Posted in Dogs

What You Should Do Before Getting A Dog

Even though this may sound like a cliché, dogs really are a man’s best friend. They are always happy to see us, they bring a smile to our face when we are feeling down, they provide companionship. However, they also require lots of care. So, before you decide to bring in a new furry family member into your home, you should consider these things carefully.

Things to think about before getting a dog

  1. Get rid of your bratty step-sisters!
Bratty Sis

Why do why say that? Well, based on experience we’ve got from Bratty Sis series on the Internet, we are pretty sure sisters don’t really care about anyone else but themselves! See yourself here.

As I have mentioned above, dogs require lots of attention. This means they will take up a significant portion of your time as they will, in fact, become an addition to your family. As a new and fully-fledged family member, they will need your care and devotion. So, first of all, think about whether you have the time for such a commitment. Families often get a new pet, but they soon realize they simply do not have the time to take care of it. So, the dog ends up in a shelter, awaiting its fate. To avoid this unfortunate situation, consider whether you are truly ready for such a commitment.

There is also the cost factor to take into consideration. The yearly cost of taking care of a dog is anywhere between $400-700, depending on its size. Also, you should factor in emergency situations, like unexpected visits to the vet, which will, of course, cost extra. And, there are also dog toys which they go through very quickly, leashes, collars, and so on. However, even though the cost may not be low, a healthy and happy dog requires certain items and you should not refrain from obtaining them for your pet.

How to choose the right breed

As you can probably guess, different breeds have different needs. Some dogs have more energy and prefer being outdoors, while others are more house-friendly. Still, they all require your attention and presence. If you are planning on getting a dog for the house, then you should choose the breed especially carefully.
If you live in an apartment or a house with a small yard and your dog will be spending most time indoors, then consider a smaller breed. Bichon Frises, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas and other small breeds are perfect for living inside. But, some small dogs are still full of energy and they need constant attention. So, carefully research each breed’s personality and try to find the one that fits your lifestyle best.

What to do before bringing the dog home

First of all, you should make your home safe for the new pet. Simple, everyday items can be very dangerous for animals, even deadly. So, carefully pet-proof your home before bringing the dog in. This means to check if you have any plants that may be poisonous for your dog, to safely hide any wires you may have (puppies like to chew!), to put away any chemicals you may be keeping on the floor and find an out-of-reach place for them. Also, pay attention where you leave your chewing gum – it can be lethal to dogs.

Moreover, you should consider talking to a veterinarian. They can provide invaluable advice and help you choose the perfect dog for your needs and lifestyle. Also, they will share some tips on taking care of the pet, on what food to give them and in what quantities, on how often you will need to bathe them, and so on.

When you have an idea of the breed you wish to get, research what kind of food they eat. There are many different kinds of food and not all of them may be suitable for your pet. And, always try to buy food that is age-appropriate. Puppy food is different from the food the adult dogs eat and it is tailored to the special needs our furry friends have at different periods of their lives.

Even though getting a life-long four-legged friend and companion sounds like a challenge and a half, you should not fear it. I agree, dogs do need care and attention, but they give so much in return that you will be happy to take care of your pet, no matter how time-consuming or costly it may be.