To Your Health February, 2008 (Vol. 02, Issue 02)

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A dog is an excellent choice if you have lots of space and time to exercise and play. Dogs require significant interaction with people and depending on the breed, may need obedience training and regular grooming.

If someone in your household is allergic to dogs, there are many breeds known for their hypoallergenic qualities, such as the Greyhound, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, and many others.

Small mammals like rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs are convenient because they generally live in a cage or self-contained habitat. But like cats and dogs, they can require a great deal of human attention and maintenance. Because they can be fragile and difficult to handle, these pets are best for children ages 8 and up.

Birds and fish, though slightly less cuddly and lovable, can make ideal pets. Birds are intelligent, sociable and amusing companions. They can require substantial human interaction, including time outside the cage, and can be messy and difficult to handle for children under 8 years of age. Fish in an aquarium can be relaxing and fascinating to watch, but be prepared - their care and maintenance can be time-consuming with regular tank cleaning, daily feedings and upkeep.

Like every person, every pet is unique. Be sure to choose carefully as your new friend may be with you for many years. Here are a few important considerations when choosing a pet:

• Think before you buy. Avoid adopting or buying a pet on a whim. Pet shops are prime targets for impulse buying. Go home and sleep on it before taking the leap.
• Shop around. Take the time to learn about the kind of pet you are considering buying - size, activity level, nutritional needs, common health issues - before making a long-term commitment. A new pet can change the structure of a family and should be acceptable to all family members.
• Visit your local humane society and animal rescue organizations. Walk through your local humane society or rescue organization and interact with some of the animals. Try to observe each one's positive and negative points and see how comfortable you are on a one-on-one basis.
• Find a pet that suits your lifestyle. Are you a night owl or a morning person? Some pets spend much of the day asleep and are active at night. Do you work long hours? While some pets get lonely by themselves, others are happy to be left alone. Do you have children? Are they old enough not to be a threat to the pet you choose? If you spend significant time traveling, who will care for the pet while you are away?
• Find a pet that fits your home environment. Do you live in a house or apartment? Do you have a backyard? Is it fenced? How will your neighbors feel about this new pet?
• Analyze why you want a pet. What purpose will this pet serve in your life? If you'd like your pet to be like a family member, you probably want a dog or cat. Do you want a pet that is independent or are you hoping to spend hours running or playing with your pet? Cat people tend to have different traits than dog people - choose the wrong one and you may not bond. If you want a cute and cuddly companion, a frog or turtle may not be the right pet for you. If you want to teach your pet tricks and interact with it, an intelligent pet like a dog, cat or ferret might be the right choice.
• Decide if the timing is right. Is this a good time in your life to own a pet? If you already have other pets, how will they get along with the new one? How stable are your human relationships? Are you in good health?
• Consider how long you want your pet around. How long do you expect your pet to live? Dogs and cats generally live 12-16 years, though many live longer. Tortoises and goldfish can have life spans similar to our own. Small parrots live 8-14 years and larger ones 35-60 years, whereas mice are old at two years of age.
• Determine if you can meet your pet's needs. Research online or at the library how much care your pet will need. Be sure you have enough time to properly feed and clean up after it. Pets get bored if they don't get enough attention, which can lead to a variety of unwanted behaviors.
• Decide how much you want to spend. Depending on the pet you choose, the costs can really add up. In addition to the initial cost of the pet, you have to budget for a home or cage, high-quality food, toys, veterinary care, grooming and pet sitters.

Pets hold a special place in the lives of their owners. They boost morale and optimism, encourage playfulness and laughter, and satisfy the need to love and be loved. Those who have experienced a brisk walk or game of fetch with the dog or an evening cuddling with a purring cat don't need studies to know that pet ownership is good for the soul. Of course, a pet is a serious responsibility, but with careful planning, the return on your investment can add years of joy to your life.