Are You and Your Spouse Ready for a Pet?

Are you thinking about expanding your little family and bringing a new cat or dog into the mix, but not quite sure if you are ready for the responsibility? Regardless of whether or not you have children, welcoming a pet into your home is still a massive undertaking. While having kids will certainly prepare you for the many demands that go hand-in-hand with caring for a pet, you may find it difficult to keep up with both your human little ones and the furry new addition all at once.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help the two of you make a final decision.

Do I know exactly how to care for a pet?

Along with providing plenty of kisses and cuddles, your pet will need to be fed, groomed, and exercised on a daily basis.

• Food: You will need to invest in a high-quality cat or dog food that offers your pet a balanced diet. High protein diets are ideal for cats and dogs, and it is worthwhile to look into food that contains ancient grains, as opposed to ‘common’ grains, such as rice, oats, corn, and barley. Check Out Taste Of The Wild Ancient Grains Here!
• Grooming: It is important to brush your pet every day, especially if they are a long-haired breed. Daily teeth brushing is also recommended for optimal oral health. Baths should take place every month, and you should clip your pet’s nails as needed using a nail-clipping tool specific for cats or dogs.
• Exercise: Dogs love to get out and explore on long walks. They also enjoy swimming and running around the yard, all of which is great exercise for them and will aid them in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress and anxiety that could ordinarily lead to problems in behavior. Some cats are happy to walk on a leash, while others will prefer indoor exercise on a cat jungle gym or scurrying around outdoors.

Do you spend long periods away from home?

Pets require quite a lot of attention to feel happy and loved. This is particularly true when it comes to dogs. If their humans are away from the house for extended periods during the day or night, they may begin to feel stressed, bark excessively, become destructive, or develop separation anxiety. Some will cope better if they have another furry companion by their side. Cats, on the other hand, tend to adapt more easily to their owners being away from the house.

Can you afford a pet right now?

Pet food, toys, visits to the vet, and other essentials (such as shampoo, pet beds, brushes, etc.) can work out to be quite costly in the long run. Therefore, it is wise to thoroughly assess your financial situation before deciding to adopt.

If you now feel confident that you are, in fact, ready to add a cuddly puppy or kitten to your brood, congratulations! You will surely have many years of fun and learning ahead of you. Enjoy!