Pets, Think Before You Buy One
By Nicola Larrington. Updated May 2007.
Introduction
"Decide in haste, repent at leisure" will be the experience of many pet buyers, especially around Christmas time. All too frequently people fail to realise that impulse buying of even the smallest pet can result in a huge commitment.
Young, cute and cuddly pets can appear very attractive but quickly grow and lose their innocent charm. They don't always pee and poo in the right place, they chew things, claw at furniture and can generally give your belongings a hard time. Pets aren't just for Christmas they really are for life. Too many bought on the spur of the moment wind up being sent to animal rescue centres or simply abandoned on some country lane by the less conscientious.
Pet ownership can be a hugely rewarding experience, the pleasure given and received over the lifetime of a pet can be incalculable. But before committing you and your family to owning a pet, read the rest of this article and give careful thought to the points raised especially if you are thinking of giving a pet as a gift.
Challenging Behaviour of a New Pet
Puppies and kittens are a handful, they tire you out and will pester you constantly. They are often better if bought with a companion to keep them occupied when you cannot, but then of course you have double the trouble and cost to contend with.
Both puppies and kittens need to be toilet trained which can be a prolonged process with some of them! They chew slippers, use your favourite sofa as a climbing frame and scratch post and generally make keeping your home clean, a challenge.
Puppies must be socialised during the first four months to avoid future behavioural problems, both with other dogs and humans. A fantastic way to do this is to enroll with our puppy clubs. Run by our qualified nurses, puppy club is a once weekly eveing class that teaches you the art of good puppy ownership. Call 02083008111 for details to register your new puppy.
Exercise
Although exercise is not a cash cost you still must invest time towards exercising your pet. For a cat owner that may not mean more than installing a cat flap. But for the dog owner it means at least 30minutes morning and night to let your pet burn off steam, get a good run plus go to the toilet.
Food - we all must eat!
At Parkvets we recommend Hills Science Plan, we are happy to commend these dietary products as they are backed by comprehensive research into the nutritional requirements of your pet at each of the main stages of it's life. Hills also produce veterinary prescription diets that cater for animals with particular medical requirements, for example those suffering with heart disease, kidney failure or bladder stones.
Average annual cost of feeding a Hill's dried food diet is as follows:
- Small dog 10kg - £165/annum
- Medium dog 20kg - £241/annum
- Large dog 30kg - £325/annum
- Cat - £113/annum
This is a rough guide as prices may vary and does not include any treats etc. These prices compare extremely favourably with many commercial diets available from the supermarket.
Vaccinations - A Must Do Thing
It is very important to vaccinate your pet as there are many infectious diseases that cannot be cured or that require intense, aggressive medical treatment if contracted. These diseases can be picked up by your pet just from its daily walk in the park where other dogs have been, so don't think that your animal is safe from disease if kept away from other pets!
Puppies and kittens are given an initial vaccination course at a young age, after this they are free to meet other animals. Start socialising and be allowed outside the house. Immunity levels are sustained by a booster vaccination, which is usually given during your pet's annual veterinary health check-up.
Average cost of annual health checks that include the vaccination are as follows:
- Cat £51
- Dog £41
Worms, Fleas and Foxmange
If left untreated, worm and flea and fox mange infestations can cause serious damage to your pet's health, such as anaemia, lung disease and severe skin infections severe cases. Fleas also infest your home in large numbers and roundworms can also give rise to human health problems. Treatment is simple and effective if carried out correctly. As part of responsible pet ownership it is recommended that we perform an annual assessment of the risks parasites pose to your pet and family. This done at the annual vaccination and health check-up by your vet. Average typical cost of prevention of fleas, worms, earmites and fox mange might cost the following:
- Small dog - £65/annum
- Medium dog £72/annum
- Large dog £97/annum
- Cat £65/annum
Insurance - Don't Go Without It
Your pet is your friend and companion so illness and injury can be a real worry. One in three pets will need unexpected veterinary treatment this year that could lead to bills amounting to thousands of pounds. Insurance can enable your pet to have life saving treatment that you might not otherwise be able to easily afford.
The average monthly premiums can be obtained directly from Petplan our recommnend partner insurance company by calling them for a quote on 0800 197 0637. You can apply directly at the practice and receive 12 months cover for the price of just ten. Expect monthly charges to range from about £10 per month for a cat to £30 per month for a dog. Variation will apply dependent of breed age and previous history.
From the above information you can see that there is a lot more to consider than the average prospective pet owner may at first think. Pet ownership is a fantastic experience but it carries the burden of responsibility for care. After reading this article you are now in a better position to weigh up whether a pet really is a good choice for you.
If you are still committed then click here to read our advice for new puppy owners. Or click here for our article for new kitten owners.
Ten Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership
Featured on National Pet Week Site homepage these top ten tips are concise, sensible and worth repeating. Follow them and you and your pet will enjoy a happy and exciting life together.
- Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements.
- Ensure your pet is sociable and well trained.
- Provide a nutritious and well balanced diet.
- Provide suitable housing and bedding. Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly.
- Protect against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice.
- Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.
- Groom your pet regularly.
- Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified.
- Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats horses and even rabbits or exotics to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.
Goodluck and Have Fun!
Please note this article was written with small animal pet owners in southeast England in mind, the advice given may well be incomplete for pet owners living elsewhere. The prices mentioned are intended to be a guideline rather than an absolute figure for the services discussed.
