Summary
The dog and the cat, favorite animals of the FrenchThe pet is the best friend of the childThe joy of livingThe sense of responsibilityAdvice to keep your pet warmProtect your pet against winter diseasesRespect basic hygiene measures
The dog and the cat, favorite animals of the French
Pets enjoy great popularity in France. The cat and the dog are at the top of the favorite animals of the French ahead of fish and birds. According to data from a survey conducted by “Ipsos” in 2020; nearly one in two French people said they had a dog or cat (52%). They are also the most common pets in homes, whether an apartment or a house. 38% say they have at least one cat and 27% at least one dog. These animals have a good rating: Nearly a quarter of those who do not yet have one would like to adopt one within 3 years.
The pet is the child’s best friend
In children, the presence of a pet plays an even more important role. It contributes to their educational and social development. This promotes autonomy and self-esteem. Concretely, the child often has an easier time communicating with the dog, he sees him as his peer and not just an animal. If a child has difficulty expressing himself in front of a person, he will do it more easily in front of his dog or cat because the latter will not judge him, will never laugh at him. This attachment, called “secure” In the jargon of psychology, will help the child to create social bonds with confidence. In addition, children who grew up with a pet at home are less susceptible to different allergies such as asthma or eczema.
The joy of living
The good mood of animals is so contagious! When you look at the dog playing and startling you can’t help but smile or join him in his game. In any case, it has been proven that having a pet is a source of joy for the whole family.. Not only do you like to play with your furry companion, but you also marvel at the slightest of his gestures. The simple act of caring for an animal, feeding it, walking it, petting it and bringing it affection creates a simple and profound joy at the same time. It even seems that the pet plays the role of a natural antidepressant for people who suffer from loneliness or anxiety., especially for seniors who live away from family or have health problems. Finally, having a pet will allow you to live longer according to studies.
A sense of responsibility
Adopting a pet involves a long-term commitment, as it must be cared for at all times, whether for feeding, taking it out, brushing it, taking it to the vet, having it looked after during a prolonged absence, etc. It is a living being, we cannot treat it as a toy that we put aside when it no longer interests us. He is truly a member of the family. This is how the animal will make the child responsible, give certain benchmarks, a certain continuity. And this will be especially useful for children who are too restless or who refuse to focus on something for a long time. Having to take care of your pet involves a series of tasks that the child will perform in joy, and thus develop his sense of responsibility and concentration at the same time.
Tips for keeping your pet warm
Even though most pets have their fur coats to keep them warm and out of the cold, they still suffer from the vagaries of the weather. In winter, when temperatures drop, they need more than that to keep them warm. Even if your pet is generally more autonomous to find shelters and take shelter, you can help by giving him accessès to a quiet corner and isolated from the cold. Depending on the case, it is sometimes useful to add a hot water bottle or heating pad to your bed. Also, try to keep your body covered as much as possible. You can even buy him a coat or sweater.
It is, in this case, really not a fashion accessory but a health accessory. Also supplement your pet’s diet with essential fatty acids, such as canola oil and safflower oil., which help thicken its coat during the cold months.
Protecting your pet from winter illnesses
Just like us, the cat or dog can catch a cold snap and therefore a cold. Most often, it is not very serious, but the animal must be cared for in order to avoid complications. It is therefore recommended to consult your veterinarian. A vaccine exists to protect your companion, including an intranasal one. If you have dog insurance or cat insurance, veterinary expenses (consultations, examinations, treatments …) will be covered and reimbursed up to the chosen formula. And with a little rest and some precautions, the animal will heal very quickly. Self-medication should be avoided.
Observe basic hygiene measures
Finally, pay attention to hygiene: a pet brings a lot of joy, but sometimes it does not mix well with hygiene. Your cat or dog may be responsible for the transmission of potentially serious diseases (toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, ringworm, rabies…), the transmission of parasites (ticks, fleas…) or allergic reactions (respiratory discomfort, eye or skin reaction, edema…). In order to limit the risks, it is essential to wash your hands after touching your pet or its droppings. Teach this simple and protective gesture to your children from an early age. Also, teach your kids not to kiss animals and not lick by them For the same reasons, never let your pet lick the remains of your plate. He must have his own dishes with two bowls, one for water and the other for food.
