Dr. Carla Hubbard-Erickson
If you had asked my parents this question, the answer would have
been “none”. That didn’t stop me from telling them
that everything from a skunk to an alligator followed me home. I usually
kept anything that followed me home. My parents didn’t get to
see the leashes, boxes, pillow cases and other methods of incarceration
that I used. To be honest, the alligator was a gift from my father
when he went to Florida in the 60’s. Somehow, that used to be
legal. I think the alligator is still around – I wouldn’t
swim in the Ohio River though (it’s a long story).
The type of pet that we get for ourselves or for our families should
be thought out very thoroughly. Much more so than “Snappy”
was thought out by my father. Before I go any further, I will let
you know that I will try not to let my own personal feelings bias
this article. I think that any animal that is not native to our area/climate
should not be kept as a pet. I also believe that any animal that is
not easily domesticated, should not be kept as a pet.
In today’s society, the type of pets we choose is quite different
from the ones chosen by our grandparents. With our fast-paced life
styles we must choose carefully. Many homes now are empty all day
– with the majority of family members in the work force, or
in school. A dog used to be the primary pet in most households. As
time at home diminished and time to care for and house-train an animal
also diminished, the cat became increasingly popular. Many homes turned
to cats when apartment dwellings outnumbered personally owned homes.
The cats didn’t have to be walked and most came automatically
house-trained. In the past several years there has been a tremendous
increase in what are considered exotic animals being kept as pets.
For instance, in my practice I see many iguanas, snakes, birds, hedgehogs,
rats, ferrets, etc. that are kept as pets. These animals come with
their own housing needs and nutritional needs. The most common reason
that I see any of these critters in my office has to do with a failure
to meet one (or both) of those needs. Many owners purchase these pets
thinking that they will be less upkeep than a more conventional pet.
If that is your reasoning, think again.
If you are lucky enough to live in a rural area, then a large animal
might be for you. Many of my clients own horses, llamas, peacocks
and other farm-type pets. No matter what your housing situation, there
is probably a pet that is right for you if you are so inclined. Do
not purchase or take home any pet on a whim. Be certain to research
the specific needs of your pet-to-be. Some of us would do well to
own several pets, and others of us would do best to keep a pet rock
(I had one of those also). If you are thinking about a pet –
of any kind – please contact your veterinarian for advice and
information BEFORE you take Fido home.
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