Monday 26 May 2014

Risks and Requirements of Exotic Pet Ownership



If you are considering adopting or purchasing an exotic pet for yourself or your family, a little research is in order to ensure that you are ready for this major responsibility. Many areas restrict or prohibit the ownership of certain exotic animals by private individuals; these restrictions may be for the protection of endangered or ecologically fragile species or to provide added protections for people against the dangers associated with these pets. Knowing the risks of exotic pet ownership can help prospective adopters or buyers make the right decision for their families.

Monkey Business

Most veterinarians and humane societies discourage the adoption and purchase of primates as pets. These animals require constant attention and can become aggressive as they grow older; additionally, they typically have specialized dietary needs and environmental requirements that can be very difficult to meet as a private individual. Chimpanzees and other larger primates are especially problematic; these large animals have many times the strength of the average human and can easily maim or kill if upset or provoked. Because of their close genetic similarity to humans, primates can also transmit diseases to their human owners and may in turn contract illnesses that can prove dangerous or even fatal from the humans with whom they come in contact.

Reptiles

Snakes and other reptiles are among the most popular exotic pets. In some cases, these beautiful and unusual animals can be handled safely by knowledgeable owners and can be a source of pride and enjoyment for these individuals. If not properly contained and fed, however, snakes, lizards and other members of the reptile family can become a threat to pets and people. Some species of reptile can carry salmonella, a dangerous disease that can be transmitted to humans and can result in serious gastrointestinal distress. What’s more, reptiles also die prematurely due to improper care by inexperienced owners. Plus, many of these animals were taken from the wild and suffer when away from their natural habitat. In fact, experts estimate that 90 percent of these reptiles caught in the wild die within the first year of their captivity.

Big Cats

Most prospective pet owners would not consider adopting a full-grown lion, tiger or cougar into their family. However, the trade in lion and tiger cubs continues to be a major issue for conservationists and a source of concern for the Humane Society of the United States. Lions and tigers are wild creatures that cannot live happily in direct captivity. As they grow older, they require a larger territory than most owners are capable of providing. They can also exhibit aggression toward their captors and may cause grievous bodily injuries in attempting to free themselves or in response to perceived threats in their too-small environment. Zoology experts and veterinarians agree that big cats should not be kept as pets under any circumstances whatsoever.

A number of other animals may be considered exotic pets. For example, Savannah cats are the result of planned breeding between African servals and domestic cats. The first few generations of these cross-breeds are extremely wild and difficult to manage; they may exhibit numerous characteristics of their wildcat ancestors, including spraying, marking and unpredictable violence toward their owners and toward other pets. Prospective owners should perform all the necessary due diligence on their desired animal before making a commitment to adopt or purchase any pet. Most veterinarians and animal-welfare advocates discourage the ownership of exotic animals due to both the dangers posed by animals to people and vice versa.

Monday 19 May 2014

The Value of Active Play for Pets and People

Ensuring that your dog or cat gets adequate exercise can reduce the risks of obesity and can ensure that your pet stays fit and healthy throughout his or her life. Engaging pets in active play is a good way to reinforce the bond of love and trust between you and your companion animal and can provide hours of entertainment for both of you. As a pet owner, you can use a number of different tools and toys to keep your dog and cat happy and active. Here are some of the most useful strategies for engaging in active play with your pet.

The Feline Perspective

As predators, much of the cat’s instinctual behavior is oriented toward hunting and pouncing activities. A number of toys are available to help you engage your cat and retain its attention in a healthy and productive way. Fluttering toys that move with the wave of a wand are ideal for cats that enjoy leaping and springing toward their prey; strings, balls and dragging toys are more suited for earthbound kitties. Some cats respond to laser pointers that focus a pinpoint of light on walls and carpets. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can even train your cat to do tricks on command with a little patience and a lot of kitty treats in reserve. Whatever your chosen activity, your cat will enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and a closer relationship with you.

Beyond the Ball

While playing catch or fetch with your dog can be a valuable way to burn off excess energy, most dogs require additional exercise to stay fit and healthy. The daily walk is a good way to establish your position as the leader and alpha member of the family pack. A walk can also provide your dog with a sense of purpose and can allow greater opportunities for socialization in a neutral territory. Dog parks are a great option for many owners. Caution must be exercised, however, to ensure that your dog is ready for friendly interaction with unfamiliar canines. It’s a good idea to keep your dog on a leash for the first few visits to determine the overall atmosphere and risk level of the park and to create the necessary boundaries for yourself and your pet.

Training the Brain

For both dogs and cats, presenting puzzles can provide an added degree of challenge in the home environment. Hiding a favorite toy under a blanket or behind a pillow can stimulate curiosity in both cats and dogs. Don’t forget to reward your pet when he or she accomplishes the desired objective. By creating barriers and challenging your pet to overcome them, you can reduce the boredom sometimes felt by housebound dogs and cats and can increase their mental acuity to a considerable degree.

Scheduling regular times for active play with your dog or cat can ensure that these pets stay fit and healthy. Playtime can also be a bonding experience for you and can reduce undesirable behaviors by redirecting that energy in a much more positive way.