Unit 12 Unit 12 Small Animal Care Small Animal Care
Jan 19, 2016
Unit 12Unit 12
Small Animal CareSmall Animal Care
Domestication of Small Animals
• Dogs domesticated 15,000 years ago– First domesticated animal;
evolved from wolves– Dogs considered companion
animals
• Cats domesticated 4,000
years ago– Egyptians depicted them in
statues and inscriptions
Jupiter Images
Economic Importance
• 67 percent of U.S. households own pets
• More than 171 million dogs and cats are pets in U.S.
Dogs
• Sporting dogs– Naturally active and alert– Hunting instincts
• Hounds– Track by scent or sight– Used by hunters and law officials
• Working Dogs– Protect property or livestock– Rescue dogs, police dogs
• Terriers– Energetic and feisty – Bred to hunt and kill vermin
Jupiter Images
Jupiter Images
Dogs
• Toy Breeds– Known for companionship– Small, city dogs– Minimize shedding
• Herding Dogs– Instinct for herding other animals– Control where animals move– Very intelligent and easily
trained
• Non-sporting– Numerous breeds, diverse
characteristics– Great companions
Jupiter Images
Jupiter Images
Cats
• Loving and playful• Independent, self-sufficient• Adapt to different
surroundings• Two categories:
– Purebred– Common house cat
Jupiter Images
Rabbits
• Commercially– Raised for meat, fur and
wool, lab research– Marketed to grocery stores
and restaurants– Meat is easily digestible
• Hobby– Kept as pets– Can be shown
Jupiter Images
Exotic Pets
• Rare or unusual animal– Snake, turtle, hamster, gerbil– Not domesticated, just tamed
• Before purchasing– Get familiar, research– Can be challenging– Check for restrictions and
laws where you liveJupiter Images
Care of Small Animals• Choosing a pet
– Determine what pet is ideal for you
• Routine care– Animal relies on YOU– Different animals require
different care– All animals require basic care– Remember cost!
• Proper facilities/housing– Again, each animal requires
something different– Contact a local Vet for
suggestions
Jupiter Images
Jupiter Images
Vaccinations