What you need to know before getting a pet, according to a vet
As a veterinarian, one of the things that upsets me a lot is when clients bring in new pets that have obvious problems.
This animal can have the problem for the rest of its life, but the owners are already emotionally attached to it.
The pet has often been purchased with the problem and the breeder or pet shop often relies on this emotional attachment to evade its responsibilities to sell a happy healthy pet.
These problems can be the result of poor breeding or care by the breeder or pet shop, or obvious faults that should have been picked up by an experienced breeder or veterinarian. Such examples include:
1. Conformational issues such as retained testicles, hernias, heart murmurs, undershot jaws and joint issues that include arthritis and kneecap problems. I have also seen fractured legs in newly purchased kittens.
2. Disease issues that commonly include gastrointestinal upsets, giardia, cat flu, scabies and ringworm.
New owners or those considering buying a new pet should strongly consider the following:
- Do your research: Are you aware of any genetic disorders the breed might have and if you are buying from a breeder, check with the relevant breed society.
- Don't be impulsive: There is often a reason why that one is the last puppy or kitten in the pen at the pet shop. Make sure you also assess the temperament and general body condition.
- Always take your new pet to your own vet as soon as possible and get it checked. A new pet is no different to buying a secondhand car and can be just as expensive, but if you take it early, you hopefully won't be too attached.
So while I know it's hard to do, make the seller put the problem right or give you your money back. Do not be fobbed off by supposed short-term guarantees,
If you go to the local pet shop, do not be talked into a kitten that is sneezing or a kitten or puppy with diarrhoea, you could end up with a lifetime of costs and a sick pet that you struggle to enjoy.
At the end of the day, it is your decision as the pet's owner, but my strong advice is, if it is a long-term or permanent condition, make them put it right or take it back.
That way, you will avoid a lot of potential heartache.
Written by Alan Probert. Republished with permission of Stuff.co.nz.