Cats_and_Dogs__Choosing_a_Household_Pet

Choosing a Household Pet COM/170 October 26, 2011 Dr. George Williams Choosing a Household Pet Now day, to choose a pet, a person would need to determine if he is a cat person or a dog person. But if the person is unsure which one they like more or believe that both pets are liked equally, he would have to research before choosing to determine which pet is the right one for him. There are many similarities and differences between cats and dogs. Anytime spent researching each of these will be worthwhile when the chosen one is finally in its new home. One of the main points people should look at when picking a pet is the effect of the pet on a person’s health. Dogs are the best partners for pain sufferers. Walking a dog for 10 minutes at least three times a day can help to reduce pain and stiffness for both the person and the dog (Capital Gazette Newspapers, 2006). Walking is also a good way to reduce daily stress. Even though dogs can keep a person exercising by walking and doing other activities, picking a cat has its own health benefits too. After a busy and stressful day, going home to a pet that requires attention may be what a person needs to reduce stress. It can lower a person’s heart rate and can lead to a calm and tranquil state. This is great news to people who are always busy or suffer of high blood pressure. With cats it is also found that a person is less likely to develop any respiratory diseases such as asthma when exposed to cats, especially as a child. Just as it has its health perks to keep a pet in the house, people should be aware that it is also an investment. The cost of living for a dog is higher than most pets. This starts with choosing the right dog, according to "American Kennel Club Facts and Stats" (n. d.), there are “173 recognized breeds of dogs.” People enjoy acquiring best of things, picking a dog should not be any different. A large breed dog can cost up to $875 a year with the cheapest brand and care, this includes food, recurring medical visits, treat, toys, license, health insurance, and miscellaneous purchases. However, cats tend to be cheaper to maintain, the cost of living could be as much as $670 per year, and even though it is less than keeping a rabbit it does not include any extra costs like spaying or neutering according to research done by (ASPCA) the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. One important factor in choosing a pet is determining how much control a person can have over its pet. It is said that dogs are mans best friend, but the friendship can be defined by how domesticated this animal can be. It is no secret that a dog can be trained to follow commands and get reaching that point can takes much practice and patience from the owner. Research, books, and classes are various things that can help a new dog owner learn how to train the dog properly. If instructions are followed correctly the owner could have an active and happy dog, and a happy dog makes a happy owner. On the other hand with cats they only have a limited level of domestication. Cats are the more independent out of both animals, they do not need to be walked or bathed, and if left to it they can catch their own food. However, there are different ways of domesticating this wild at heart animal. When a kittle is first brought to a home, just like a baby it should be kept with company at all times, the more the cat is accustomed to having someone around at all times, the more affectionate they will be as he get older. In their young lives they do tend to explore, explore on top of the fridge, inside the linen closet, underneath the couch and even poke their head in the shower. Some owners have even trained their cats to eat with a spoon tied up to their hands and use the toilet, if any new owner wanted to try that they can research the how-to online or ask the vet. If a person is picking his next best friend or cuddle buddy, both of these animals promise to be a good household pet but only if he have a good owner. Both of them have their own expenses, health benefits and have to be taught differently but the unconditional love a pet can give is irreplaceable. They are loyal, willing, they do not say “no” and are always waiting for their special someone at home. References Capital Gazette Newspapers. (2006). ProQuest Central. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/docview/374545862'accountid=35812 AKC Facts and Stats. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aspca.org/adoption/pet-care-costs.aspx