Why Pig Adoption is the Best and Cost-Effective Option For Responsible Pet Pig Owners

Pigs can make good pets, contrary to what most people believe, since they are affectionate and intelligent creatures that can be easily trained. And belaying their reputation as smelly creatures, pigs are odor-free if they are kept clean; they likely give the impression that they smell bad because they like to wallow in mud and root around in their own manure. Of course, not all pig breeds make suitable pets; the most common domesticated pig species are the miniature pot-bellied pigs, like the one that George Clooney had as a pet.

If you would like to have a pot-bellied pig as a pet, pig adoption is a valid option, as well as a cost-effective one, since most sanctuaries and rescue shelters are willing to give you pigs that have been abandoned by their owners for free or for a small fee. However, before considering pig adoption, you should know what you are in for if you have a pig as a pet.

First, you should realize that while a neutered pig can be sweet-natured and sensitive, their intelligence means they can be easily bored if they are not given constant attention. Thus, they can be destructive while looking for ways to entertain themselves. Just as if they were outdoors, they can root out carpeting, linoleum and even eat drywall.

Second, pigs can also be aggressive when they reach a certain age and start to vie for a top position in the herd (your family). This means that they may exhibit dangerous behavior towards family members or guests, such as swinging their head and snapping.

Third, you should be able to provide the proper living environment for a pig. They need a pool for cooling off since they do not sweat. Their sleeping quarters should also have plenty of bedding, particularly during the colder months, since they love burying themselves under blankets or straw.

Another obstacle to pig adoption is your local zoning laws, since pigs are classified as exotic pets and there may be restrictions against their ownership.

If you believe that you can be a responsible pig owner, however, pig adoption is strongly recommended. Do not buy pigs, particularly for large sums of money, since you are not sure if the seller has cared for the pig properly or given it the required shots. Before allowing pig adoption, most responsible sanctuaries will make sure the pigs are healthy and check out the family wanting to adopt to make sure the pig will have a good home.

So keep these points in mind. You will find that learning about pig adoption does not need to be difficult when you're learning from someone who have experienced. If you would like more tips on pigs for adoption and raising pigs correctly, take a look at howtoraisepigs.com

Remember to get your FREE copy of "Pig Basics 101 - Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Pigs, But Didn't Know Who To Ask!" eReport

The 5 Biggest Mistakes Made By New Pet Owners

When a new pet adoption doesn't seem to be working out, it could be due to any, or all, of the following five reasons:

1. Taking things personally. A lot of new pet owners tend to think their new cat or dog doesn't like them if they don't immediately start purring or wagging their tails, even on their first day in a new home. Some pets have a personality that endears them to people, but others take a little longer to become comfortable enough to relax. Not everyone gives their heart on a first date, pets included. Since we're supposed to be smarter than animals, it's up to us to provide gentle understanding and patience while our new pet learns the ropes in his new home.

2. Blaming a pet for bad behavior. Before you blame anything on your pet, be 100% sure she doesn't have a health problem. Some things are obviously related to the pet's health, such as limping, bleeding, losing weight, diarrhea, sores, hair loss, and signs they may be in pain. However, behavior issues may be regarded mistakenly as only that...behavior problems...when in fact, they may be medically related. Cats who urinate in corners, on carpets or furniture, for example, may simply be unable to get to the litter box in time. Or perhaps the litter box makes them remember the pain they felt there many times before. This is common with urinary tract infections. Don't blame the cat (or dog) for being "naughty." Take her to the vet first, then consult with a behaviorist or trainer if necessary.

3. Believing that bad behavior is a form of revenge. Animals don't have human emotions, and therefore, revenge just isn't in their vocabulary, so to speak. This is not to say that our pets do not have feelings... they do...but they are species-related feelings. Some of those are similar to what we experience, such as fear, contentment, jealousy, anger, and as most dog owners know, embarrassment. It isn't clear whether cats feel that one. But our pets don't lie awake nights devising plots to get even with us over insults or social slights. They're animals. Forgiveness is automatic.

4. Not going to the veterinarian soon enough for problems. Surely, cost is a huge barrier for many pet owners. It is increasingly difficult to support ourselves and our families, let alone any pets. Often, health insurance can help with our own family medical needs, but pet insurance is a somewhat new industry and isn't well utilized yet. Again, there's that cost factor, and a lot of pets are euthanized instead of treated for health problems because it's cheaper. Sadly, however, many pets also die at home because their owners either did not recognize the problem soon enough, or simply could not afford vet care. This is especially true with cats because they do not show pain unless it's severe. It's part of their ancestral wild makeup as a survival tactic.

5. Believing that refusing certain foods is just being picky. Dogs eagerly eat just about anything we offer them, whereas cats are often characterized as "picky." If we look at the evolution of dogs and cats, moving from the wild and into our homes, we have to give consideration to their stark differences. Dogs are pack animals and in the wild, rely on the pack leader to decide who gets to eat and in what order. By the time those of lowest status get to eat, there is not much left and the quality is low. For survival, those dogs must eat quickly, without regard to flavor or appeal. Pet dogs still have that instinctual willingness to gulp down any old thing.

In contrast, cats in the wild are solitary, hunting for themselves, as a rule, except for females with young, and lions, the only cats that form groups. Domestic cats, then, are more discriminating, because their wild counterparts are, and because the cats' diet is more specific. Dogs can survive on a wider variety of foods, but cats are obligate carnivores, eating only meat. In most homes, they are forced to eat grains. They do so to survive, but pet food companies have learned to put meat-flavored additives into the formula to trick cats into wanting it. If cats eat too much of this, health problems are more likely to occur.

As for table scraps, well, everyone knows how bad that can be. There's nothing wrong with sharing an occasional scrap of meat from a good roast, but pizza is not on the "good" list.

Observing the above five areas of concern will go a long way toward building a long-lasting and satisfying relationship with your new pet. For more detailed discussion of these and other points, visit http://www.theproblemcat.com/faq.html or http://www.theproblemcat.com/makecatsadoreyou.html.

Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners

Did you know that there are key health benefits that can

result from owning a pet? Having one can enhance your

physical, mental and social wellbeing.

1. How can a pet help your physical health?

Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more

exercise. With your faithful friend at your side, you're

much more likely to go for a walk. Walking is one of the

best health activities you can do. While walking you're

also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors

because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.

Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of

New York at Buffalo shows that pets can help lower blood

pressure. Stockbrokers with high blood pressure were

studied to see what happened when they adopted a pet dog or

cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps

control increases in blood pressure due to stress.

In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology,

Purdue University) found that the simple act of petting

your dog slows your heart rate and causes your blood

pressure to drop.

An added health advantage from pet ownership is that

patients may live longer after heart attacks. Some doctors

recommend that a heart attack survivor adopt a dog because

research has shown that a faithful canine companion can

help prolong an owner's life.

2. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health?

Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A

study conducted at Australia's University of New England

found that people who own feline friends may experience

fewer psychiatric disturbances than those without cats.

Pets can help their owners overcome depression through

their companionship and unconditional love. They seem to

possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy

life more.

Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness.

English poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are

more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of

friends. According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many

friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues.

When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine

of getting out, buying food and providing exercise. This

can help fight off depression and loneliness. The simple

responsibility of pet care can help you get your mind off

yourself and your problems.

3. How can a pet enhance your wellbeing in the area of

relationships?

American Animal Hospital Association President, Link

Wellborn, believes that pets are more than just a member of

the family - they're central to a healthy lifestyle.

Pets help lessen tension between family members and add a

lot of fun and unconditional love to the homes where they

live. When pets do cute and funny things - which they often

do - family members react by laughing and being more

relaxed.

If you don't have a pet yet, consider making one part of

your family, but make sure you have the time and resources

necessary to provide a stable loving home for your new

friend.

If you choose a dog as your new pal, remember this wise old

saying. "A dog is man's best friend." That's true in more

ways than one. You'll get unconditional love,

companionship, loyalty and relaxation in return for your

investment of time and material resources.

What a bargain!

Patricia Wagner offers informative tips and a f^ree newsletter to help you live a more more energetic lifestyle. Check out http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. She is also an artist and you can view her original paintings at http://www.artbywagner.com