Changing Times Bring a Revolution in Pet Care
Pets Should be Treated as the Valued Family Members That They Are
Feb 24, 2009
People have come to rely on pets as protectors, court jesters, and counselors, sometimes with little reciprocal consideration for the animal’s emotional needs. It makes choosing the right pet that much more important, and choosing the wrong one that much more disastrous.
Whether one’s choice is a cat or dog, ferret or parrot, their basic jobs are still the same – to care for their owners’ emotional well-being by just being who they are. One can only hope that pet owners will eventually get past the odd distraction of dressing their pets up in little outfits, and realize that pet care means really connecting with these valuable creatures. The emotional value received doubles when given back to them.
Politics As Usual
It is interesting that so much emphasis is placed on having a family dog that the American people literally expect this of our Presidents. Even in the midst of an economic crisis, the world seems more concerned to hear about the choice of the Obamas' First Dog. Local news stations tease nightly audiences with animal stories at the end of a broadcast, because animal news sells. Owners claim pets keep them sane and make them feel valued. There’s no denying, pets sometimes do what even human companions cannot.
But today’s new demanding lifestyle is also demanding on pets. While people are out living life, pets are kept inside, away from the wild life of their ancestors; eating less nourishing convenience foods, getting half hours outside 2-3 times daily to do their business, and are still expected to perform their jobs flawlessly, entertaining and continuing to be stable, loving, emotional anchors. And truth be told, having a pet often lengthens the lives of owners considerably by getting them out for exercise and fresh air, creating encounters with people that wouldn’t otherwise take place, and just breaking their boring routines.
But a new grass roots care standard is arising with support from researchers and the alternative pet care community. Organizations and holistic veterinarians are speaking out against traditional care methods. Even owners tied to their jobs must accept the responsibility to ask questions and do what works for their animal best friends. Research results show not only the inefficacy of standard annual booster shots, but that they may be responsible for damaging pets’ normal immune systems and shortening their lives; end results that are not in their owners’ best interests either.
Three Things Owners Can Do for Their Pets’ Health
First, if a pet is always restricted indoors, arrangements can sometimes be made for daycare to keep their minds and bodies active.
Second, abide by the old adage ‘Less is more,’ regarding doctor visits. They are not only stressful, but vaccinations should be limited for indoor pets, rather than just accepting vet recommendations for multiple annual shots. Many actually provide lifetime immunity, and others usually last far longer than a year. A titer (blood test) can tell.
Third, humans experience depression from indoor life without sunshine and fresh air and so do pets. Find alternatives to allow them time for direct access to fresh air and sunshine.
When life becomes so hectic that the human-animal partnership is suffering, bad pet behavior, or even frustration that appears to be misbehavior, can result. Being sensitive to these issues can protect not only pets, but human health as well.
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