José Henrique Duarte Correia Veterinarian Professor, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Lisboa If we think only emotionally, how gratifying it is to have an animal who unconditionally worships us and is happy just to see us, who does everything to please us and asks for little or nothing in return, the immediate response is: “Yes, of course, we really want to have a pet!”. Unfortunately, the decision is more complex than we first think. Sharing of our life with an animal, whatever it may be, must be rationally thought out so that common life is as happy and rewarding as possible and remains so over time. The key word for the decision of introducing a pet into our family life is responsibility . So, before deciding to add an animal to the family, take some time to think. It is important to ensure that you do not compromise your family welfare and that you can also ensure the animal welfare needs. Careful research can help you understand what conditions each type of pet must have. Knowing it and the implications of introducing a pet as a new family member it will be much more likely to: Have a happy, well-adapted pet with a good relationship with the family; Be easier to deal with any challenges that may arise. Animal welfare needs The needs of each type of pet are very different and must be known in advance, as well as the possibility of secure it. The 5 wellness needs: Health : includes protection from pain, injury, suffering and illness and ensuring adequate veterinary medical treatment in case of illness or injury; Behavior : it will be possible to display the species natural behavior patterns, for example, playing, running, digging, jumping, flying, among others; Companion : depending on the species, housing may be necessary together or separately from other animals. For example, species such as rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy the company of their fellows, while hamsters prefer and should be housed alone; Diet : guarantee of adequate food in quality and quantity, according to age and health status, to prevent malnutrition or obesity and free access to clean, fresh water. Environment : guarantee of having an adequate environment, which allows the animal to rest comfortably, hide, have space to explore or exercise. Practical issues There are still very diverse practical questions that you need to know the answer to decide which is the right animal for your family. Who wants to have an animal If all members of the family want to have an animal, everyone must know what the choice entails, feel comfortable with the decision and welcome the animal. Decide ahead of time who will be the primary carer of the pet within the family. If you have children, make sure the presence of an animal does not bother them in any way. And if a child is the primary carer of the animal, make sure they are old enough and able to do the job. The most suitable pet for the family and the home Will you be able to live with fur, litter boxes, or occasional damage from the pet activity? If you just like cats or dogs, choose your favorite species. However, if you also have a place in your heart for lizards, snakes, fish, birds, rodents and small mammals, think carefully to determine your favorite species. If you are unable to choose between fur, feathers, scales or fins, consider the other questions to narrow your range of preferences. Do you live in a rented house? You must have the owner permission to have a pet. Does your condominium permit pets? Find out first. Does anyone in your household have health problems that hinder a close contact with an animal? If you are not sure, talk to the attending physician or pediatrician, in case of children. Temperament For larger animals, pay attention to their temperament, as well as the personality of your family. The various breeds of dogs and cats were developed for different purposes and uses. Do you want a pet close to you, wanting to be part of all your life or would you prefer a more independent pet? Matching the correct species and breed to the family lifestyle is essential to family and pet happiness. Many smaller animals that require less commitment may also have an unsuitable shape for your family. For example: Gerbils and hamsters do not live long as other pets and can be sensitive, even biting when handled incorrectly. They are not suitable for children under 8 years old without adult supervision; Hamsters are night living animals and begin their activities at the time people usually go to bed. Waking them up during the day bothers them a lot. Longevity It is important to know how long an animal lives on average before taking it home. Many species of turtles and birds can live over 50 years and even longer than all family members. Also be aware that many reptiles and fish are sold very young and grow much larger than first appear. There are reptiles, such as snakes, that can live for 30 years in captivity. Even some small breed dogs can live to be 20 years old. Activity level You want a dog. But are you a sedentary or physically active person? If you do not like anything more than curling up on a sofa with a good book, older dogs and cats are usually softer and more relaxed and can curl up with you. Lizards, snakes, and fish will not bother you either, they do not require daily exercise. If you take a new walk every weekend, an adventurous dog might be the ideal choice. Working or sporting dogs need daily mental and physical activity, or they quickly slip into destructive behavior. If you cannot provide the exercise the breed needs, choose dogs from less demanding breeds. Remember that puppies and kittens need socialization and training for a few months, while adult dogs and cats are trained in terms of social and physiological needs. Costs Generally speaking, the larger the pet, the greater the related expenses. Smaller animals such as gerbils, guinea pigs and fish have lower initial and annual costs. Reptiles and saltwater fish require specialized habitats, which can be expensive. Rodents are happy with a suitable cage, good bedding, food and toys. And are you prepared for a pet health crisis? The costs can be high. Can you have health insurance for your pet to help? Adopt an animal If this is a possibility, with a little research you can find organizations that collect stray animals from almost every popular species of pet. Adopting a stray animal is a worthwhile start to your relationship with pets. Care in the absence of the family Do you have someone who can take care of your pet during an absence? If not, how will you guarantee the necessary care for your pet when you are away? These are the main questions whose answer is decisive for your decision to introduce a pet into the family and for the choice of the most suitable animal. In short… It is known that companion animals can improve the quality of life of the people they live with. Most people report that having a pet helps to manage stress and anxiety, alleviate loneliness, and gives a different meaning to life. Older people and those living alone often find their pet a substitute for the human family and a reason to get up every day, in addition to feeling useful and needed. Accompanying the growth of a child with a companion animal can help to develop their sense of responsibility and respect for animals and have a positive impact on their social and affective skills. Having an animal that needs to walk on the street every day, several times a day, helps to practice some physical activity and have a healthier life. However, for everyone well-being, there must be a c orrespondence of the family personality, lifestyle and yearnings with the characteristics of the pet. So, when choosing a pet, be aware of why you want to expand your family : do you want a protector, an animal to show off, a work dog, or an animal whose sole purpose is to be a life companion? The analysis of all aspects surrounding the issue can help to make a conscious and responsible decision and, thus, to ensure that the introduction of the new family member will be a guaranteed asset for the quality of life, happiness, and family fulfillment and, at the same time, will allow a well-adapted, happy and healthy life for the new family pet . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
