You might suddenly hit upon the idea of getting a dog and making it a part of your household. Perhaps your children have been asking for a long time and you’ve finally agreed, or maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted but never been able to realize before. Perhaps it’s because you’re feeling lonely, or because you happened to spot an ad for a particular canine that needs to be adopted. Whatever your reasons, you should never rush into a decision like this. Although it may not feel like a big thing, in reality it is and having a dog will change your life forever. Here are some of the things you are going to need to consider before you get a dog.
Can You Commit to a Dog?
A dog needs a great deal of commitment and it needs to start as soon as you buy one or pick one up from the adoption shelter. They will, for example, need to be walked every day without fail, even if the weather is bad. This might mean early starts or late nights, especially if you work. Speaking of work, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for many hours at a time; they will need to be with someone. This might mean hiring a dog sitter or spending money on ‘doggy daycare’.
Plus, pets need to be fed, kept clean, taken care of when it comes to their health by giving them special food and treats from and their looks need to be attended to as well (dogs may need their fur clipped, for example). On top of this they will need to be played with for entertainment. If you can’t commit to doing these things, a dog might not be the right pet for you.
Can You Afford a Dog?
Some dogs are very expensive. These tend to be pure breeds and dogs that have a rich heritage. Others might be much cheaper, and some are even free. So there is always a way to find a pet that is going to suit your budget right at the start, but what about the ongoing costs of owning a pet? It is important to take these into account before you bring a dog home as if you can’t afford the long term care then it really isn’t a good idea.
Your dog is going to need food, for one thing. Depending on the type of dog and any dietary requirements they may have, this can prove to be expensive. Plus you should always insure your dog just in case they have an accident or get sick. This will most likely be an additional monthly cost. If you don’t pay for insurance, you may have to pay a large pet bill; either way, you’ll be spending more money than you might have thought you would.
Is Your Home Pet Friendly?
If you’ve never had a pet in your home before, especially a dog, you may not have thought much about whether it was suitable. However, there are some things that will need to be looked at if you want to bring a dog home who can live happily and healthily in your property.
What items are in your home that could be dangerous for animals? There are many food products a dog should not eat including chocolate and gum, for example. You will need to ensure the dog can’t get into your cupboards and take the food that is in there.
You should also check out your yard. Is it completely secure, or could your new dog run through the fence or bushes and out into a road? All of these things must be checked over and rectified before you commit to anything.
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