Multiple Pets Benefit Families
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More Than One Pet Can Be Good For Whole Family |
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A family that has more than one pet in their home could be providing more good for the family and the pet than they realize. Multiple pet families may have multiple dogs, cats, rodents or a mix of several species. Know that no matter the mix, your pets are learning from each other and providing comfort to all in your home. Your pets can also help to reduce allergies and increase learning and social skills in your children. Talk with your veterinarian about the benefits of multiple pets in your home during your next visit. |
Just like humans, furry family members need to have company, playmates and social interactions to be happy. Sometimes its hard to remember that our family pets are animals first and family second. We typically look at the benefits of pets in homes from the standpoint of work and expense involved. But are there benefits to having more than one pet in the home?
Pets can enjoy having playmates. Dogs enjoy cats and cats can enjoy dogs. Growing together, animals can overcome barriers that would ordinarily make them snap and snarl at various other animal species. Animals living together in a home can often develop or create social experiences around those other animals. The experience may or may not be with their own species.
Pets can learn from other pets. Just like how children learn from older children, family and neighbors, your pets will learn from other pets in their environment. You will find that your pets often have better social habits when they spend their time with other well-mannered animals.
Pet dander may actually improve your immune system. Sid Kirchheimer, in Early Exposure Found to Reduce Later Risk in Children, indicates that despite the long-held belief that cats and dogs in the home could lead to childhood allergies, there's mounting evidence that the opposite may be true. Thomas Platts-Mills, MD, PhD, found that children growing up in homes with pets had less frequency of allergies to pets. The decreased frequency was most marked when the child was frequently exposed during the first two years of life.
Pets can reduce stress. Children reading to their parents, teacher or an adult typically experience an increase in their stress levels. Those same children experience a decrease in overall stress or anxiety levels when reading to a pet. "Curling up with a dog or cat, on the other hand, is a lot more appealing, sugggests Mary Renck Jalongo, author of The World of Children and Their Companion Animals.
Pets in homes provide comfort to ailing hearts. The hurts may be from a recent death, illness, or related to age. Animals, by their presence, increase advantageous hormone production that can help in healing. Multiple pets in a home can also bring comfort to each other during a time of loss. Children and parents frequently refer to their pets as family members and treat them as members of the family.
Pets can teach nurturing and caregiving abilities. Children are able to learn how to nurture and care for animals early in their lives. These habits can help them as they transition throughout their lives in relationships and social circles. Being around animals can teach kids how to help others in need.
Having multiple pets can provide peace of mind. Having multiple pets at home while you are working can bring peace of mind. You can rest assured that your pets will entertain each other while you are away. They are less likely to feel lonely during your absence and they can help keep each other company until you return.
Companion Animal Food and Supplies Drive
Charlotte Street Animal Hospital is proud to sponsor a chilly weather pet food and supplies drive for the needy animals of our region!
From November 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012, Charlotte Street Animal Hospital will be collecting donations for six local animal rescue organizations including Animal Compassion Network, Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Catman2, Meals on Wheels for Pets, and Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue.
Each organization's wishlists are outlined below. Please make donations at our hospital or via phone. And thank you! for helping ensure that the furry members of our community stay nourished, cozy, and happy this cold season!
Animal Compassion Network:
-Scoopable kitty litter
-Dog & Cat food (our dogs & cats LOVE Chicken Soup for the Soul!)
-Blankets & towels
-Nutrical
-Mother's Milk Replacer (puppies and kittens)
-Stamps (1st class & higher)
-Long-distance calling cards
-Collars & leashes
-Printer toner and ink (call 274-3647 for specifics!)
-Cleaning supplies
-Gas cards for transport program
-Kongs and other interactive toys for dogs and cats
Asheville Humane Society:
-Towels/blankets
-Canned dog & cat food (please, no fish)
-Clay kitty litter
-Latex exam gloves (size small & medium)
-Hot dogs
-Bleach
-55-gallon trash bags
-White copy paper
-Beef and chicken bullion
-Hard plastic toys (Nylabones are awesome!)
-Peanut butter
-Cat toys that dangle
-Cardboard scratching posts (only the ones that lay on the ground)
-Rawhides and pig ears
-Kong/interactive toys
-Rope toys
-Paper towels
-Chewy dog treats/dried liver
-Monetary donations
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue:
-Blankets/towels
-Dry & canned puppy, kitten, dog and cat food (Pedigree is preferred, but any is welcome)
-Dog treats
-Peanut butter
-Dog toys (Kongs, Nylabones, squeaky toys, etc)
-Leashes
-Non-slip collars
-Scoopable (clumping) kitty litter
-Cat treats
-Cat toys (including disposable catnip scratch pads and teaser toys)
-Thundershirts for anxious/scared doggies
-Bleach & Pine Sol
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to Petsmart & Petco
-Gas cards for the Northern Transport program
-Office supplies & 1st class stamps
-Universal Microchip scanner
-Monetary donations
Catman2:
-Friskies canned food
-Purina/Meow Mix/Iams/Friskies dry food
-Old pillow cases/blankets/towels/crib sheets
-Litter deodorizer
-New or gently used crib mattresses
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to purchase supplies (Lowe's & Wal-Mart)
-Non-toxic cleaners (ex. Simple Green, Greenworks, etc)
-Paper towels
-Litter scoops
-Sterilite/Rubbermaid tubs (we use them as litter boxes)
-White vinegar
-Office supplies (printer paper, binders, tape, etc)
-Air fresheners (citrus blocks, sprays, etc)
Meals on Wheels for Pets:
-Dog and cat food of any kind
Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue:
*Any perishable items will be picked up by a volunteer upon donation
-Clean, unused bird toys
-Raw, unsalted nuts (our birds LOVE walnuts!!)
-Grains (quinoa, millet, kamut, etc)
-Fold-down carriers (for transport)
-Grocery store gift cards
-Fresh fruits & vegetables
-Monetary donations for vet bills
Stay Connected With Us
Veterinary Topics
Clinic Hours
| Monday | 7 - 8
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| Tuesday | 7 - 6
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| Wednesday | 7 - 8
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| Thursday | 7 - 8
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| Friday | 7 - 6
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| Saturday | 9 - 1
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| Sunday | Closed |
Call Us:
828-232-0440 Request
Appt.