By Chris Woolston
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE

Note: This article has been localised for an Irish audience.

Pets may chew on furniture, bark at shadows, pee in unauthorised places, jump on your face in the middle of the night, leave mangled birds at the doorstep and never stop to apologise. Yet many people can't imagine life without them. As any pet owner will tell you, tooth marks on table legs and surprises in the corner are a small price to pay for the loyalty, fun and unconditional affection a pet affords.

Yes. Older people often lack social networks and recreational opportunities and having a cat on their laps or a dog romping beside them on a leash can be an immense boost to their health and happiness. Studies show that pets not only foster feelings of love and security but can also help lower a person's blood pressure, heart rate and stress level.

Interestingly, cat owners enjoyed the same rewards as dog owners, strong evidence that pets can improve your health even if they aren't constantly begging for walks.

Bringing an animal into your life requires careful planning. Before you set foot in an animal shelter or a pet store, think about what you really want from a pet and what your pet will need from you. Here are some things to consider before taking the plunge:

•Cost. When you add up the cost of food, litter, leashes, chew toys and vet bills, pets can be expensive companions. A dog or cat may be unable to bring you much joy if it seriously strains your budget.

•Space. Is there enough room for two or more active beings in your home? In addition to just plain elbow room (or the animal equivalent), a cat will need space for a litter tray, and a dog will be happiest with a fenced area for outside play.

•Time. Are you ready to dole out love and attention on a full-time basis? Do you have the time to keep a pet clean, well-fed and well-exercised?

•Patience. A puppy may look angelic in the window, but that angel won't hesitate to knock over your dustbin and spread coffee grounds everywhere. Any pet, young or old, dog or cat, will eventually stretch your good will to the limit. Are you ready to forgive and forget?

•Physical demands. There's going to be a certain amount of stooping, lifting and scrubbing involved in caring for the animal you choose. Are you physically able to take on some extra work, or can you make arrangements with a caregiver to help out on a regular basis?

Birds, fish, snakes and hamsters all have their fans. Seniors who enjoy the companionship of a parakeet or canary in the home will have to keep the cage clean and freshly lined. Fish also rate high as therapeutic pets, although refreshing their water can be somewhat complicated, depending on the size and set-up of the tank. Hamsters and other small mammals will want a clean, roomy cage with toys and fresh litter.

For most people, however, the choice of pets simply comes down to cats versus dogs. You probably already know whether you're a cat person or a dog person at heart, but weigh the considerations carefully. Dogs will need more food, exercise, attention and space, not to mention patience during the house-training period. Of course, they usually far outclass cats when it comes to enthusiasm and affection. Cats score bonus points for being easy to house-train and for their ability to amuse themselves.

Pets may be helpful for your peace of mind, but you don't want them to bring on health problems. Animal dander can bring on a bout of asthma or allergic reactions, so keep your hands washed after handling your animals. Also, check the condition of the pet shop or animal shelter before you decide to adopt and make sure you choose a healthy pet. Some other tips:

•Don't allow an affectionate pet to lick your mouth or ears.

•Keep your pet as flea-free as possible.

•Seek medical attention if a scratch gets infected and doesn't heal quickly.

Animal shelters are a great place to find both dogs and cats. The staff will help you find the right pet without any high-pressure salesmanship and they can give you excellent advice about care and feeding. For birds, fish and other small pets, visit a reputable pet store with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. When you find the right match, your intuition will probably tell you so.

This article has been revised by Vhihealthe for its audience and may contain, among other things, information or medical practices that are unique to Ireland. Neither Consumer Health Interactive nor the original author make any warranty as to the accuracy of the article as revised, and assume no responsibility for modified content.

References

First published June 29, 2004
Last updated August 3, 2006
Copyright © 2004 Consumer Health Interactive

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