Chapter 3Small 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