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As a professional pet sitter, I see animals of all kinds. Shy ones, hyper ones, playful ones, cuddly ones, and funny ones. I'm taking care of some cats right now, and there's one guy who really likes to eat. On this particular day, he finished his own food, and then decided he hadn't quite had his fill, so he patiently...er...something like that...waited for his sister to finish.
Do you think she caught on to his subtle hints?
What does your cat do to show you he's hungry...or still hungry?
This article, written by me, originally appeared on Brie Brie Blooms. It appears here with minor changes, with permission.
While some pet owners wouldn't dream of allowing their pet in the bed, there are just as many who wouldn't dream of sleeping without their furry companion, most commonly a dog or cat. Bed sharing with pets is quite common. In our household, it's more of a family affair. Just this morning, I woke to find my son in-between my husband and I, our dog, N.A.S.H.A., next to him with her head on the pillow, and my daughter curled up at the foot of the bed. She must have been last to arrive to the party, and with my husband rolling his eyes behind me, I have to admit that it's not the first time this has happened. We have a big bed and a small dog, so it works (mostly) for us. My philosophy: If everyone in the bed is comfortable having the pet in the bed, it's fine! The kids? You're on your own.
Web M.D. states:
according to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, nearly half of dogs sleep in their owners' beds. The survey found that 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs, and 32% of large dogs sleep with their owners. The survey also found that 62% of cats sleep with their adult owners, and another 13% of cats sleep with children.
It is actually a compliment to you if your pet likes to sleep with you. Dogs and cats will only sleep with people and animals they trust. There can be benefits and drawbacks to sharing a bed with your pet.
What are some of the drawbacks? When might your pet not be a good candidate for sharing your bed?
An aggressive dog should never be allowed to share your bed until the problem can be resolved. This may include growling or biting, and often occurs when one spouse enters the bed after the other (and the dog) are already occupying the bed and the dog feels possessive over either the person or the territory. This situation is one that can be fixed with training.
One needs to be very cautious about allowing a dog or cat who startles easily into the bed. bedmates, whether human or animal, inevitably touch or sometimes kick one another during the night. If your pet startles easily and is reactive, this may lead to unintended aggressive behavior, such as biting or scratching.
Babies in cribs should not sleep with animals. The animal may feel trapped, or the baby may not be able to move out of the way for safe breathing and sleeping. Babies and animals should never be left alone.
People with allergies should probably not allow their pet to sleep in the bed. Not quite as critical a case as an aggressive or reactive pet, but still poses a health risk. Even if the allergy sufferer is not triggered by the animal, itself, pollen and other environmental substances the pet brings in from being outside can exacerbate allergies.
If cleanliness is a concern to you, you may not want your pet in the bed. Pets can track in dirt and often shed fur and dander. If you have a particularly smelly or oily dog, this might be more critical. But, if you don't mind, then go for it! Some people even have a special blanket for their pet in the bed. Your pet can be trained to stay on his own blanket.
A puppy who has not yet been house trained is not a good candidate for sleeping in the bed. Puppies will often get off the bed to eliminate somewhere in the house, or–even worse–someplace in the bed that they deem far enough from their snuggle spot.
If you share the bed with your partner and having a pet in the bed interferes with intimacy, the situation may need reevaluation. Some couples don't mind the pet in the bed during these private moments, while some will kick the animal out or provide a distraction, such as a chew treat. Regardless, both partners should be in agreement about whether the pet sticks around for the show. Since I'm not a marriage counselor, I'll leave it at that.
If you have a particularly large breed dog such as a Mastiff or Great Dane, you may want to provide an alternative sleeping space. Remember that large breed dogs don't start out as big as an adult human. As puppies, their size is completely manageable in the bed. But if you allow the puppy in the bed, he won't understand why he can no longer sleep with you as he reaches full-size. Whatever you choose, starting as you mean to go on is the best policy, if possible.
If your pet disrupts your sleep, you may want to reconsider allowing her in the bed. Dogs, in particular, are notorious for snoring, tooting, scratching, and licking throughout the night, which can be very disruptive to your sleep cycle. Since Fido sleeps most of the day, anyway, he doesn't care that you have to get up for work in the morning. If your pet sleeps soundly and quietly, you got lucky! Our dog, N.A.S.H.A., has always slept with us. She's a bit older, now, and although we let her out right before bed, she now usually has to relieve herself at some point during the night. I realized she started doing so on the floor (on the tile, thank goodness), so, somehow I started to hear her disembark during the night. Now, as soon as I hear her paws hit the floor, I'm up and at 'em, opening the slider for her. Sometimes as changes occur in our pets, we are forced to adapt. It's disruptive, but better to me than cleaning up the mess in the morning if I stay in bed. (My husband could sleep through a tornado, so he's no help.)
If jumping on or off the bed risks injury to the pet, they should not be doing so. This can happen with older pets or pets with special needs, or long-bodied dogs, especially if you have a tall bed. Thankfully, they now make bed stairs and bed ramps for exactly this purpose. If you choose to lift your pet into the bed, be certain she doesn't risk injury by jumping off independently.
But it's not all bad.
If the issues above don't apply to you or you aren't bothered by them, sleeping with a pet can actually have health benefits.
People who sleep with pets sometimes find the animal's breathing patterns to be soothing, reporting that they fall asleep faster if their pet is around. Sleeping with pets can also make people feel safer and calmer, which may also help sleep. It can be psychologically comforting to know that your dog is ready to defend you if need be or just having the companionship of a snoozing cat. People have slept with their pets for centuries, often using them for protection and even warmth. Do you know where the phrase "it's a three-dog night" originates? It's accepted in academic circles that the Chukchi in far east Siberia originated the term to describe how cold conditions were. A "three-dog night" was a night that required three dogs to snuggle in order to keep warm. So if you suddenly find yourself without heat, grab a dog or three!
Every situation is different. What about you? Does your pet sleep in your bed?
I see so many great pet stories, videos, products, and blog posts each week, so I've compiled this week's favorites. It's a little bit of this and a little bit of that...some old, some new, some tried, all true!
This one's been bouncing around a lot this week. I wouldn't recommend doing this, but the consensus among commenters is that the cat is enjoying himself. I'm not sure I agree. Let's hope he doesn't lose a claw. What do you think? Courtesy of silverlinefarms.
This touching story from Associaçåo Quatro Patinas out of Brazil via Reshareworthy shows that "better than buying a life is saving one."
Huff Post Green shared this amazing video via AFV Approved. I aspire to be as good at ping-pong as this pooch!
I know, I know...you've already seen it. This video by Matthew Kennelly is too good not to share, just in case you haven't. And if you have, wouldn't you like to see it again, and again?
This meme by kadavirus on meme center struck me as hilarious this week.
Who pooped in the kitchen? We find out in this gut-busting video from Judy the Terrier via Petcha.com.
This touching video via Time out of Istanbul, Turkey, shows a recycling bin that helps feed some of the estimated 150,000 stray dogs in the region. And the video makes me cry every time I watch it. What an amazing invention.
I love this summary via PBS News Hour of Simon Watt's book "Ugly Animals: We Can't All Be Pandas." Shouldn't we have equal rights for all?
First of all, what a great, unique looking cat! But when you hear his story via Animal Planet, it will melt your heart. We love Brimley!
Which is your favorite?
Have a killer pet find to submit for our top 10 tuesday? Please let me know!
This article, written by me, originally appeared on Brie Brie Blooms. It appears here with minor changes, with permission.
Kids and pets: they go together like peanut butter and jelly, right? Families who have never even considered incorporating an animal into their lives may consider it once their children start the begging process. Any kind of pet requires some level of care, so at what age is a child ready for that responsibility? Since all kids are different, it can be difficult to determine a general guideline, but there are some important things to consider that can help us make a good choice when deciding whether to incorporate a pet into the family.
Step 1: Determine if the pet you are considering is in the realm of possibility. Housing pony in your apartment or a shark in your pool are suggestions that can be shot down without further ado.
Step 2: Research, research, research, and ask yourself some tough questions. Some things to consider:
• What type of daily care is involved?
• How much exercise does this animal need to be healthy and happy, and am I physically able and willing to spend the time an energy it takes to provide that?
• Will this pet make a mess (shedding, pooping, chewing, etc.), and am I willing to put up with that mess?
• What is the life expectancy of the pet, and will we be able to care for the pet for the duration of its life?
• Is this pet a safe choice for our family? What are the risk factors?
• Is anyone in the household allergic to this type of animal?
• What are the upfront and long-term costs associated with bringing this pet into the family? Consider food, supplies, vacation care, and veterinary costs. Is proper care for the pet in our budget?
• What will day-to-day life be like with this pet? Will this pet add joy or chaos to our family?
• Who will be responsible for day-to-day care of the pet?
• Can you provide the animal a safe, loving, healthy environment?
Step 3: If you've determined the answers to all of the questions above, and are confident that a new addition would be great for your family, then it's time to find the perfect pet.
Let's look at some common options.
It's a classic. What kid doesn't want a snuggly puppy? Puppies and dogs are lots of work, but the rewards are great. They truly can become members of the family.
Pros: Oh, so cute. High level of interaction, great exercise partner, excellent snuggle-buddy, playful.
Cons: Can be messy, require lots of interaction. Exercise requirements must be met for physical and mental health. May require training. Ongoing grooming and veterinary costs. You have to take Fido on vacation with you or find a pet sitter.
How do I get one? I'm an advocate for rescue. Most areas have multiple rescues to choose from. There may be certain cases where a particular breed may be purchased from a reputable breeder, but never, ever purchase a puppy or dog from a pet store, as they almost always have come from a puppy mill.
Upfront cost: $$$
Ongoing cost: $$$
Daily care required: Feeding multiple times per day, providing fresh, clean water as needed, meeting exercise requirements (depending on breed and age through walking, jogging, playing and other forms of exercise), high level of interaction with family, cleaning "accidents" or mishaps if untrained.
Periodic care required: Regular veterinary care, grooming, pet sitting.
Bottom line: The right dog with the right family is magic. It is likely that all family members will need to participate caring for a pooch. As children grow older, they can take on more responsibility.
Cats are great. They are as individual as we are. Some cats are low-maintenance, and some require more attention. How integrated they are into your family largely depends on their nature and your care.
Pros: Fun and often funny. Some will be highly interactive (never leaving your lap or quite playful), and some will disappear until dinner is served (you are their slave). It all depends on what you are looking for. Usually require a bit less maintenance than dogs do.
Cons: That litter box smell (in most parts of the country, it is best to keep a cat indoors), worried parents if an outdoor cat doesn't make curfew, sometimes they barf up hairballs, sometimes they scratch stuff up. They sometimes scratch and bite if they don't get their way.
How do I get one? Rescue, rescue, rescue. There are SO many kittens and cats of any age that need homes desperately.
Upfront cost: $$
Ongoing cost: $$
Daily care required: Feeding once or twice, providing fresh, clean water as needed, scooping the litter box.
Periodic care required: Regular veterinary care, grooming (varies, depending on coat) pet sitting.
Bottom line: Look for the right fit. Cats are as individual as we are. If you adopt a cat that fits with the lifestyle you want, you'll have a great buddy.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils all fall into this category. Though personalities will vary amongst breeds and individual animals, the general care and time commitment is similar.
Pros: These pets are cute and entertaining, and, depending on type, can even be trained. They don't need walks, and they won't take over your house (unless they escape, heaven forbid).
Cons: Frequent cage clean-ups and difficult–if not impossible–to potty train. Often shy and skittish, at first and can be slow to warm up. These animals often make quite a bit of noise gnawing on things hopping about or running in an exercise wheel.
How do I get one? Your best option is always to rescue, but small caged animals aren't as abundantly available as dogs and cats. If you've checked your local rescues and the type of pet you want is not available, make sure the pet store you purchase from is reputable.
Upfront cost: $$
Ongoing cost: $
Daily care required: Providing fresh food and water and interaction, as well as a means to exercise (large pen or running wheel).
Periodic care required: Veterinary care as needed, Cage cleaning every few days, depending on the individual animal. Pet sitting required for extended trips.
Bottom line: In reality, small caged animals are more work than they are thought to be. They can be great "starter" pets for children, but once the initial infatuation wears off, your child may lose interest.
Birds come in all kinds, from the small, quiet, finch to the exotic, chatty, parrot. if you are truly a bird lover, you should have no trouble finding the perfect fit.
Pros: Beautiful and fun to watch and interact with (depending on species). Songs can be soothing to listen to. You can put them to bed.
Cons: Birds can be messy and loud. Birds who squawk can be disruptive. Time consuming to train. Some will bite.
How do I get one? Bird rescues exist, and they are great places to find an avian family member. Rescues will know the individual personalities of birds and can help you find a great match. Purchasing a bird through a reputable pet store is a second option.
Upfront cost: $$-$$$$
Ongoing cost: $$
Daily care required: Providing food, fresh water, and treats, as well as daily interaction and cage maintenance.
Periodic care required: Regular veterinary care, wing clipping, cage cleaning (as well as the area around the cage) pet sitting.
Bottom line: In order to be a successful bird parent, you have to be a bird person. They can be great pets for children, depending on the type of bird you are considering, but require quite a bit of attention and parents will definitely have to help quite a bit, initially.
Reptiles, amphibians, and snakes make excellent pets for children, as long as they are handled properly. They are unique and fun to learn about and care for.
Pros: Most are relatively low-maintenance, and they provide a unique educational experience for children. Some can be quite interactive. Great for kids with allergies.
Cons: They aren't very cuddly. Some must be fed live prey. They can carry disease that may be transmitted to humans, but, if handled properly, this is not an issue.
How do I get one? Always turn to your local reptile rescue, first, but if you can't find a good fit, get a recommendation for a local reptile breeder. These people are usually "reptile nerds" and will provide you with an education and recommendation about the right fit for your family. They are a wealth of knowledge. Though there is nothing wrong with purchasing a reptile, amphibian, or snake from a pet store, I'd make that option number three.
Upfront cost: $$-$$$$
Ongoing cost: $-$$$
Daily care required: Feeding (varies, depending on type), providing fresh water (depending on type), interaction (depending on type).
Periodic care required: Veterinary care as needed, aquarium/habitat cleanup, pet sitting for extended trips.
Bottom line: Do your research. Each type of reptile, amphibian, or snake requires a different environment, feeding schedule, and care program. These animals also vary widely in how interactive they are. They can be an enriching educational experience and a lot of fun, but be sure you find the right fit.
Perhaps one of the best "first pets" for young children. You can get a beta fish in a bowl, or you can spend a million dollars on a custom salt water tank.
Pros: Beautiful and soothing to watch. Quiet. Low maintenance (unless you go nuts).
Cons: They are quite sensitive to their environment, so you have to be careful. Basic fish are pretty easy, but if you want a full aquarium, you'll need to educate yourself thoroughly before embarking.
How do I get one? Typically, fish come from a reputable pet store.
Upfront cost: $-$$$$
Ongoing cost: $-$$$
Daily care required: Feeding and visually checking on the health of the fish and condition of the tank.
Periodic care required: Tank cleaning, pet sitting for extended trips.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a first pet for your child, a beta fish is a no-brainer. They are typically pretty hardy, and they don't require an elaborate aquarium set-up. If you're into something more involved, maintaining an aquarium is a great family hobby.
Consider the family routine when determining if your child is ready for a pet. Who will be responsible for the pet's care, and how will it be determined that the job has been done? Although your five-year-old may swear she'll feed the fish every day, she may be distracted. It's best in cases like this to actually witness your child feeding the fish. Provide her with a checklist, and even consider a pet-related reward for a job well done. Maybe she receives a new decoration for the tank after a month of excellent care. If your child falls down on the job, it is ultimately the responsibility of the parent to make sure the animal is cared for. It's not fair to Fido if he has to wait two days for water because no one has noticed his bowl has gone dry. Having a pet can be a great way to teach a child responsibility, but kiddos–some even into their teens–need supervision when it comes to animal care. It is ultimately on our shoulders, as parents, to make sure the animal is well cared-for.
Pets can provide us with love, entertainment, and a great deal of enjoyment as they become part of our families. They help teach children responsibility and caring, and give kiddos a greater sense of belonging and friendship. When considering any pet, it's important to know that you're making a commitment to the animal for the life of that creature. Rescues become overcrowded when people are impulsive about bringing a pet into the family and then have a change of heart. It's just not fair to the pet, so be sure to do thorough research and know what you're getting into.
Pets add a great to family life when you determine that your child and your family is ready for the adventure. There is a great fit out there for all animal lovers.
Does your child have a pet? Tell us about your experience!
You might also enjoy:
your baby and your pets: 10 tips for a smooth introduction
kids and animals: instilling respect
how to approach and pet a dog: ten steps kids need to know
Thanks to chewy.com for providing me with a sample of Primal Freeze-Dried Turkey Liver Munchies to review. I only share information I feel is relevant to my readers. All opinions and ideas are my own.
I have a confession to make. I get a little bit nervous when I'm asked to do a review of dog treats. Our N.A.S.H.A. is ultra-picky, and though I have a pretty good idea of her preferences, you just never know. I always provide my honest opinion, but I'm a positive person, so it's never fun to proclaim our distaste when I know how selective she is. When I receive treats, I always try them out on her, first, but thank goodness I have a back-up team of pet sitting clients who are always ready and willing to pick up the slack. Unfortunately for them, that won't be necessary this time, because we just found N.A.S.H.A. a new favorite treat, Primal Freeze Dried Turkey Liver Munchies from Primal Pet Foods. A special thanks (and lots of wet kisses from N.A.S.H.A.) to chewy.com for sending them our way!
Before I even tell you how awesome these treats are, you must know that both dogs and cats can enjoy them! So if you live in a mixed-pet home, these would be an ideal choice for your family.
• made in the U.S.A. from turkey raised without antibiotics or added hormones
• one ingredient: turkey liver (single-source protein)
• high in protein
• no preservatives
• no added salt or sugar
• gluten-free
• grain-free
• Did I mention that they are well-suited for both dogs and cats? Just wanted to make sure you caught that–so cool!
N.A.S.H.A. was interested in what I was doing as soon as she heard the package crinkle. I let her check out the package, but since she hasn't learned to read, yet, she wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped. I thought the handy peek-through window on the back of the package was pretty great. I like to see the actual treats rather than a glamorized picture, so the ability to peek at them in a store setting is valuable to me. N.A.S.H.A. couldn't have cared less about the visual, but once I ripped open the top of the package, all bets were off.
A handy peek-through window reveals the actual treats. I love that!
This is N.A.S.H.A.'s "my-face-is-tweaked-with-interest and I-wish-mom-would-open-the-bag-wider-so-I-can-fit-my-entire-head-inside" face.
I really liked that these natural treats were of varying shapes and sizes, so if you have both dogs and cats, or both large and small dogs, you could purchase one bag of treats and have sizes appropriate for all of the pets in the household. Or, if you wanted to treat your little dog, big-time, you could just hand over one of the big ones (or two) like I did. Yeah...I'm a softie. If your dog or cat prefers a petite treat, the larger pieces can easily be broken up. But where's the fun in that? Just sayin'.
The bag contains treats of varying sizes, so these are great for dogs and cats, large and small. (Penny is pictured for size comparison only and is not a cereal-box prize. Do not feed pennies to your pets.)
Though N.A.S.H.A. has a very discerning palette (read: she's the pickiest dog I've ever met), when she likes something, she shows full committed devotion. I should have known by the look in her eyes that I might lose a finger. Thankfully, she's no "Jaws."
The initial trial.
As you can see, these treats went beyond the expectations of an extremely finicky pooch, so if your pooch is picky (and especially if he's not), I think these treats are a sure bet. As for me? Well, I didn't actually taste them, myself, but I feel great about providing N.A.S.H.A. with such a healthy snack. One ingredient, totally natural, and no-added-anything-nasty? Sold!
I'm so happy to have had the opportunity for N.A.S.H.A. to try these treats. I'm certain that they will be a permanent addition to our reward rotation. In fact, I may have to put a child-lock on the treat cabinet!
Chewy.com has a huge variety of top-quality products for your pets, including the entire Primal Products Food Line, so you can find these Primal Freeze Dried Turkey Liver Munchies and so much more! Chewy.com has great prices, too.
Have you tried Primal Pet Food's Primal Freeze Dried Treats or any other products from the awesome Chewy.com? We'd love to hear about your favorites!
