The Top 3 Companion Animals For Your Dog

Dogs are social creatures. Their need for companionship may encourage their owners to find a full-time friend to keep them occupied during the hours the dogs would spend alone while their humans work or go out. A friendly and reliable dog can live harmoniously with many animals. Some of the best companions may be creatures many people would not normally expect.

Consider a Rabbit

Domestic bunnies are often snuggly and playful. Rabbits can offer a lot of entertainment and companionship to a dog, but there are some considerations. Hunting dogs may have a natural inclination to chase or kill a rabbit. Also, bunnies can become destructive or hyper. They will have fewer behavioral concerns as long as they are fed well and given opportunities to play and exercise. Smaller dogs are less frightening for rabbits that may feel insecure around a large dog. Understand the nature of each pet, and never leave them alone until they are familiar with each other.

Try a Ferret

Ferret fans love their crazy bursts of energy and playful nature. It is a behavior that matches the personality of many dogs. The combination can become overwhelming or lead to trouble with quieter, older dogs, or if the dog has a more laid-back attitude. Ferrets can also have aggressive tendencies or behavioral issues if not allowed to get the many hours of sleep they need. A lifelong relationship can develop, however, between many types of dogs and their ferret roommates with a few cautious steps.

Ensure the dog and ferret have ample time to become familiar before allowing them to play together. Never leave the ferret outside of its enclosure when humans are not home. Ferrets can become destructive during playtime and injure themselves when they find dangerous hiding spots. Ferrets could harm pets like hamsters or birds that they view as prey. Larger dogs can hurt ferrets if they attempt to wrestle with their new friend. Supervised social time is often the best option.

Get a Cat

People often assume cats and dogs are natural enemies, but millions of people with both would disagree. About 68 percent of American households include a pet. Many of these homes have these supposed sworn enemies coexisting peacefully. Cats may not socialize the same way as dogs, but most will develop a deep devotion to their canine companion and happily sleep or wander through the house and yard with them. Some cats even enjoy grooming their dog friends. Introduced slowly and with supervision, most dogs will accept and love their feline roommate.

Many dogs thrive as the only animal in a household, and others may feel loneliness without constant companionship. The decision to bring another pet into the home should depend on the personality of the current pet. A pampered pooch may resent new animals in the house, and an old or unwell dog may lack the patience to live with a young animal of any species. Make the decision carefully to ensure it is the best choice for everyone involved.