Pet Talk: What age is old enough to own a pet?

DEAR PET TALK: Is 7 or 8 old enough to have your own cat or dog?

— Trixie, age 7

Dear Trixie: That’s a great question from someone who’s 7! The basics of caring for a pet: food, water, treats, exercise, love, toys, brush, leash and collar as applicable) do come with some costs.

Since it’s National Dog Week (Sept. 20-26) this is a great topic to explore. First, let’s talk about costs. Food, regular vet care and supplies can add up to 1,000 to $1,500 per year. You can save money by attending pet clinics for regular rabies, parvo-distemper and microchipping.

Those costs start with food, regular vet care and supplies. But the most important part of taking care of a pet is consistent love and care. You can help your family by taking on responsibilities, such as feeding and watering your pet; playing with your pet; asking about regular vet visits.

One crucial aspect of keeping a pet fit is to make sure they are at a healthy weight. This means daily walks and exercise. This also means you’re not giving treats, or human food which is much more fattening.

A pet that is overweight is at risk for chronic diseases including diseases humans get such as diabetes. An overweight dog will be more at risk for joint deterioration also, and these conditions could lead to a shortened lifespan. According to PetMD, an overweight dog is 10 percent or more above their ideal weight. Obesity is 20 percent or more.

In short, having a dog truly is a “family” project — whether there is one person in your family, or half a dozen. Make sure your dog has a regular feeding and exercise program, and give that dog as much love and affection as you can — and not just during National Dog Week.

When you get a new pet, please talk to your family about spaying and neutering your animal (we have met too many children during our school visits who report that their cat or dog is pregnant, and will be having kittens or puppies).

Check in to Second Chance Animal Services, which will conduct a low-cost pet vaccine clinic in Fitchburg on Oct. 3, at Fitchburg Fire Department. Visit Secondchanceservices.org to make a reservation.

Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Send questions to [email protected].