The Family Pet
An animal can be a wonderful addition to a family. Animals provide companionship and love. Children and adults often see the family pet as an important playmate as well as a member of the family.
However, taking care of a pet and ensuring the safety of all family members is a huge responsibility. Animals can transmit many types of diseases to people including rabies, tetanus, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and lyme disease. Family members can also be allergic to the pet. Animals should be vaccinated according to your veterinarian's recommendations. Cats, dogs, and some other animals should be spayed or neutered due to the overpopulation of these animals.
Being a responsible pet owner actually starts before you get an animal. It is important to take into consideration what care the animal needs, what habits the animal will have (i.e. cats like to scratch, puppies like to chew), if the animal is likely to have certain health problems, and if the animal is a good choice for children. Too many people become pet owners of an animal only to discover that their family and this type of animal are not compatible. Heartache is the result for the pet and the family when the family has to find the pet a new home.
TIPS
- Avoid choosing poisonous or aggressive animals if children are in the home
- Take the new pet to your Veterinarian for a full checkup
- Follow the recommended care and vaccination schedule
- Participate in obedience classes if you have a dog
- Wash hands frequently including after playing with or touching the pet
- Avoid touching the pet's body fluids- wash hands if direct contact occurs
- Keep pets and their products away from food preparation areas
- Teach children about the pet (proper care, life span, habits)
