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Chapter 3. Small Animals as Pets. What to look for:. Questions when buying a pet Comparing available pet options Responsible pet ownership Lessons learned from pets Benefits of pets to elderly Euthanasia. Terms. Allergies A hypersensitivity to animal hair, dust and other allergens
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Chapter 3 Small Animals as Pets
What to look for: • Questions when buying a pet • Comparing available pet options • Responsible pet ownership • Lessons learned from pets • Benefits of pets to elderly • Euthanasia
Terms • Allergies • A hypersensitivity to animal hair, dust and other allergens • Euthanasia • To induce the death of an animal quickly and painlessly • Entropion • A condition in which the eyeball sinks into its socket or in which there is a spasm of the eyelid due to discomfort. A congenital defect or the result of injury
Terms • Neutered • A castrated animal (prevents reproduction) • Spayed • A female animal that has had her ovaries removed by surgical procedure to prevent her from reproducing
Choosing A Pet • 10,000 years of animal domestication • Cats taking over as “man’s best friend” • Pre-WWII • Space and poverty limited ownership • Post-WWII • What changed? • Fewer children/stayed single • “Empty Nest” syndrome • Companionship
But they’re so cute!! • Millions of animals are abandoned each year… • Lose they’re cuteness • Cost too much • Take too much time • Uncontrolled breeding
Things to think about: • Where should I obtain a pet? • How much space do I have for a pet? • What kind of animal does my lifestyle allow? • How much will the animal cost • What will the future bring? • Does everyone in the family want a pet? • What kind of personality do I have? • Is this animals a fad or a status symbol? • What am I going to use the animal for?
Where should I obtain a pet? • Pet shop • Purebred breeders • Breeders • Shelters • Friends • Neighbors
How much space do I have for a pet? • Apartment • Rural area • Near parks • House • Depends on the pet
How does my lifestyle fit in? • Space • Time • Care • Exercise? • Grooming? • Entertainment? • Travel • Money • Family
How much will the animal cost? • Food • Cats & Dogs-- $16-40 • Toys • Grooming • Vet Bills • Animal Tax • Insurance • $100-400 • Deposit
What will the future bring? • Will you want it when it matures? • Continued affordability • For parents or kids? • Can it go with you if you move?
Does everyone in the family want a pet? • Share responsibility • Surprise!! • Allergies • Care ability • Other pets
What kind of personality do I have? • Dogs vary greatly • Docile • Active • Playful • Cats are less active • Caged animals • Hamsters • Snakes • Turtles • Match your personality type with the pet you choose!
Fad or status symbol? • Examples: • Shar-Pei • Dalmations