PET SUPPLIES       

Your pet supplies will vary depending on what type of pet you have. If that pet will accompany you on outings and vacations. Where that pet will sleep, eat and drink and even how much attention you will give your pet.

Is your pet for companionship or teaching responsibility to a child? Is your pet some sort of a hobby? Is your pet for entertainment or relaxation. How much training will my pet need? All these things should be considered when looking at or purchasing pet supplies.

After you choose your pet, you will need to consider basics. Housing, food and water. What housing will best fit my pet? A fish tank, cage, nest, perch, or terrarium. Will I need an automatic water/food dispenser, or just change daily, weekly or monthly? Is my pet messy? How do I protect my belongings? All these things are considerations in obtaining pet supplies.

Will you use the collapsable pet crates? I have a friend who does. She leaves her dogs in them during the day, while she is at work. Well one evening when she got home one of her dogs was laying on his side and whimpering. As she checked him out she found He had his rear toe nail caught in the clip that holds the cage when collapsed. She kept these attached to the crate so she would not loose them. The animal was not hurt in any way, but she had to use pliers to get him out. This animal has lived in this crate for 10-12 years with no problems. She now has moved the clip to the handle above.

This just goes to show you that we need to think of our pets as our small children. I do not believe any animal will intentionally hurt himself, but there are many unexpected dangers in our homes, cars and yards. Even pet supplies we purchase expecially designed for our pets can hold dangers. Be sure to read the instructions for any pet supply to ensure the safety of your pet.

Health and Cleanliness

What types of grooming supplies will be needed for my pet? Do I need a curry comb or brush? Should conditioners for coat or skin be used. How will these affect my pet? If my pet cleans itself like a cat or dog, will the pet supplies I use be harmful if ingested? A water pet may need plenty of shade or a hiding place. Did you know birds can get sunburn? Are my household products dangerous? Teflon can be deadly to a Bird. Pet supplies may include a fence or an umbrella for pets moved outside for periods of time.

Vacationing or Hobby Pet Supplies

Plan your activies around your pet. You would not want to go to Disney Land with a large dog. You would have to leave him in the hotel or the camper while you go enjoy the park.  Or if your going to the beach and your dog likes to chase the frizby, what will he do while you go swimming? Will he go with you?

Training Pet Suppies

The responsibility of owning a pet includes training that pet and their “Family”. Ever consider a visitor bringing a bird to your home with your cat and staying for a week, month or year? It happened to me. I had to keep my bird away from my dad’s cat for a 6 month period.  Andy (my Bird) rode on my shoulder all the time. That’s another story.

Most animals enjoy praise of some sort. A cat will catch a bird or mouse and bring it to you. A dog will chase cats out of the yard and look for approval. A mouse may run a maze and expect a reward for doing so. What pet supplies will I need to reward or deter these habits.