Vet Hansel answers your questions about pet care in this weekly advice column, created in partnership with the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). It will also be highlighting each week some of the animals in the BSPCA sanctuary, in the hope of finding each of them a loving home.
Question: I am thinking of adopting a small dog from the Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. However, I have never had a pet before. What are the benefits of keeping a pet?
Answer: Human-animal interaction has existed since time immemorial. In the days of old, small animals, especially dogs and cats, were used as simple outdoor guardians and mouse catchers.
However, in recent years these animals have become more than just pets. Most pets are now viewed as true companions and even as family members.
Many studies have shown that there are health benefits for owners who develop a close bond with their pet. Pet owners were found to have fewer minor health problems, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and better psychological well-being than people who do not have a pet.
Pets also appear to fill many of the support functions as humans do for both adults and children. Animals are also known to play a central, influential role in the lives of children. Studies have reported that children who own pets are more independent and exhibit higher self-esteem. Keeping a pet improves the health and well-being of the people in the household.
During stressful times, the comfort of a pet has shown to deter people from going into depression and loneliness. People of all ages, both healthy and ill, benefit from living with pets.
An owner’s mood or physical capabilities do not change a pet’s affection. An animal’s unconditional affection often increases its owner’s abilities to cope with setbacks and depression.
Individuals who live ‘alone’ with a pet are actually part of a family. They can look forward to being greeted and recognised when they walk in the door. Pets also motivate people to be more active and social. It has also been found that daily comfort, social interaction and motivation provided by pets improve cardiovascular health.
Even relaxing with, talking to, or simply watching an animal can lower a person’s blood pressure.
One study of patients with high blood pressure showed that those who were given pets handled stressful tasks better than those who relied on blood pressure medication alone.
Animal-assisted therapies are also becoming increasingly popular in nursing homes and elderly homes as well. Dogs can also be trained to assist people with mental illnesses and physical disabilities.
Hence, the advantages for keeping and enjoying a healthy relationship with a pet are immense.
Our new shelter in Askar has many four-legged companions who are awaiting their new homes.
BSPCA’S DOG OF THE WEEK IS SANDY
Breed: Mixed.
Sex: Female.
Age: 1 Year.
Neutered: Yes.
Sandy is one of the most loving and friendly girls that warms hearts and brings out smiles with her free spirit and cute looks. She gets along with any animal and has a generally curious nature. She is very observant and keen to learn. Her amazingly friendly and loving nature makes her the perfect pet, as she will shower her family with unconditional love and care. Her presence will add a warm and happy vibe to any household immediately. Sandy has been neutered, tick-treated and is fully vaccinated.
BSPCA’S CAT OF THE WEEK IS PUMPKIN
Breed: DLH.
Sex: Male.
Age: 1 Year.
Neutered: Yes.
Pumpkin is a big, very affectionate and friendly kitty that loves snacking and showing off his fancy coat. He has a handsome look to him and a very charming personality. Pumpkin loves to spend his time relaxing with people, while making sure that he gives as much affection as possible to show his gratitude for the care and kindness being shown to him. His wonderful nature makes him the perfect addition to any household where he will do his best to prove himself to his loved ones. Pumpkin is neutered and fully vaccinated.
If you are interested in adopting Sandy, Pumpkin or any of the other cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, visit the Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. From the Alba roundabout, take the road sign-posted Askar and Durrat Al Bahrain and at the third signal, take a right on to the truck road and after nearly 800m you will see the shelter on the right side, just before the flyover. Or, log onto the website www.bspca.org for directions. The shelter is open from 9am to 5pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and 9am to 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays. The shelter accepts animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dr Hansel Geo is a veterinary consultant and surgeon for the BSPCA and Charis Vets. Please send questions to bspca@batelco.com.bh