PETS Info Blog

Having a pet is an amazing experience that everyone should have in his lifetime. You would find your pet just like any other family member who is not only caring but also protective.

People like to keep different animals as their pets like cats, dogs, birds, or more exotic species of which dogs are the most common pets. People tend to get close as well as affectionate with their pets quite easily that they start including them in their daily activities too.

Some people even have the habit to sleep with their pets. This has been seen as a common thing among pet owners. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association in the year 2007, it has been established that around 43 percent of dogs sleep on the same bed as their owners. A number of animal trainers and vets consider this habit quite harmful and strictly oppose it.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of letting your pet sleep in your bed.

Advantages

You can expect your pet to attach to you only when you attach yourself to it. Your pet feels quite bonded if you allow it to rest on the couch or lie on your bed. It has been proved that a person surrounded by his or her pets has a stable mood and low blood pressure.

Ira Roth who is a very famous veterinarian states that it is advantageous for both the owner and the animal to spend time together and share affection for it reduces the stress level.

Sarah Westcott who is a well known dog trainer in New York City and the owner of Doggie Academy shares her personal experiences with her dog Hank and completely believes that letting the pet sleep with you helps in increasing the attachment between both the owner and the pet. According to her, it is a satisfying experience and through this your pet would always feel the care you give it.

Disadvantages

From the health point of view, it is advised to keep your pet away from your personal things as it may cause you allergies. In addition to this, it is a medical fact that your nasal passages are more prone to foreign irritants at night. Making your pet sleep with you at such a time can increase your chances to catch an allergy or some other problem.

Have you ever wondered why your partner can interact and react with your pet on such a different level than what they can do with you? Why do you think this is? Is it because of the unconditional love that your pet gives? It may be. Check the following things out though and see what you think.

How do you greet your pet? Even if you have a rough day at work, you probably come home and at least give your pet a nice friendly hello and a scratch behind the ears. When was the last time you had a rough day at work and still came home with a smile and a hello for your partner?

If your partner messes up something special to you, or even something mediocre, you might get angry and tend to hold a grudge.

If your pet does it though, how do you react? You might raise your voice a bit and punish it, but tomorrow things will be right back to normal.

If you know you are going to be late and you don’t call to tell your partner, will they be angry? Will you be angry in preparation for them being angry? Will that lead to an argument? What about your pet?

If you are going to be late your pet will not be waiting at the door for an explanation. You know this and therefore you won’t be on edge when you walk through the door.

Think about the things that you do for your pet without thinking, and then think about how you would react with your partner in the same situation. When thinking about this, pay attention to the differences in the reactions you would give your pet versus your partner and then try to determine why you would differ between the two.

The bottom line is basically this: if you want your partner to talk to you like he/she talks to your pet then treat him/her the way you treat your pet.

A little smile and a loving touch when you get home, bad day or not; do not hold a grudge; accept their behavior as being a part of them; expect only what is to be expected and do not read more into a situation than what is truly there. Always assume the best in every situation. You never know what is waiting around the corner.

Pets not only offer unconditional love but they can also definitely teach you a thing or two.

Affectionate, loyal, friendly, gentle – these admirable qualities are the reasons why dogs are considered as man’s best friends. Some breeds though can be intimidating as they are naturally ferocious and ownership is restricted in some areas. The aggressiveness that is specifically bred into these dogs is further developed through training as these ferocious dogs will be utilized as guard and protection dogs.

Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and these animals have become well loved members of the family. A well mannered dog can easily bare its teeth and show an aggressive temperament as in spite of the long years of domestication the ferocious nature remained. It is not surprising if more than 4 million Americans get bitten by dogs every year. Many of the victims were attacked by their own dogs. It is therefore necessary to learn how approach a dog.

It is necessary for dog owners to learn how to safely approach the dog. Dogs are territorial animals and food motivated as well. A dog will guard its territory, food and toys. Even a well mannered dog would growl and bare its strong needle sharp teeth if it perceives a threat to what was considered as its territory. People and especially children must not tease the dog by trying to get a toy or take away the food the dog is eating. A dog unaware that your intention in getting the bowl is to add more food can bite.

Kids are generally fascinated with dogs. The little ones cannot resist touching a sleeping pet. However, even a gentle pet can bite instinctively if startled. Children must be cautioned not to startle a dog. Dogs must be approached slowly and make sure that the dog can see you.

The dog may tolerate the family members to invade its territory but a ferocious temperament will be shown at the intrusion of other people. Dog lovers find it hard to resist touching an attractive and gentle looking dog. Remember, not all dogs are friendly and the particular dog you want to touch may react differently to an unfamiliar face . Always ask the owner’s permission before approaching the dog. If it’s OK to pat the dog, slowly approach the dog directly but do not stare directly into the eyes of the dog lest the animal take your look as a challenge. Extend a hand with the fingers curled under or the palm down to be sniffed by the dog. A friendly dog will sniff the offered hand.

Read more about how to approach a dog and dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.