Choosing Pets May Be Tougher Than Expected
Experts Say Pick A Pet To Fit Your Lifestyle
Experts said before letting those puppy dog eyes behind the pet store window convince you to make an unplanned purchase, make sure that you are picking the right dog for your lifestyle.
For her husband's birthday, Leila Gonzalez brought home Zoe, a poodle.
"It's a type of dog my husband's wanted for years and years and years," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said that she had plenty of time to read up on poodles, but she still had some surprises.
"Didn't think it'd be as much work as it is, especially with the type of breed she is," Gonzalez said. "It's just like having another kid."
Amy Jo Belev, an animal behaviorist expert, said that different dogs bring different responsibilities.
"The first thing an owner really needs to find out is what breed is going to be suited to their lifestyle and not go by looks and how cute the little puppy is and how snuggly and adorable it might be," Beley said.
Beley said that the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in the United States because it is friendly and energetic. But the dog is also prone to hip dysplasia, a crippling joint condition.
Veterinarian Tami Shearer said that a dog's health should be its owner's No. 1 concern and every breed of dog has certain health risks.
Shearer said that a number of large breeds can develop hip dysplasia, including golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Irish Setters.
Cocker spaniels might develop glaucoma and boxers are at greater risk for cancer, Shearer said. Deep-chested dogs, like greyhounds and Great Danes, can develop bloat, a potentially fatal stomach condition.
According to experts, treatment for pet disorders can be costly.
Shearer said that in addition to the cost of food and toys, pet owners should probably put aside $500 a year for pet medical expenses.
Experts said that pet owners should also think about their own health risks before picking the perfect pet.
The German shepherd is the third most popular breed pet lovers buy. They are intelligent, protective, but are heavy shedders.
Shearer said that potential pet owners with allergies should look for dogs that don't shed, like poodles.
Shearer said that pet owners with children should stay away from daschunds or Cocker spaniels because they're short-tempered.
People with children should select a dog that's patient and not overpowering like the fifth most popular dog, the beagle. It's affectionate, but known for running away if unleashed, said Shearer.
Shearer said that pet owners who are rarely home, don't have a yard, or like to sit around on the couch shouldn't pick a Weimaraner, a border collie or any other high-energy dog.
"You need to probably invest two hours of your day into making sure they get good exercise," Shearer said.
A Bichon-Friese is a less-active dog for a less-active person.
Instead of getting a purebred, pet owners might want to consider adopting a mixed breed from the local animal shelter, Shearer said.
"We can take qualities from two breeds, kind of combine them and really get the best of both worlds," Shearer said.
Regardless of the breed, experts said that if pet owners don't have time to spend with a dog, both parties might be better off without each other.
"If you can't find a dog that's going to fit your lifestyle, maybe a stuffed animal would be the best thing to get," Shearer said.
Gonzalez said that even with the chewing, the climbing and the leash-training issues, having the real thing is worth it.
"A lot of love, a lot of love and she's so much fun," Gonzalez said.
According to the American Pet Association, dogs aren't the only pets people chose; nearly 75,000 people own cats.
A cat will often outlive a dog. They are known to live 15 years or more.
Cats are also cheaper than dogs. The APA said that a cat's needs, foot, vet care and litter will average between $200 to $300 a year. But if their health fails, expect to pay closer to $400 a year.
For more information on picking the perfect pet - www.apapets.com/catselect.htm or www.akc.org/breeds.
"Didn't think it'd be as much work as it is, especially with the type of breed she is," Gonzalez said. "It's just like having another kid."
Amy Jo Belev, an animal behaviorist expert, said that different dogs bring different responsibilities.
"The first thing an owner really needs to find out is what breed is going to be suited to their lifestyle and not go by looks and how cute the little puppy is and how snuggly and adorable it might be," Beley said.
Beley said that the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in the United States because it is friendly and energetic. But the dog is also prone to hip dysplasia, a crippling joint condition.
Veterinarian Tami Shearer said that a dog's health should be its owner's No. 1 concern and every breed of dog has certain health risks.
Shearer said that a number of large breeds can develop hip dysplasia, including golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Irish Setters.
Cocker spaniels might develop glaucoma and boxers are at greater risk for cancer, Shearer said. Deep-chested dogs, like greyhounds and Great Danes, can develop bloat, a potentially fatal stomach condition.
According to experts, treatment for pet disorders can be costly.
Shearer said that in addition to the cost of food and toys, pet owners should probably put aside $500 a year for pet medical expenses.
Experts said that pet owners should also think about their own health risks before picking the perfect pet.
The German shepherd is the third most popular breed pet lovers buy. They are intelligent, protective, but are heavy shedders.
Shearer said that potential pet owners with allergies should look for dogs that don't shed, like poodles.
Shearer said that pet owners with children should stay away from daschunds or Cocker spaniels because they're short-tempered.
People with children should select a dog that's patient and not overpowering like the fifth most popular dog, the beagle. It's affectionate, but known for running away if unleashed, said Shearer.
Shearer said that pet owners who are rarely home, don't have a yard, or like to sit around on the couch shouldn't pick a Weimaraner, a border collie or any other high-energy dog.
"You need to probably invest two hours of your day into making sure they get good exercise," Shearer said.
A Bichon-Friese is a less-active dog for a less-active person.
Instead of getting a purebred, pet owners might want to consider adopting a mixed breed from the local animal shelter, Shearer said.
"We can take qualities from two breeds, kind of combine them and really get the best of both worlds," Shearer said.
Regardless of the breed, experts said that if pet owners don't have time to spend with a dog, both parties might be better off without each other.
"If you can't find a dog that's going to fit your lifestyle, maybe a stuffed animal would be the best thing to get," Shearer said.
Gonzalez said that even with the chewing, the climbing and the leash-training issues, having the real thing is worth it.
"A lot of love, a lot of love and she's so much fun," Gonzalez said.
According to the American Pet Association, dogs aren't the only pets people chose; nearly 75,000 people own cats.
A cat will often outlive a dog. They are known to live 15 years or more.
Cats are also cheaper than dogs. The APA said that a cat's needs, foot, vet care and litter will average between $200 to $300 a year. But if their health fails, expect to pay closer to $400 a year.
For more information on picking the perfect pet - www.apapets.com/catselect.htm or www.akc.org/breeds.Copyright 2002 by Lifewhile.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
