SMALL ANIMALS AS PETS

Objectives List the questions a person should ask before buying a

pet. Compare the different options available for obtaining

a pet. Describe what is meant by responsible pet ownership. List the important lessons children can learn from

their pets. Describe the benefits pets can have for the elderly. Define euthanasia. Describe the importance of euthanasia to a pet owner.

Terms to Know Allergies Conformation Entropion Euthanasia Neutered No-kill shelters Pedigree Pocket Pets Spayed

Choosing a pet Before World War II, many pets were

hunting, farm or show animals. Space and poverty limited animal

ownership on cities. After WWII more people were moving

from the farms to the cities and people enjoyed increased incomes and prosperity.

Due to the change in demographics people started keeping pets for companionship.

Choosing a pet Pets offer nonjudgmental acceptance,

love and companionship, no matter the age of the person.

Unfortunately, many pets are abandoned each year due to being an improper fit with the family lifestyle.

Many pets loose their cuteness as the get older, cost too much to feed, or put too much time demand on the family.

Choosing a pet Millions of unwanted animals pass

through the shelters annually as a result of uncontrolled breeding and abandonment.

Many of these animals are put to sleep through euthanasia.

Euthanasia numbers have gone down from 17 million animals euthanized in the 1980’s to fewer than 5 million today.

Choosing a pet The number of no-kill shelters has grown

from about 50 in 1980’s to about 250 today. This is still a small fraction of the country’s

nearly 5,000 shelters, foster care groups, and placement agencies.

The most widely accepted definition of a no-kill shelter is a place where all adoptable and treatable animals are saved and where only unadoptable and non-rehabilitative animals are euthanized.

Choosing a pet 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 animal a fad or a status symbol? What am I going to use the animal for?

Where should I obtain a pet? Most obvious answer

Pet shop – intermediaries between breeder and consumer to make a profit.

Other options Breeders – success depends on reputation Animal Shelters – cost is less than pet shop,

animal is required to be spayed or neutered, background information may not be available.

Friends/Neighbors – easiest and cheapest way to get a pet

How much space do I have for a pet?

A person needs to be familiar with the activity requirements of an animal before acquiring it. A small one room apartment may not be

suitable for many active pets. Large rural acreage may provide too much

space for the animal to roam.

What kind of animal does my lifestyle allow?

Animals require different amounts of space, time, and care. Some dogs need daily exercise and/or

grooming. It is important to be familiar with the

breeds you plan to obtain and be sure that breed will fit into your lifestyle.

Cat breeds are fairly uniform on their needs for exercise, attention and other daily care. Some require more grooming time.

What kind of animal does my lifestyle allow?

If a dog or cat does not fit into your lifestyle, then a hamster, gerbil, or other small animal may make a more desirable pet.

These pets for the most part if left with food and water they can be left alone for several days and they fit well into small apartments.

How much does an animal cost?

Cost is NOT just the initial purchase! Adult cat food can easily cost around $14 a

month. Adult dog food can cost between $13 and $30 a

month. In addition to feeding there are other expenses:

Grooming Toys Veterinary bills

Many cities and counties also have taxes on animals.

How much does an animal cost? Because of high vet bills many people are opting for pet

insurance. Plans can range from $4 - $50 a month depending on plan,

deductible, and age of pet. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (ASPCA) lists the annual cost of caring for a dog to be between $420 -$780 depending on the size of the dog. Cats $575 Rabbits $691 Guinea pig $565 Small Mammal $305 Fish $35

How much does an animal cost?

Initial cost may include vaccines, spaying/neutering.

Yearly costs include: Food Medical treatment Litter Toys Treats License Miscellaneous expenses

What will the future bring? See table 3-1 Annual Costs of Caring for

Various Species of Pets page 37. Will you still want the pet in a few years

when it matures? If the pet is bought for children will mom

or dad be around to help care for it? Can the child take the animal to college

when the time comes?

Does Everyone in the Family Want a Pet?

A pet should not be brought into the family unless everyone agrees to it and will take responsibility for it.

If the animal is unwanted it will possibly become uncared for.

Also, one needs to consider allergies. Allergies to animals are common, so it is

important to know if someone in the family is allergic prior to bringing in a new pet.

What Kind of Personality Do I Have?

Animals, like people have personalities. One must decide on a pet that complements

their personality. Know the personality traits of the species or breed

before getting it. Individuals have their own personality that may

vary slightly from the breed personality. Pocket Pets are small animals usually kept in

aquariums or cages. They are ideal for those who what greater control over when and how long to interact with their pet.

Is This Animal a Fad or Status Symbol?

Many times animals or special breed become fads or status symbols.

When the fad fades the animal becomes unwanted or abandoned. Example: Shar-Pei gained popularity in the 1960’s.

The Shar-Pei can be born with entropion which causes the eyelid to roll inward. The fur and eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye causing irritation. Watery eyes, infection, and corneal ulcers can occur. Surgical correction is requires, animals with this condition should not be bred because it is believed to be heriditary.

Is This Animal a Fad or Status Symbol?

Another fad breed is the Dalmatian. Gained popularity in the 1984 after the release of

101 Dalmatians it reached its peak in 1993 after the re-release of the animated film in 1991.

The rank of Dalmatians rose from 35th in 1984 to 9th in 1993 since then the number has declined to now 77th.

The Chihuahua or other miniature sized dogs peeking out of a designer handbag. Made popular by celebrities and the release of

Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

Is This Animal a Fad or Status Symbol?

People need to take some time and give serious thought to the decision to obtain a certain breed of dog.

People should check out the different breeds, become familiar with their characteristics and needs, and ask questions posed in this unit before obtaining an animal.

What Am I Going to Use the Animal For? Especially important with dogs. Is this dog wanted for a specific sport or

hobby such as hunting or tracking competitions?

Is the dog going to have a specific job like herding or guarding livestock?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) groups breeds according to their traditional use.

What Am I Going to Use the Animal For?

Choosing the right breed is the just the first step.

There is much variation within each breed. It is important to examine the dog’s pedigree.

The pedigree is the family history of the pup and will list any titles earned by its ancestors.

It is also important that the dog has the conformation for the job. Conformation is how closely the animal resembles

the breed standard.

Children and Pets Parents must consider the age and

maturity of the child before getting a pet.

Many professionals feel that children should be at least three years of age to have the maturity level to act responsibly around a pet.

Children often quickly loose interest in the pet once the novelty wears off.

Short lived pets such as hamsters/gerbils are a good choice for first pets.

Children and Pets Children can learn things by caring for a

pet Responsibility Social Skills Respect and Compassion Coping with Loss

Responsibility Responsibility can be learned from

taking care of a pet. This develops one’s self-esteem and self-

worth. They learn to be competent individuals.

Social Skills All children will experience the feeling of being

unwanted or unloved. A pet will always accept children and provide

them with a sense of being loved and wanted. By learning to understand a pet’s body

language, emotions, and needs, children develop a stronger sense of responsibility and personal worth.

Children can develop skills that are important for when they become adults.

Respect and Compassion A child will recognize changes in the animal’s

behavior, such as illness, depression, or annoyance at the child.

By recognizing these changes and having consideration a child can transfer these traits to others.

The child learns to appreciate the effect their actions have on others.

For older children the responsibility of a pet may be instrumental in developing self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence.

Grief and Coping with Loss Grief is the normal response to the loss

of a pet. For many children the loss of a pet may

be the first time they experience death. Feelings and emotions that they

experience should be discussed.

The Grieving Process In the grieving process, most people go

through five stages. Stage 1 – shock, denial, isolation Stage 2 – anger Stage 3 – helplessness Stage 4 – depression, sadness, hopelessness and

regret Stage 5 – acceptance of the loss

Everyone deals with loss differently, support from friends and family is very important during the grieving process.

Pets and Pet Therapy Pets can help people overcome illness

and help us live longer, happier lives by helping to lower our blood pressure.

Many studies have proven that pets help recover after serious illness and surgeries.

The elderly benefit the most, at a time in their lives when they have returned to depending on others, they need to feel the sense of responsibility.

Pets and Pet Therapy Dogs help disabled people perform many

tasks such as Opening and closing doors Turning switches on and off Pulling wheelchairs Carrying packages Assisting the blind

They can also assist in raising self-esteem and well-being.

Euthanasia Perhaps the kindest thing you can do for

your pet that is severely sick or injured. The decision to euthanize is a serious

one and is never easy to make. You should consider what is best for your

pet, you, and your family.

Euthanasia Quality of life is important for pets and people

alike. If your pet can no longer get around comfortably If your pet isn’t eating or willing to eat If you pet is no longer aware of or appreciates your

companionship If your pets is apt to bite family members, strangers,

children If your pet can not longer respond in normal ways If there is more pain than pleasure in its life If the care and treatment become too much

financially

Euthanasia Euthanasia is accomplished with an

injection of a tranquilizer that stops the nerve transmissions and causes muscle relaxation.

The euthanasia solution is usually injected into a vein in the foreleg.

Six to twelve seconds after injection, the animal will lapse into a deep unconsciousness.

Death will come quickly and painlessly.

Overpopulation Each year approximately 27 million dogs and

cats are born in the United States. 50 Million are euthanized each year as

unwanted or abandoned. To solve the over population problem three

events need to occur: People must be educated about the problem Animal control laws must be passed and existing

laws enforced. People must recognize the importance of spaying

and neutering.