Around 85 million families in the United States own a pet. During the COVID-19 health crisis, more people have relied on the companionship and loyalty their pets provide. If you are looking for a way to increase the amount of love and affection you receive on a daily basis, then a new dog is a great addition.
However, there are many things to consider before getting a dog. Making this important decision without considering all of the angles can be bad for you and your new pet. This is why you need to take the time to sit down and be honest about whether a new dog is really what you need.
Read below for some information on things you should consider before getting a new dog.
1. Understand Your Motivation Behind Getting a Dog
Some people see cute dogs on television or in magazines and think that they need to immediately rush out and buy or adopt a pet. While there is no denying dogs are adorable, they also require a lot of care. Before you start the process of buying or adopting a dog, you need to figure out why you are suddenly motivated to do this.
If you are buying a dog only to give as a gift to your child or spouse, you need to think long and hard about what you are getting yourself into. The last thing you want to do is get a dog simply for the novelty of being a pet owner. If your motivation to get a pet stems from your desire to dote and care for an animal, then you should not hesitate to invest in a new furry family member.
Ideally, you want to be honest with yourself and your family about why you want to get a dog. With this brutal honesty, you can decide whether or not moving a new dog into your home is a great decision at the present time.
2. Do You Have Free Time To Dedicate To a New Dog?
When first getting a new pet, most people are enamored with their animal. This usually leads to a person spending lots of time with their new canine. As time goes by, some pet owners find that they don’t have enough hours in the day to juggle work, family and being the owner of a dog.
This usually leads to a dog being rehomed, which can be hard for everyone involved. If you want to avoid this common scenario, you need to make sure you have time to dedicate to a new pet. Taking your dog for walks daily and playing with them multiple times a week can keep them happy and content.
If you do travel for work or pleasure often, you need to find an experienced pet boarding service to use. The key to finding a pet boarding service is looking at the online reviews the companies in your area have received. With the information from these reviews, you should have no problem finding the best pet boarding service to use.
3. Breed is One of the Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
If you are new to the world of dog ownership, you might be surprised to learn how many different breeds there are. The type of dog you need to choose will depend heavily on the environment. For instance, if you have a family, you need to find a dog breed that is known for being good with children.
One of the most popular dog breeds on the planet is the Labrador Retriever. For years, families of all sizes have gravitated to this dog breed because of their intelligence and kindhearted nature. If you choose to adopt or buy a Labrador Retriever, you need to be aware of their physical needs.
These dogs can reach up to 80 lbs. and have lots of energy. This means you will need to walk and play with your Labrador Retriever. If you aren’t a fan of Labradors, then you might want to consider other family-friendly dog breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs.
4. Owning a Dog Can Be Expensive
Living on a budget is something most American adults are familiar with. Before you decide whether or not to invest in a new dog, you need to realize how costly these animals can be. Over time, you will have to pay lots of money for things like food, toys and vet appointments for your dog.
Making sure you have the extra income to cover these costs is important. Failing to provide a dog with quality medical care can lead to them getting extremely sick. This is why you have to thoroughly assess the financial aspect of owning a dog.
5. Pet-Proofing Your Home is Vital
Once you make the decision to get a dog, you need to start the process of pet-proofing your home. Simply bringing a new dog home without inspecting your home for hazards and removing them is a horrible idea. Taking the time to remove any potentially poisonous foods and plants is crucial when trying to keep your new pet safe.
You also need to keep certain items, like your trash can and cleaning products, out of the reach of your new dog. While pet-proofing your home is a time-consuming process, it is worth the effort because it will help you keep your new dog safe.
6. Providing Your New Dog With Their Own Space
Before bringing a new dog home, you need to carve out a space that will be all its own. This space should include a spacious dog house, toys and food/water dishes. Most of the items you need to equip this space for your dog can be found at your local pet store.
Providing your new dog with their own space can make them feel more comfortable in their surroundings. As time goes by, you will need to update and optimize this space to fit the changing needs of your dog.
Being a Pet Owner is Rewarding
Now that you know more about the things to consider before getting a dog, it is time to find your new furry family member. Being a dog owner can be stressful at times, but it is also very rewarding.
Are you looking for more blogs about being a pet owner? If so, be sure to check out the rest of the content on our website.