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JULIA’S PET CORNER

Pets can be wonderful additions to a family but many pets end up at the shelter due to a lack of forethought. Dogs and cats that are reasonably taken care of will live for ten to sixteen years. Think about the amount of care you have time to give before deciding to get a pet.

It would be wise to talk to a veterinarian to find out what breed would fit into the family best. A groomer can let you know how much grooming the pet will require and how often professional grooming will be needed. There are several non-shedding breeds of dogs such as Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, and Poodles, but they do require professional grooming. Short hair breeds of dogs may appear to be easier to care for, but you may be surprised at how much they shed. Obviously, long hair breeds such as Collies need regular grooming.

I believe most dogs require some professional training. Find out if the breed you are interested in is usually eager to please and ready to learn or if it will require a lot of hard work before becoming a beloved member of the family. Think about how many hours the pet will be by himself while the family is away during the day. Some dogs are very “needy” and start having behavior problems if they are left alone too long.

When you finally decide on a puppy or a kitten, be sure to have a veterinarian check it over to make sure it is in good health.

The Waynedale News Staff

The Waynedale News Staff

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