3d

Pet Matters

Western Arizona Humane Society
Victoria Cowper,
Community Relations Manager
This is a regular column, presented every two weeks to provide information about pet and animal care, including the legal responsibilities of pet ownership. We invite you to send your questions to answer in upcoming issues.
Please send your questions and comments to the Today's News Herald or directly to me a W.A.H.S. 855-5083 or wahs@ctaz.com

THE MANY BENEFITS OF COMPANION ANIMALS

Why is owning a companion animal a benefit?

We know in our hearts that pets enrich our lives, and in recent years scientific studies have begun to pin-point the ways that companion animals improve our minds and our bodies.

Beyond walks and "fetch", which forces us to exercise, beyond lazy days in the sun and eager faces at the end of the day, pet provide documented health benefits. Research has shown that interacting with animals can enhance people's immune system, lower their blood pressure and produce general signs of calming.

How do animals produce these health benefits?

Companion animals have more consistent behavior compared to our human companions and they offer unconditional affection. They entertain us, they make us laugh, and in turn, we repay them with love and attention. In fact, more than 60 percent of pets receive "as much attention as children" according to the American Animal Hospital Association pet owner survey.

You're stranded on a deserted island, Which would you rather have - human or animal companionship?

According to the Pet Owner Survey, given the choice of human or animal companionship, more than half of the pet owners surveyed want a family pet instead of another person with them if deserted on an island. This survey reveals that pets play a stronger role in Americans' lives for companionship or affection than many realize.

How are people humanizing their relationships with their pets?
· 72 percent of pet owners say that affection is their pets' most endearing trait
· 79 percent of pet owners give their pets holiday or birthday presents
· 33 percent of pet owners talk to their pets on the phone or through the answering machine
· 21 percent of dog owners sometimes dress their pets
· 62 percent of pet owners often sign letters or cards from them and their pets
· 55 percent of pet owners consider themselves as mom or dad to their pets

What can I do to show my pet how much I care and say thank you?

Here are some ideas collected from our staff and volunteers:

· Spend quality time with them by going for a walk, hanging out in the back yard ( or living room), playing games with their favorite toys, or snuggling with them as you watch TV.
· Always get them immediate veterinary care is you suspect that something is wrong.
If you don't have a solid relationship with your vet, work on that for the sake of your pet.
· Make sure your pets vaccinations and medications are current. Consult with your vet on the best maintenance plan.
· Spay or neuter your pet, it's better for their health and their disposition.
· Feed them healthy food intended for their consumption, not potato chips, cookies, chocolate or other fatty human foods.
· Protect them from home hazards and from extremes of weather. They cannot protect themselves.
· Update your pet's identification tags and license. Many of us move or change phone numbers but forget to update the tags and license. Perish the thought, but if your pet gets lost, it's one of the best tools to ensure a safe return.
· Fix the fence if it is a problem. If you have a master escapee in your home, talk to your vet or a trainer regarding appropriate, humane behavior modification for your pet.
· Treat your dog to a visit at the Dog Park and let them play with other dogs.

I've decided to get a companion animal, what kind of time commitment do I need to consider?

All pets deserve to be in a loving home with people who have the time and energy to care for them and spend time building a special bound. Pick a companion animal that best suites your lifestyle. As a general rule, here is the minimum time needed to provide basic care. Remember that these times are bare minimums, and just like people, each pet has a different personality and needs. · Hamster, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits; 30 minutes per day · Cats and birds, 30 to 60 minutes per day · Dogs; At least one hour per day.

What kind of costs should I consider?

A pet may be more expensive that you think. Be realistic about how much you can afford.

For dogs and cats start up costs include: License, collar, leash, brush, toys, dishes, bed, veterinarian check up. On going costs include: Food, litter, grooming and grooming supplies, regular well-pet veterinary care, sick, trauma or emergency care, vaccinations and other medical can as needed.

The Western Arizona Humane Society is full of wonderful companion pets. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in selecting the companion animal that best suits your needs. Thank you.

Previous Articles:

Valley Fever Dog Bite Prevention

Spay & Neuter Adopt a Cat

Pet Information On-Line Cat Myths
HeatFireworks
Cat Scratching Heartworm 3d