WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A PET?

Pets are very important in the lives of many. To most of us, pets are best friends and companions. Nowadays, more and more people want to get a pet. However, very often, people are unaware about what it takes. Therefore, at ELI Africa, we came up with some important things to consider before you decide to get the next important being of your life.

• Human Care and Attention
A pet is as demanding as an infant. It merits to be pampered and given maximum attention for the love that it gives us. This means that taking care of a pet also comes with some responsibilities. One example is that the pet must be showered regularly and given particular care, with requires a certain amount of time. In the case of a dog, walks should be planned regularly by their owners as well as spending time with them.

• Loneliness
With the innovation of new technologies and the advancement of our world, we become conscious that we have to face a busier life. It may happens that owners cannot dedicate that much time to their pets, which in turn may feel a certain loneliness or a lack of attention. Then, it becomes a wise solution to provide the pet with company. Another pet may be brought to reduce the previous animal’s level of stress and facilitate it’s adaptation.

• Financial status of the owner
It is crucial to consider your budget before bringing a pet at home. A pet requires certain expenses, notably for the purchase of appropriate food on a regular basis, health care products and veterinary consultation in case of sickness or simply for regular check ups.

• Shelter
The pet has to be given an appropriate place to live. Its so called shelter needs to be of reasonable size — bigger animals will obviously require more space. It should be cleaned and maintained regularly. This requires time and attention from the owner.

• Appropriate pet treats and toys
Many recent owners get a bit confused when it comes to choosing appropriate pet toys and treats. Among the many aspects to consider are the age, size and activeness of the animal. Toys and treats should be animal-based. It is imperative to understand that although pets are an important part of the family, they are not humans. Approved pet supplies from pet stores or from supermarkets are easily available to them. One point to consider is that the toy or gadget  being bought should neither be a nuisance to the neighborhood nor a source of danger to the pet. Safety should be a priority!

• Pet training
One of the factors that need to be considered before bringing a pet at home is the training that it should receive. Adept pet coaching will indeed depend on which type of domesticated animal you wish for. For instance, dogs can be trained by professionals. Nevertheless, it becomes fun when one takes his time to coach his pet. This practice  also creates and deepens the bond between them. Online resources such as coaching tips or video tutorials can be used for the owner to train his or her pet.

• Considering temperament
Purchasing a pet can mostly be linked to the charm of the animal. At the same time, this aspect is subjective. What many pet buyers fail to consider is the temperament and particular breed of the animal. It is best to pick a pet that complements the owner’s personality. Patience and understanding, especially when it comes to untrained pets, should be primordial to avoid any regrets. One should bear in mind that a pet may be a companion for life and should definitely be considered as a family member.

• Allergies and family members
Another aspect to think about is health concerns when it comes to family members. Allergy-prone individuals having pets can be disastrous. While signs of a potential pet allergy is evident and can include runny nose, sneezing, red or watery eyes, it can be a mental and financial blow to the pet owner if another home would be more appropriate for the animal. Owners should be prepared to face such a situation so that it destabilizes neither the animal nor the family members.

With the help of the above guidelines and advices, we hope that you will be prepared before getting your pets. After all, it is crucial that things are done in a way that ensure both your happiness as the owner and that of your pet(s).