Lifestyles and Pets

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Is a pet fitting to my lifestyle?

Do you have enough space in your apartment or villa?
Do you have a place to walk with your dog?
Do any family members suffer from allergies?
How long is your working day?
How often do you travel?
What are your future plans?
Can you afford a pet /good quality food, litter, toys, vet visits, grooming?
Do you have children younger than 5 years old and enough time to share between them and a new pet?

The following questions should be asked before buying or adopting a pet:

Choosing a pet.

What is your expectation with regard to temperament, activity level, coat length and size with dogs? A dog’s size may affect its lifespan; the lifespan of a large dog tends to be shorter, than that of smaller dog. The best age for adopting a puppy or a kitten is 7-9 weeks old. Pick one that is active, inquisitive, seeks affection and attention from people. The healthy one has clear, bright eyes, clean, shiny coat, clean ears. It should not be thin or show any signs of illness like nasal discharge, diarrhea, or smell from the mouth, especially in kittens. The adoption of an adult pet has many positives. Usually the animal is already toilet trained, does not need frequent feeding and is probably neutered.

First vet visit.

It is advisable to take you pet to a vet as soon as possible just for a check up. The first vaccination- viral infection , has to be done at around 8-9 weeks. The animal should be healthy to be vaccinated. The vet will also administer some medicine for internal worms.

The second vet visit.

After 3-4 weeks following the first vaccination the kitten or puppy has to be vaccinated once more against typical viral infections and also Rabies. It should be de-wormed once more also. From now on vaccinations should be done every 12 months. De-worming may be repeated for dogs 3-4 times a year and for cats, especially outdoor ones, as often as every month if required.

Neutering.

At maturity, 4 months /female local cats/ and 6-9 months of age, depending upon the breed of cats and dogs capable of breeding. Female dog comes on a heat-cycle approximately every 6 months, and a female cat every 2 weeks during a breeding season until she becomes pregnant. During this time she may yowl and urinate in unacceptable places. During the neutering- spaying or sterilization, performed under a general anaesthesia, the vet removes certain reproductive organs. The surgery protects the animals from serious uterine infections and mammary and ovarian cancer as well as from unwanted litters and behavioral problems. Neutering –castration on male dog and cat reduces the breeding instinct, escaping from home and roaming to search for a female. It also prevents them from prostate disease and testicular cancer. When should neutering be performed? This depends upon breed, health and physical condition of the animal.

According to the veterinary reproduction specialists, neutering at an early age of 4 months, contrary to popular belief, decreases the risk of certain cancers.

Owning a pet is extremely rewarding but it requires dedication and care. A decision to own a pet should not be made lightly and a commitment to meet the animal’s needs throughout its' life should be clearly made. Healthy pets are happy pets, which bring years of love and joy to our lives, provided we take the responsibility of looking after them properly.

Dr Renata Majka - DVM
Veterinarian
Modern Veterinary Clinic
www.vetdubai.com
Tel.:04 3953131
Fax.:04 3949056
P.O.Box:50027, Dubai,U.A.E.