Homemade Shampoo for Dogs

Pet Parenting Tips from the ASPCA

Although you can often find the perfect companion animal at local shelters, getting a pet should never be in impulse decision. Careful research and planning are essential, since being responsible for the happiness and well-being of your pet requires more than just providing adequate food, water and shelter. Potential pet parents should agree with these points before bringing a dog or cat home.

Animals are not disposable! Animals are not articles of clothing to be thrown out once they are no longer in style. The are capable of bonding deeply with their families and they deserve the same devotion from you. Adding a four-legged family member means making a lifelong commitment, which can easily be 10-15 years for dogs and up to 20 for cats.

Protect your pet's health and safety: Acquiring a dog of cat costs more than the adoption fee. Remember to include basic and emergency veterinary care, toys, supplies and food. Don't plan on leaving your dog alone in the backyard 24 hours a day. A dog that is constantly left along can develop behavior problems. Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day. Always keep your cat indoors. Cats who live outside face dangers from other animals and people and may prey on wildlife. Spaying and neutering is also essential for the animal's long-term health and happiness and providing the animal with proper identification will ensure his or her safety.

Choose the right pet for your home: Dogs and cats are not right for every household. Problems such as allergies, apartment restrictions and moving issues should be discovered before adopting a new pet. Large dogs may be too strong or active for small children. Small pets may be too delicate for children. Once you find a dog or cat that's right for you, obedience train your dog and make an effort to really understand cat behavior. Basic training helps you communicate better with your pets and strengthens the human-animal bond.

Teach yourself, family and children about the pet before adopting: Educate yourself and your children through reading books about pet care. Walking a dog several times a day, cleaning up feces, feeding and bathing a pet are all part of the ongoing family responsibilities of caring for an animal. No matter how mature your child is, you will need to provide constant supervision and act as a backup when your child is unable to handle the responsibility.  Puppies and children may not mix well. consider your child's age - very young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt a puppy or kitten, which are particularly vulnerable to being pulled at, dropped or picked up inappropriately. Most toy-sized and touch-and-noise-sensitive dogs are not suitable for young children.

Make sure the pet suits your lifestyle: Dogs require daily exercise and attention and the size of the dog should be considered, since a large active dog may not be appropriate for a small apartment. One adult in the home should be designated as the primary caretaker so that the pet's daily needs, such as food and water, do not become lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.

Remember thinking before adopting will save the animal from being returned to the shelter and will offer the pet and family a long and satisfying life together. If you are confident that you are ready to add a four-legged member to your family, try beginning your search at our website www.aspca.org, where you can search shelters and animal rescue groups all across America. Or just take a trip to your local shelter.

To teach children the importance of kindness towards out animal friends, visit our children's website at www.animaland.org. 

AMT Note: Please also remember that birds and other small animals become attached to their families as well.  They should be considered no more disposable than a cat or dog.  As an owner of two small birds, I was surprised how quickly and strongly they became attached to us and just how anxious they were to spend time with us individually.  Just because they are easily transported to another home for quick disposal,  shouldn't mean their feelings don't matter. They do...birds can feel and hurt too.