Getting a new dog is an exciting experience. However, there’s a lot that goes into finding your forever friend. First, not all dog breeds are the same, so you’ll have to narrow down the right one for you. You’ll also have to think about vet costs, your lifestyle, and whether you’d prefer adopting a puppy or a senior dog.
With just some research and reflection, you can make the right decision for you and your family. Here are some things to consider when getting a new dog!
1. The Lifetime Cost of Pet Ownership
Taking care of a dog is not cheap, so make sure you have enough savings and a stable job. Note that pet-related expenses will not end after you purchase a dog, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
They require regular veterinary check-ups, food, toys—the list goes on and on. Don’t forget about the cost of spaying or neutering your pet, either.
According to the American Kennel Club, the average cost of owning a dog throughout its lifespan is between $17,650 and $93,520. However, this might differ based on the breed, age, weight, and health status of your pet.
2. What’s Involved with Maintaining Your Dog’s Health
Pick the healthiest food for your dog, and make sure it’s nutritionally balanced. Your dog’s dietary decisions should be determined by its health condition, age group, and the living environment from puppyhood to adulthood.
To make your dog even more secure, you need to look for a reputed vet. There would be good and bad days in your pet’s life that you must be aware of. Your pet, the same as any person, could get ill and injured; therefore, you should maintain a record of all the vaccinations and medicines.
Sometimes, they need additional costs in the event of accidents or diseases. It is usually a smart move to purchase pet insurance to handle huge unpredictable medical expenditures.
3. How Much Activity You Can Offer
Dogs, no matter the breed, require regular exercise. This may involve taking your pet for a stroll in your nearby park or engaging in breed-specific sporting events, like agility or obedience competitions. Some canines need more exercise than the rest, which you should consider when deciding on a dog breed.
Your personal time commitment plays a large role when getting a new pet. You should never leave your pet alone for an extended duration as they do need their daily dose of exercise. If you work or have time constraints, you can hire a professional dog sitter for some tasks like walking them, having a fun play session, and more.
4. Your Personal Time Commitment
As noted, when getting a new dog, prepare to give up some of your time. Just like when you bring a newborn child home, adding a new dog is life-changing. You can no longer just pick up and leave and go for a carefree vacation like you did before. You need to prepare ahead of time who will feed, groom, walk, and look after your furry friend while you are away. Making these preparations before bringing a new dog home can relieve your stress and help you provide the best possible life.
5. Whether Your Home Is Puppy-Proof
Consider pet-proofing your house to protect your pet and furniture. To prevent any disasters, make sure to keep any poisonous plants and garbage bins away from your pet and also make sure objects like suspended wires are out of their way. Keep these things at a certain height where your pet won’t be able to bite on them––especially if you adopt a large dog breed, like a Great Dane.
You should store clothes, footwear, and many other small objects away from your pet’s reach. Puppies will occasionally bite or might swallow them. To deter your dog from chewing on your personal items, get some durable chew toys. These can offer both mental stimulation and save your stuff!
6. Weigh Adoption vs. Purchasing
Once you’ve decided on the breed you like, it’s best to start looking around to find a suitable match. If you’re considering adopting a puppy, then your local rescue homes and shelters are the best place to look for mixed-breed dogs. You would be providing a dog not only a loving family but also lots of care and love that it deserves.
If you decide to get a purebred canine, exercise caution. Search for a professional dog breeder having extensive knowledge and a good background. Stay away from unlicensed breeders. Avoid purchasing a canine from a local pet shop because they are usually from puppy mills, which don’t conduct genetic testing prior to puppies’ birth. If the breeder doesn’t know about the pup’s parents or fails to provide you with vaccination certificates, then don’t make a deal.
7. Research Prospective Breeds
Dogs come in different physiques and sizes. So, it’s important to choose a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle and environment. For instance, terriers are more suited for active families because these dogs have a lot of energy. Bulldogs, however, are great dogs for apartment living because they don’t have high exercise needs, and they’re generally content sleeping for most of the day.
By considering some aspects of your lifestyle, you can choose the pet that’s right for you!
