If your kids are constantly asking for their own dog, it can be hard to say no. Having a dog is hard work, but it can also be a rewarding experience and an amazing addition to the family. It is no easy choice deciding whether to get a family dog but learning as much as possible about what to expect beforehand can help you to weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether to get your own pooch. Below is everything you need to know before getting a family dog.
Making Your Home Dog-Friendly
Before you buy or adopt a pet, you need to make sure your house is pet-friendly. This means blocking any areas you don’t want the dog to reach, keeping toxic products out of the way, and making sure to cover any expensive furniture. You need to come to terms with the fact that your dog may break, scratch, or bite some of your furniture, especially if they aren’t trained or you are getting a puppy. Making your home dog-friendly can help minimize this risk, as can dog training classes.
The Costs
Dogs are not cheap. Once you have bought your dog and all the supplies you need for them, there are additional running costs that you will need to pay each month. This includes food, treats, toys, dog walking (if you have a busy home), and pet insurance. There is also the added cost of vet bills when your pup needs immunizations or neutering. Pet insurance can help with some of these costs but be careful to read the terms and conditions to see what is covered and what is not. When it comes to your dog’s health, nothing will be too much of a price to pay. Consider setting up a savings fund for emergency situations.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
If you want to keep your dog healthy and minimize any vet bills, you need to know what they eat, how long they need to exercise, and any other healthcare requirements they have. If you don’t get a pup, make sure you check their previous health records if they have any, so you know they have all their immunizations. Every dog breed is different, and some are more active than others, meaning they need more time outside exercising to remain healthy.
When it comes to dog food, buying the cheapest food could lead to dog constipation or other health concerns. Organic pet supplements from Native Pet offer functional and targeted nutrition, aimed at keeping your dog healthy, which will improve your dog’s life. You can shop for supplements for a dog’s skin and coat, their belly and bladder, and more. If they aren’t well, organic pet supplements can help get them back to their usual, happy self.
Researching Breeds
If you are really considering buying or adopting a dog, you should start researching the types of breeds. This way you can see what would be best for your family dynamic and the time you have. If you enjoy getting outside often for nature walks, an active dog could be a great addition to the family. If you have only have a small house or apartment, it’s best to get a smaller dog that won’t take up as much room. If you have small children, this is something to take into consideration too. Researching breeds is easy, as there is so much information online for free. You can watch YouTube videos, read articles, or ask other dog owners for advice and support.
Dogs Are Time-Consuming
Before you get a dog, you must understand that they are time-consuming. Whilst you will love your little friend to the moon and back, there will be times where you may find it a bit too much if you also have a busy work and life schedule. This means you may need to put some money aside to hire a dog walker, to make sure your dog gets the exercise and attention it needs. If you get a pup, you will need to spend a lot of time training it to begin with.
With a dog, you can’t just have a spontaneous night away, as you still need to get home, let the dog out to go toilet, exercise, and feed it. This also can make going on holiday more expensive, as you will need to use kennels unless you are lucky enough to have family or friends who will take care of it for you. These are all things you need to seriously consider before getting a dog. That being said, if you are ready to take care of it, you will have a beautiful friend for many years.
Whilst dogs require a lot of care and attention, they sure do give it back. If you understand the pros and cons and are still interested in getting a dog, start researching breeds and see whether a pup or an older dog would be ideal for you.
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