Page 27 - FWG Issue 5 June 2023

Lifestyle

3. Lifestyle 5. Compatibility you’ve brought your new fur baby home,
Consider your daily schedule and activities, Consider the breed, size, personality and consider all the ways you can create a
as well as your future plans, to determine if energy level of the pet you’re interested better, healthier life together.
a pet would fit in with your lifestyle. If you’re in to ensure that it will be a good fit for
frequently travelling or have a demanding your lifestyle and living arrangements. “One of the most important things a pet
schedule, a pet may not be a good fit unless Research the different breeds and their owner should do is stay up to date with
you want your furry friend to travel with you. characteristics to find one that suits your vaccinations,” says Dent. “This protects
needs. Your veterinarian can give you some pets and their families. A vaccination
There are many holiday venues that recommendations based on your family schedule helps owners stay on top of
accommodate pets, so do your research and lifestyle situation. which vaccines are due once they take
and check if your new companion can be their pets to their veterinarian for a
involved in your day-to-day life both at Consider visiting animal shelters and check-up.”
home and away. It can be deeply rewarding spending time with potential pets to get
to include pets in all personal and family a feel for their personalities and energy Of course, just like with humans, healthy
activities. levels. It will help you choose a pet that pets live healthier and happier lifestyles.
will be a good match for your family. This Make sure that your pet is eating a good,
4. Cost is particularly important if you are bringing balanced diet that suits their breed and
Owning a pet can be expensive as you your new pet home to children. Where size and that maintains the health of their
need to spend on food, toys, grooming possible, choose to adopt a pet rather than fur and teeth. If you’re big on exercise,
supplies and medical expenses. It’s a good shop for one. However, if you are choosing include your pet in your workout routine.
idea to take out pet insurance and to have a pure breed, make sure you are dealing
a rainy-day fund for unexpected expenses. with a reputable breeder. “A walk a day offers enormous health
Budget for regular veterinary visits and benefits for people and their pets,” says
proactive treatments such as a regular tick Integrating your fur baby into your Dent. “It’s the perfect way to spend
and flea regime to circumvent problems household quality time together while getting the
down the line. Pets are members of the family. Once heart rate up.”

Fourways Gardens • 25 • June 2023