Please do your homework!

I live and breathe animals, so to say. I own quite a few, I work with animals, and I have a degree in an animal science so it is safe to say that animals and their welfare mean a lot to me.

Did you know that chinchillas need very fine sand/dust to keep themselves clean and healthy? Did you know that Great Danes and some other dog breeds should not play too much for an hour after eating because it can cause stomach torsion, which can be lethal? Did you know that Bettas get really stressed when you put them in one of those two-chamber tanks that makes them show aggression all day long (….just think if you were put into a glass room next to David Hasselhoff!)? Did you know that macaws can scream so loud that your ears are about to fall off and leave the building? Did you know that even the smallest iguana can grow up to 6 ft. within four years – no matter of the tank size? Did you know feeding your guinea pig only iceberg lettuce has the same nutritional value that paper towels have?

My point is that, if you decide to get a pet you have no experience with, you should do some research first to find out about the habitat, food, health issues, vet expenses, etc. that are important to keep your pet healthy and happy. Whenever an animal is caged YOU are in charge of sunlight, warmth, a clean environment, nutrition, socialization, health care, etc.

I see so many people getting pets that are offered for free or for a low price. However, they have no clue what this animal actually needs, which means that the animal will most likely die an awful death because it didn’t get the right treatment or it will be passed on from one home to another. This is not fair to ANY animal, whether it is small or large, furry, feathered, or scaly, young or old!

Please, if you are getting an exotic animal, a dog breed you know nothing about, or any other pet you have no experience with, try to find the answers before you commit. There are many good websites with excellent information and many experienced pet owners, who can answer questions. Christmas is around the corner and animals end up being Christmas presents because they were cheap, unusual, cool, or whatever.

All animals can feel pain…PLEASE don’t be one of the causes!