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Pets Need Company Too
22 July
1999
"Man's best friend is his dog" the saying goes, but who is
your pet's best friend?
We receive many benefits from sharing our lives with a companion animal
according to The Petcare Information and Advisory Service, including
a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, less visits to the doctor, less
medication and lower stress levels.
"Our pets give us unconditional friendship" said Mrs. Sue
Chaseling, PIAS. "They are there for us whenever we need them".
It seems, however, that we are not always there for our pets. In our
increasingly busy and stressful society, our animal friends are left
home alone’ too often.
Petcare Information and Advisory Service, together with Animal Behaviour
Consultant
Dr. Joanne Righetti, recommend the following to enrich the lives of
your companion animal:
Companionship is important for our pets. Consider getting another pet
to keep yours company, especially if you are away from home for long
periods throughout the day. Dogs enjoy playing together, cats curl up
to sleep together.
Visitors and playmates provide stimulation for pets, especially dogs.
Invite a person, who has no pets of their own, to spend time with yours.
Ask a friend's dog over to play for the day.
Small animals need company too. Birds, mice, rabbits and many fish enjoy
living in groups.
Walk your dog. If you can't find enough time, enlist the help of a friend
or a dog walking service. Some countries now have 'doggy day-care' facilities
with doggy beds, exercise parks and televisions provided. Perhaps we
will see these in Australia soon.
Stimulation helps to prevent boredom. Teaching your dog tricks, taking
it to obedience or agility training or simply playing 'hide-and-seek'
are all ways to keep your dog entertained and prevent noisy or destructive
behaviours.
Toys provide a source of amusements for our pets. Give your dog a special
toy as you leave each day (and take it away when you return). Hang a
toy on elastic from a door handle and your cat will enjoy catching it
over and over.
Cardboard boxes keep cats content. They also enjoy shelves to climb.
Send your cat into ecstasy with a catnip plant.
Views are important for those animals that spend most of their time
indoors or confined. Let your dog see through the garden fence. Give
your cat a window seat. Provide views for your bird (away from direct
sunlight).
Quality time with your pet is important. Invite your pet indoors to
sit with you in the evening. The more you interact with your pet, the
more frequently it will initiate interactions with you.
·Talk to your pet. Most owners do so already. Talk, whisper, sing -
pets love it!