Do you have enough time to take care of a pet?
Thinking of taking the step of adopting a pet? Whether you are considering owning a dog or thinking of setting up your first aquarium, bringing a pet home is one of the most exciting things you can do. Of course, one of the first things you will have to ask yourself before taking this step is the time you have for that animal. In this post, we will tell you what kind of pets require less time from you and which pets need you to dedicate more of your time to them. Read on to find out which pet is best for you.
Which pets need less time to care for?
If you have a very busy social life, your work forces you to spend many hours away from home or you have other commitments that take up a lot of time, you will have to think about adopting an animal that does not need you 24 hours a day. For instance? A small animal like a rodent may be the best for you.
From hamsters to guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus… There are many different types of animals in the rodent family, many of which make lovable and affectionate pets.
Rodents spend most of their time in a cage, often only needing to be fed once a day. Although that does not mean that you do not have to spend part of your time taking care of them, cleaning their cage …!
Also, if you are worried about leaving them alone all day, you can have more than one to keep them company when you go to work or are not at home.
The fish can also be a good option if you’re wearing a pretty busy lifestyle because only have to worry about the food they need to bring them once or twice a day and clean and inspect your aquarium regularly. The tropical fish and marine require more work than cold-water species, which can help you make a decision when choosing the type of fish you want to have at home.
What pets need medium care?
If you work part-time, you are a person who likes to spend time at home during the day and you do not tend to spend long periods outside of it, then a pet such as a cat, a rabbit, a reptile or a bird may be perfect for you.
These animals are generally quite independent, but you still need to interact with them every day. Of course, thanks to their independent nature, they will not require a lot of time!
Like all animals, it is necessary that you feed them daily and clean their cages or their litter tray, if they have one, and monitor any health problems.
The cats, especially the kittens may require a long time to the beginning, as they will need to get used to the house. This also happens with rabbits and birds, if you are going to let them loose around the house it should always be under your supervision.
What pets need more care?
If you are in a situation where you can spend a lot of time with your new pet, then a dog may be the option that best suits your way of life and the one that brings the most happiness to your home. Dogs are wonderful companions. They love to follow you around and stay by your side, and they need exercise and attention.
They require that you take them outside regularly, even if it is just to go to the bathroom, but you will also have to worry about food, personal hygiene, and one of the most important parts, socialization. Some breeds can also suffer from separation anxiety, and will not like to be left alone for a long time.
If you decide to adopt a puppy, his arrival home is always a special moment for the whole family, but he will also be very demanding of your time. If you make an effort to train him, teach him to relieve himself outside the home, you will not regret having invested all this time in your best friend.
Another thing that you should not overlook is that some pets have a very long life. For example, some parrots typically live for 50 years in captivity. This means that it is a great responsibility, but on the other hand, you will have the opportunity to fill life with shared memories.
Before deciding on one pet or another, you must be prepared and willing to take care of it for life. Once you have taken the step, in kiwoko and our Kiwoko stores we will accompany you so that you do not miss anything. If you need help deciding to adopt, here you can read some Kiwoko adoption stories.
A new pet affects your economy
An animal is a living being that performs vital functions and has needs to cover, so it is essential to think about the expenses that it will entail for our economy. We are talking about aspects as basic as their diet, since each animal ingests its specific recommended feed that provides it with the nutrients it needs to live, taking into account its age and breed. In addition, there are the expenses at the veterinarian, not only for possible setbacks or illnesses that may appear and whose expense can exceed thousands of euros, but also the consultations and periodic check-ups to control their state of health. This includes the deworming and vaccinations that must be included in your identification documents.
On the other hand, there is the money used in all the basic objects that the animal needs, whether it is a dog, a small rodent, a bird, a reptile, or aquarium fish. In short, you have to invest to cover the basic needs of your future pet, thinking about the space it will occupy in the home, feeders, and drinkers, snacks to distract or reward it and toys to entertain it. In addition, you never know when you will have to replace one of these objects, so you have to be financially prepared to assume expenses in the event of any unforeseen event.
A pet needs time and attention
It is just as important to provide your pet with its basic food needs as it is that you dedicate your time. After all, a pet is one more member of the household that has feelings and that will undoubtedly become fond of you , so you will have to spend quite a few minutes of your day to day caring for it and spending time with it. . It may even be that in some situations that some pets require hours of attention , especially if they are exotic animals, that get dirty quickly or if they are large. In any case, you must take into account the following factors:
- You have to spend time with the animal so that it does not get bored or in some cases develop problems related to depression. Also, if you think about taking in a dog, you should walk it at least three times a day and if it is a very energetic being you will have to play with it to expend its energy.
- Make sure you have enough time to feed your pet and, above all, ensure that they have water at all times. You will also have to be aware of its cleaning depending on the animal that you are considering having, providing a clean space and above all a perfect state of hygiene.
- It is recommended that you inform yourself and practice resuscitation and first aid techniques on the pet you want, to know how to act against any risk and prevent problems such as cysts, allergies, or diseases.
- Although you can check the status of the animal yourself, you have to keep a mandatory veterinary check-up calendar, as well as periodic deworming.
- You never know what the character of your pet can be, but you will have to adapt to it without any other remedy. This can cause problems in the real estate of your home or it can even make you regret having taken him in. However, think that an animal is an irrational being that is guided by instinct and you cannot blame it for its behavior. To remedy this, you can spend part of your time educating him.
- If you like to travel or do it very often for professional reasons, look for options that accept pets or make sure you have trusted people around you who like animals so you can let them have them for a few days.
The coexistence of your pet with other members
Although you have a pet, you must take into account who else you are going to live with. If you live with more people, they must tolerate your pet and it will be optimal if they want to collaborate in their care. It is also important to be careful if any of the members is allergic to animals because the best option will be not to have them. And if you already have other animals, think about whether their coexistence is going to be good, especially if they are not the same species. In addition, it is necessary to point out that pets are not objects and we must not give in to the whims of children if we are not completely convinced and prepared to have them. It is about the life of a being and it is a commitment that must be firmly assumed. Abusing the animal or abandoning it is not a responsible or ethical act and these actions are punished.
Each pet needs its own space
The space in the home is another of the questions that you have to ask yourself when taking in a pet because you must provide it with enough space for it to carry out its vital functions in the best possible way. It is about ensuring their mobility and their rest, whether in free space at home, a cage, a fish tank, a terrarium, or the garden. Any animal will need a place with the right temperature and humidity for its species, away from drafts and with the necessary equipment.
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