Are you looking for a new best friend? Dogs are known as man’s best friend because of their unfaltering loyalty. Dogs make wonderful pets, but as a pet owner, you’ll face highs and lows. It’s all plain sailing, especially if you buy a puppy. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, here’s everything you need to know about owning a pooch.
Choosing a breed and finding the perfect pup
Before you start looking for puppies, choose a breed. Although all dogs have similarities, they come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s best to do some research beforehand. Do you want a big, medium-sized or small dog? Do you want a purebred or a cross-breed? Do you want a puppy or are you keen to adopt an older dog? Do you want a very active dog or one that is slightly more docile? Some breeds need a lot more activity than others, and there are certain character traits you may find in some breeds and not others. If you’re not sure what kind of dog to get, ask a vet for advice, or contact some breeders and set up some meetings.
Think about your lifestyle and where you live when you’re choosing a breed. If you have a small home, and you don’t have time for walking, don’t choose a large breed that requires hours of activity every day.
It’s essential that you look in the right places if you’re buying a puppy. The Internet is an excellent resource for tracking down breeders but beware of people trying to sell puppies for rock-bottom prices. If you see adverts with prices that are much lower than others, this should be a red flag sign. It’s always wise to see the puppies before you buy, and also to see at least one if not both parents. If you’re looking for a pedigree dog, check out the papers before you part with any money or take the pup away. Look for reputable breeders, and trust your instincts when you go and visit the dogs. Look for somewhere where they are treated well, and the owner clearly cares for them. Ask the breeder about vaccinations, and health checks. Often, by the time you can take your puppy home, they will have already had their first set of vaccinations and a general once over from the vet.
How much does owning a dog cost?
It’s impossible to put an exact figure on how much it costs to own a dog, but it doesn’t come cheap. Initially, you’ll have to pay to buy the pup, and then it will need all kinds of accessories, such as toys, bedding, and of course, food. When you’ve bought a bed, food and water bowls, a lead and collar, and toys, you’ll have to factor in running costs, such as food and vet bills. When you first get your puppy, they will need a second set of immunizations, which will be followed by an annual booster. Experts, like those from Otay Pet Vets Veterinarians, also recommend regular dental health checks. You’ll also need to think about investing in pet insurance and obedience classes. If you work full-time, you may also need to add the cost of a dog walker into your monthly budget.
Vet bills can be very high, and they often come as a bolt out of the blue. We all want the best for our pets, and most us will make huge financial sacrifices if it comes down to paying bills to save their lives. One way of avoiding unexpected costs is to pay for insurance. You pay a monthly or annual fee in return for protection for your pet. Check the details of policies carefully before you buy. Generally speaking, the more you pay, the higher the level of protection. You’ll usually have to pay an excess, but this may be considerably cheaper than the amount you’d pay if the dog wasn’t insured.
Preparing your home
Puppies are undeniably gorgeous, but they can also be mischievous. Try and make sure you have plenty of toys for them to chew and play with before you bring them home and relocate anything valuable or precious to your bedroom. Put down training sheets and pads to prevent accidents on carpets and keep them busy. Lay down the law from day one, and show them that you’re in charge. Give them plenty of affection, and play with them. Don’t leave them alone for long. If you are popping out, consider leaving them in a crate or ensure that they lots of toys with them to keep them busy while you’re out. Some dog owners also leave the radio or TV on, so that the dog doesn’t feel like it’s alone.
Keeping your dog healthy
Most pet owners fall head over heels for their new friend instantly. This little bundle of fur will make you happy when you’re sad, and act as a constant companion. When you own a dog, you want it to be as healthy as possible, so it’s important to take the right steps. Pay attention to feeding guidelines, and make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Dogs can put on weight easily if they eat too much or they’re inactive. Try and avoid giving your dog your food. It’s very difficult to resist puppy dog eyes, but some human foods can be very harmful to dogs. The odd bit of meat or fish won’t do any harm but don’t make sharing your meals a habit. Dental health is really important for dogs, and gum disease is very common. You can keep your dog’s oral health in check by brushing their teeth, giving them specially designed chews, and booking regular vet checks. It’s also essential to keep up to date with boosters.
If you’re considering getting a dog, there’s a lot to think about. Hopefully, this guide will help you to choose the perfect pup, and ensure you’re ready to bring your new friend home, and start enjoying a new life together.
