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

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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

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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

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Cats

• Loving and playful• Independent, self-sufficient• Adapt to different

surroundings• Two categories:

– Purebred– Common house cat

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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

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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

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Vaccinations