Want to Get a Dog? What to Know Before Taking the Plunge

It’s no surprise that millions of people worldwide love dogs — in the United States alone, more than 60 million American households have a canine companion! After all, dogs are man’s best friend, providing non-judgmental, unconditional love and a lifetime of memories to their humans. Of course, being a dog parent comes with a lot of responsibility, so if you’re considering adding one to your pack, it’s important to think carefully about how you’ll give him the best life possible. Here’s what to think about before deciding if you should be a pet parent or just the fun aunt or uncle, presented to you today by Licked! Pet Photography.

How to Choose a Dog for Lifestyle Fit

Lifestyle fit, not looks, is the most important factor when choosing a dog. Here’s what to consider when adding a dog to your family:

Size

Dogs come in all sizes, from toy dogs to giant breeds. Consider the size of your home and yard as well as how much dog you’re comfortable handling.

Energy

Do you want a dog that’s always ready to play, or would you prefer one or two good walks a day? While some dogs are happy to be a couch potato at home, others are always on the go.

Exercise needs

Since high-energy breeds need exercise, they’re best for active households. You should also consider the type of exercise your dog prefers. Not all dogs play fetch, and a dog that likes to run requires a more active owner than one that’s happy to chase a ball.

Intelligence

Some dog breeds are known for being especially intelligent. While intelligence can make a dog more teachable, it can also be a recipe for stubborn behavior.

Grooming Requirements

Depending on a dog’s coat type, it may require professional grooming. Since grooming is a major expense, owners should think carefully before adopting a long- or curly-coated breed.

Pure-Bred vs. Mixed-Breed Dogs

Many first-time pet owners shy away from mixed-breed dogs over worries that they’ll be unpredictable or hard to train. While it’s true that some dog breeds have a reputation for being great first dogs, no dog is a sure bet. If you want to be certain of a dog’s size and temperament before you adopt, consider an adult dog instead of a puppy.

Affording Your New Dog

What you’ll spend in the first year of pet ownership depends on whether you adopt or shop. Breeder fees are high, and as the owner, you’ll be responsible for spaying or neutering your new pet. Animal shelters, on the other hand, have low adoption fees and many pets are already fixed. Expect to spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on initial costs depending on how you get your dog. And this before you take supplies, toys, and healthy food into consideration! Finally, to make sure that you’re spending your money on the right products, check out review sites that can give you tips and recommendations on what to buy.

After the initial costs, you’ll need to keep up with food, supplies, and veterinary care. All of this can add up to more than $15,000 over a dog’s lifetime, which means you need a plan to pay for it. If you’re worried about covering veterinary emergencies out-of-pocket, pet insurance is a smart choice. However, pay attention to how veterinary expenses are paid when choosing a policy. While most pet insurance companies require owners to pay up-front then file for reimbursement, some will pay participating veterinarians directly.

Adjusting to Life with a Dog

The work doesn’t stop once you bring your new dog home! These are some things you’ll need to stay on top of as a new pet owner:

● Exercise: Dogs need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. For most dogs, two walks a day plus one high-energy activity is the sweet spot.

● House upkeep: Even well-groomed dogs shed and track dirt. Investing in the right tools, like a vacuum designed for pet hair, makes maintaining a clean home much easier.

● Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention: Fleas, ticks, and heartworms are bad news for your canine’s health. Talk to your veterinarian about monthly preventatives and natural alternatives for your pet.

Once you become a dog person, you’ll never go back. But first, you need to make sure you’re really prepared for a pet. Understand what type of dog you want, how you’ll afford it, and how a pet fits into your lifestyle before making the leap into pet ownership.

Licked! Pet Photography specializes in eye-catching modern Wall Art featuring the loveliest pets on the planet. Learn more about what we do! Email hello@lickedpetphotography or Text or Call 843 420 9930.