They would drive you mad at times. But we love them.
Those of you who know me would have to know my personality and my UNCONDITIONAL love for my English Bulldog. My Babybear Hank.
He’s been there for me through thick and thin. Even licked the tears off my face when I was crying at tough times in my life. He’s loyal, he’s wrinkly, he’s fat (and allowed to be) he’s so clumsy. He’s 7 years of age and the thoughts of him every leaving me for doggy heaven crushes my heart in halves.
There’s times that he has eaten my shoes that were BRAN new. One time in particular I bought a beautiful pair of Gina Shoes from Brown Thomas (when the Celtic Tiger was here) and I hadn’t even worn them he chewed the back of one of them. I came in from work and saw them and I just couldn’t be mad at him. I still wore the shoes under a pair of jeans and going out to hang out the washing!
So anyway, here are some tips to try and keep your Sanity with your furyballs.
#1 – Survey Your Space
Your heart may hold all the warmth in the world to love lots of pets, but before bringing them into your home consider your living quarters. For yourself and one petite Calico or tiny Chihuahua, a dorm-sized studio apartment may feel cozy and tranquil. But every new wagging tail or set of whiskers means less breathing room for all.
Multiple litter boxes or dog beds need space to spread out, and animals, like siblings, can require timeouts in separate rooms. And if you’re a renter, check your lease to make sure your landlord approves of new furry roommates or just do what I do and say nothing.
#2 – Money Matters
More pets come with several costs, take a close look at your budget, so you won’t be forced to skimp on care and nutrition for your trusting companions. Every animal requires paying “for quality food, regular veterinary care, and possibly the additional costs of whatever your pet chews up in their early months. So sum up can you really afford a pet or another pet because they deserve the best!
#3 – Consult Your Vet
Talk with your vet about the challenges of supporting multiple pets-which includes more flea and tick treatments, more vaccinations, etc. Your vet can advise you on the medical basics and what you should expect-if, for instance, you’re adding a puppy to a formerly feline household, or welcoming a cat to your dog’s domain. Your vet may even be agreeable to a discount rate on exams or shots if you bring all the pets in at once. Ask about special deals, too. My vet offers great discounts on dental services twice a year, so the cost of two cleanings doesn’t take quite as big a bite. Another good idea is to consider pet insurance, which can help with basics and even some more specialized treatments if your pets get sick or have an emergency.
#4 – Breed All About It
Before mingling dogs and cats, learn which dog breeds will be the best fit. The Irish Kennel Club (IKC) reminds pet owners that “sight hounds,” such as Greyhounds and Whippets, Terriers and Hounds-all dogs bred for hunting or sniffing out vermin-have strong prey drives and should not be trusted around cats. So be careful the type of dog you are choosing or your cat may end up in their tummies. Meowh!
To keep your cat safe and unstressed, choose a dog that will respect and enjoy your cat’s company, or if you’re adding a dog, be sure your resident pup will be a good match with a new canine. Visit a shelter or rescue group, and talk with volunteers and other pet parents of both cats and dogs, who can provide guidance.
#5 – Feeding Frenzy
Cats and dogs eat differently. Dogs gobble, but cats may consider whether a meal is worthy of consumption, walk away, and then return for a bite. When you have canines and felines, separate feeding is a must. Feeding the dog, then taking him out for a walk while the cat eats, is ideal. If you’re not home, food timer dishes for each pet, in separate rooms, will prevent the dog from enjoying a cat food feast. Placing your cat’s food dish on a high shelf or cat tree may also work, but an energetic dog won’t take long to spot that trick.
#8 – Time Management
More pets means more fun times, more love… and more attention. Be certain you can give each of your pets the daily quality time and reassurance they crave and deserve. Time should be set aside for training and one-on-one time with each animal.
Multiple pet ownership means added responsibilities, but the joyful rewards multiply daily, with endless dividends of unconditional love.
Go for it but only if you are sure xx
