You all know that Opie is our little fur baby and joined our family around 2 years ago now and we can’t imagine our life without him. That being said it took a lot of thought and consideration on our side working out whether a dog was right for us and choosing which breed and size of dog would be best for us given our family, home and working life.
Now the weather is a bit better, most of us are trying to get outdoors and become a bit more active. You might see lots of people out and about walking their dogs. Owning a dog certainly gives you a great excuse to get out more and improve your fitness. You might try some brisk walking or even light jogging (chasing after them in the dog park!) Sadly, many people struggle when it comes to owning a dog. They may not be able to get out much for walkies, or simply don’t have the room. Perhaps a smaller pet like a cat or guinea pig could work?
Whether you’re looking for a big pet or a little pet, it’s worth considering some furry companionship. It is thought that having a pet to cuddle up to can reduce your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease. Stroking a cat can be very relaxing, and there might even be healing properties from the cat’s purr. Now all you need to decide is whether you’re looking for a large pet or a small one. What do you need to consider?
Big pets like large dogs will need a bit more room in your house. They will also need an adult with good strength to take them for walks. But don’t be put off. Most big dog breeds are very friendly and love nothing more than cuddling up with you. If you’re on your own, a large dog breed could also help you feel safer and more secure. Of course, they’ll certainly offer you the opportunity to increase your fitness too as they’ll run faster and maybe even for longer than a smaller breed.
Medium sized breeds of dog can also make great companions for you and your children. Many have long coats of hair so may shed a little more. If you’re getting a puppy, it can be difficult to tell just how big your adult dog will become. Always ask to see the mother dog so you can gauge what you’re getting. If you’re adopting a rescued pup, the rehoming center should be able to show you what size the breed can become.
Of course, cats can get quite big too. Maine Coons and Norwegian Forests are considered to be the biggest breeds. They can weigh ten kilos or more, so be wary of them around babies. Many pedigree cats like these are often kept indoors. You should provide activity centers like cat trees to help maintain their weight and muscle tone. Smaller breeds can be long haired or short haired. Chances are you’ll need to brush them at least occasionally even though cats tend to clean themselves.
Tiny furries can easily become lost in a house if they’re allowed out of the cage. This can be a hygiene problem as well as a safety concern for your pet. Enclosed runs in the garden are often good fun and a great way for them to exercise. They don’t tend to live as long as cats or dogs, so consider the age of your children too. Which size pet will you choose?
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*This is a collaborative post*