Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 10 Posts
- 2025 | 60 Posts
- 2024 | 59 Posts
- 2023 | 48 Posts
- 2022 | 52 Posts
- 2021 | 54 Posts
- 2020 | 49 Posts
- 2019 | 48 Posts
- 2018 | 43 Posts
- 2017 | 15 Posts
- 2016 | 20 Posts
- 2015 | 6 Posts
- 2014 | 8 Posts
8
Ready for a Pet? How to Determine the Best One for Your Home
Pets add years of love and laughter to our lives. Whether you prefer dogs, cats, furry small critters, chirping birds, or unusual reptiles, adding a pet to your family will fill your home with joy. If you're looking for Arden Hills Homes for Sale or Victoria Homes for Sale, you can find the perfect pet for your home.
Pets become members of the family, so it's important to choose a pet that is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. To find the right pet, you may need to ask some questions that address your daily schedule, activities, health concerns, and budget:
- Does your job occupy most of your time?
- Are you gone more than 8 hours each day?
- Do you prefer active or passive activities?
- Do you suffer from allergies or asthma?
- Do you have ongoing health problems?
- Can you afford veterinary care expenses?
Once you answer these questions, you are ready to find a pet that will be the best fit for your home. Here are some helpful tips to help you find the perfect pet.
Dogs
When considering a dog, consider the breed, size, and grooming requirements. Large- and medium-sized dogs require more physical exercise. They enjoy many outdoor activities like walking, running, hiking, and fetching. Border collies, Australian shepherds, German shepherds, Golden retrievers, and Labradors love the outdoors and are very good at following commands.
If your job demands long hours, consider a small dog like a Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Terrier, or Yorkie that will be fine with curling up in your lap most of the time. Walks around the block will provide good exercise and a soft pet bed will provide a cozy, safe place to sleep.
Although all dogs require regular baths and grooming, small dogs may require more precise grooming to prevent matted hair. Terriers do not shed, so they are perfect pets for people with allergies and asthma.
Cats
Cats are great companions for homeowners with less active lifestyles. Although cats are more aloof than dogs, they love attention and petting. With an average size of 10-15 pounds and a lifespan of up to 20 years, cats make great long-term companions.
Purebreeds have distinctive traits: Bengal cats are very affectionate and love playing in water; Maine Coon cats are gentle with dogs and children; Persian cats prefer a quiet household without other pets; Ragdoll cats love to cuddle, but require more grooming; and Siamese cats are very vocal with meows that sound like crying babies. Domestic breeds come in a variety of colors and markings.
If you have allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems, it's important to note that cat dander is a known cause of allergies. A cat's constant grooming can create a double-whammy for allergy sufferers.
Furry Critters
Furry critters like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs make excellent pets, especially if there are children in the family. They like to be petted and don't mind spending most of their time in a cozy cage with food and water. Furry small critters provide a good opportunity for kids to learn emotional traits like love and compassion and physical skills like feeding and grooming.
Birds, Fish, and Turtles
If you love nature, birds, fish, and turtles may be a good pet choice. They don't require much attention and they come in beautiful, exotic colors. With a proper, clean, living environment and regular feedings, some species can live up to 60 years.
If you're looking for your perfect home, Counselor Realty can help. For more information, call today and talk to an agent about your real estate needs.