The US is a nation of dog lovers, with over 60 million pet pooches sharing our homes. Getting a dog is an incredibly exciting prospect, but it isn’t a decision anyone should take lightly. It’s important to make sure that you’re ready to add a canine companion to your family before you decide to buy or rescue a puppy or an adult dog. In this informative guide, we’ll provide a glimpse into the world of dog ownership to help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Caring for a dog
Dogs are heavily dependent on their owners. Unlike other pets, including cats, dogs need a lot of care and attention. If you have a dog at home, you can’t leave it all day or go away for the night without arranging a stay in local kennels or ensuring that you have somebody to step in and take your place. When you bring a dog home, you take on a lot of responsibility.
Basic duties dog owners have to undertake include feeding their pup, providing a supply of fresh, clean water, letting the dog out to go to the toilet and enjoy some fresh air and walking their new furry friend. It’s also essential to factor in veterinary care. Even fit and healthy dogs will need to go to the vet once or twice a year for vaccinations and general health checks.
Dogs enjoy playing and they’ll often want to chase balls or run after sticks. They also like to play with toys and they love being the center of attention. Most dogs crave affection, and you may find that you’ll need to get used to sharing your couch or even your bed with your new addition.
If you choose to get a puppy or a dog, one of the first tasks to check off the list is to find the right food. There is a huge range of products available now, including specialist foods for puppies, adult dogs and seniors and pups with underlying health conditions. You can also buy foods designed for specific breeds. It’s wise to seek advice from your vet if you’re unsure which type of food to buy. Always follow the feeding instructions and try to avoid giving your dog human food. Most vegetables and the odd bit of chicken and fish are fine, but there are lots of foods that are not suitable for dogs. Overfeeding can also increase the risk of obesity.
Sharing your time
One of the biggest changes you’ll notice when you get a pet dog is the amount of time they take up. Dogs don’t like to be left alone for long periods, and if you’re at home, it’s highly likely that they’ll want to hang out with you all the time. Getting a dog is a significant time commitment. It’s crucial to think about whether you have the time and whether you want to devote a lot of time to looking after your pup and ensuring they are happy and healthy.
Dogs are notoriously loving and loyal and once they make a friend, they want to be around them as much as possible. If you work long hours, you’re often away from home, or you don’t want to spend your spare time snuggled up on the couch with a furry friend for company, it may be best to consider a different type of pet. Cats, for example, are less demanding than dogs when it comes to love and attention and they are more self-sufficient.
Keeping your dog healthy
People who are new to dog ownership often compare bringing a puppy home to welcoming a baby to the family. Dogs need to be looked after carefully, and as a pet parent, you have to take responsibility for keeping your best buddy fit and healthy.
There are some very basic rules for looking after a dog. The first is to make sure they have access to fresh water and food. Most dogs eat once or twice a day. The second is to make sure that your pup gets enough exercise. Exercise is hugely beneficial for physical health and it also makes dogs happy and enables them to have fun, explore and socialize. Different breeds have different requirements when it comes to exercise. Some dogs are much more active than others. It’s critical to bear this in mind when choosing a breed. Small dogs like pugs, chihuahuas and Pomeranians tend to need less exercise than large dogs such as labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds. Working breeds such as spaniels and collies also need an active owner. The next rule is to provide a warm, comfortable, dry bed. In addition, dog owners need to keep up with regular veterinary visits and follow a treatment plan for fleas and worms.
Following the rules helps to lower the risk of health issues, but it’s not possible to avoid every illness or injury, especially as dogs get older. Dogs, like humans, can develop a wide range of ailments. In most cases, veterinarians can treat dogs to manage symptoms or cure diseases or infections, but many pet owners have to make difficult decisions. Animal medicine has evolved and there are incredible treatments and therapies available like knee braces for dogs and prosthetic implants, but sometimes, there is no cure for a disease or a severe injury. It’s important for prospective owners to understand that dogs have relatively short lifespans and that losing a dog is a major bereavement. Most owners consider their dogs part of the family and it’s very common to experience grief when you have to say goodbye.
Covering costs
It’s impossible to escape headlines and news stories about the cost of living at the moment. Prices are rising, and many households are trying to cut back. Owning a dog costs money and it can add a substantial amount to your monthly outgoings. The average dog owner spends more than $1,200 per year on caring for their pet. Dog owners have to cover a range of costs, including food, pet insurance, veterinary fees and buying items, such as bowls, leads and collars, bedding and toys. If you plan to use services like doggy daycare or boarding kennels, or you’re thinking about hiring a dog walker, the annual cost will be much higher.
Think carefully about the financial commitment before you commit to buying or adopting a dog. If you’re already struggling to make ends meet, or you’re finding it increasingly difficult to save each month, it may be best to wait.
Your lifestyle
Adding a dog to your family can impact the way you live your life. Dogs need to be active, they want to be involved in everything and they depend on their owners for food, water and affection. Think about your lifestyle and whether a pet would fit. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, it may be best to explore other types of pets that don’t need a long walk every day or frequent play sessions in the garden. If you’re away a lot, you enjoy traveling, or you’re the kind of person who will book a spontaneous trip, you might want to think twice about getting a dog. If you have a pup at home, you’ll need to be there for them unless you have friends or family members who will dog sit for you or you use boarding facilities.
Companionship
Having a dog changes your life in many ways. There’s a lot to think about before you welcome a puppy or an adult dog to your home, but if you do make this decision, one thing you can guarantee is that you’ll have a new best friend. Dogs are faithful companions and they have a special, unique bond with their owners. Your pet will love you from the moment they join your family and they will provide a constant source of support and companionship. According to a survey, almost 70% of dog owners consider their pet their best friend. If you’re ever lonely or feeling sad or down, your dog will respond to your mood. Dogs are incredibly intuitive and they have high emotional intelligence. They’re always there to offer a paw if you need cheering up or a cuddle if you’ve had a bad day.
The love you have for a pet can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to explain if you’ve never had a dog before. Dogs and humans create deep, long-lasting relationships. In many cases, dogs have a profound impact on how their owners feel. They can help to prevent loneliness and provide reassurance, support and love, which is particularly valuable during tough times.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, and you’ve never had a furry friend before, you may be wondering what you’re letting yourself in for. Being a dog owner can be hard work because they are heavily reliant on their human owners, but it’s also amazingly rewarding. Dogs need a lot of time and attention and it can be expensive to look after and care for them, but in return, you get a best friend that will love you deeply for years to come.