Here’s a secret: Getting a pet is much like giving birth to a new baby.

Once you have decided to care for a new dog or cat, your life will be undeniably changed. Especially when you have kids, a new pup or kitten can bring all of you joy, as well as your fair share of challenges.

Here are some of the highs and lows (although this depends on how you see it) involved in caring for a pet as a family:

• Source of comfort, support, and love. Pets can significantly reduce your stress with their crazy antics and loving purrs. Coming home from work or school can be made more relaxing when there is a pet that excitedly welcomes you as soon as you step onto the threshold.

They are also known to help people fight loneliness, depression and stress.

• Good companions. Pets can be loyal, trusted companions. Whether it is an “elderly mi-maw”, your walking buddy, or your kid’s furry nanny, well-trained cats and dogs can be the perfect listeners and companions.

That is why trained dogs and cats are provided especially to people with special needs because of their uncanny ability to provide security and safety.

• Source of Jealousy. At times, your own little ones can get insecure and jealous with all the attention the new pet is getting from you. This can cause them to get cranky and have emotional flare-ups.

To avoid this, make sure that you give them equal love and attention. It will also help if you involve the kids in taking care of the pet and making them allies instead of rivals.

• Responsibility. Getting a pet involves taking care of their needs as well. You need to pick up their poop, groom them, feed them, and provide a good place for them to play and sleep.

If you’re not ready to commit to taking care of another living being, you’d do well to reconsider. On the bright side, this will teach kids on how to be accountable for another living, breathing being.

• Costs. Since your dog or cat is a part of your family, you will most certainly want them to be well provided for. You feed them good food, shower them with toys, and buy cat or dog accessories that will keep them looking cute and cuddly. You also have to consider vet fees for their check-ups or health emergencies.

Pets are a delight especially when they are given the proper care, nutrition, and attention that they need. Just like a human being who deserves love and affection, your pet will surely love to be treated as one of the family.

AUTHOR BIO

Samantha Vince is the sales manager and animal nutritionist at Pet’s Delight. As an animal lover, Samantha has worked in the pet and equine industry for over seven years. Due to her passion and commitment to ensuring animals are fed a nutritious and tailored diet, becoming an animal nutritionist was a natural choice, and now she provides nutritional and product advice to customers on a daily basis. For nutritional advice specific to your pet, you can contact her on nutrition@petsdelight.com.