diseases. Your veterinarian can be a valuable source of information to help you choose the right pet and breed for you and your family.
Ever seen a dachshund working on a fire truck? A chihuahua police dog or a cocker spaniel rescuing people in the Swiss Alps? Just doesn't seem to fit, does it? Oddly enough, a lot of people put a new dog or cat in a similar situation when they choose the wrong pet. Here are some suggestions for choosing the right pet:
Smaller breeds usually adapt more easily to apartment living.
Think twice about giving a puppy or kitten as a surprise gift; impulse-buying is almost always a bad idea.
A new puppy or kitten is under a lot of stress, in a new environment, away from littermates; take the time necessary to comfort your new pet.
Some breeds, especially larger dogs, generally need lots of exercise; without it they may become bored and restless, resulting in destructive behavior.
If you don't want to spend a lot of time grooming your pet each day, a shorthaired breed would be your best choice.
Choose a reputable breeder, most will give you plenty of time to select a pet, provide certain guarantees and allow you to take the pet to your veterinarian for a pre-purchasing checkup.
When visiting a breeder, observe how your prospective choices interact with their littermates; chances are, a less sociable puppy or kitten will grow up to be a less sociable adult.
Consider adopting an older dog or cat from an animal shelter; older pets are usually housebroken, less active than a puppy or kitten, and they won't grow any larger.
If you adopt a pet from a shelter, ask the shelter personnel about his or her behavior; for example, is he or she aggressive, noisy, clean, fearful?
Make sure the animal shelter pet is in good health; ask if the pet has been spayed, neutered, vaccinated or deformed. With any new pet, be sure to visit your veterinarian.
Before you make your final decision, it is important to consider the genetic heritage of the breed. Some dogs were bred to fight, others to hunt, and still others, simply for their beauty. As a rule, your dog's temperament will be greatly influenced by the general traits of the breed. Ask your veterinarian which breeds tend to be more noisy, aggressive, hyperactive or prone to certain diseases. Your veterinarian can be a valuable source of information to help you choose the right pet and breed for you and your family.
Countryside Veterinary Clinic
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Copyright 2010 Countryside Veterinary Clinic. All rights reserved.
Serving Richmond's Pet Families Since 1992
(804) 750-1694