What You Need To Know Before Owning A Dog

Owning a dog can be rewarding in many ways. A canine will not only provide a loving welcome when you return home, but you will have a companion to rely on for outdoor adventures, snuggles on the sofa, and chats when home alone.

However, welcoming a pet into your life is a big commitment and one you shouldn’t rush into without careful thought. Here is what you need to know before owning a dog.

Dog ownership can be expensive

Dogs of all sizes and breeds can be expensive. Before welcoming a pooch into your life, you must ensure you have the money available to care for their daily wants and needs.

For example, a dog will need:

• A bed
• Collar
• Leash
• Food
• Toys

Also, you will need to pay for routine veterinary checkups, preventative care, and treatments for a minor or serious illness or injury. In fact, experts estimate the total lifetime cost of owning a dog can run anywhere from $19,893 to $55,132 – assuming a 15 year lifespan. To say the annual cost of care adds up is an understatement, but our loyal canines are worth every penny.

You may be able to reduce your pet spending with a flexible pet insurance plan that you can tailor to your dog’s specific needs. A safety net for unexpected accidents or illnesses could make all the difference when it comes to your budget.

House training is a must

If you are planning to welcome a puppy into your life, you will need to house-train your new friend to prevent unwanted toilet accidents in the home.

As eager as you might be for a dog to use the bathroom outdoors, you must be ready and willing to train your pet, as it may take considerable time, consistency, and patience.

If you want to skip the house-training process, you might be better suited to owning an adult dog that is housebroken and looking for a loving home. Or, maybe a feline is a better fit for you.

Dogs are a big responsibility

Dog ownership is time-consuming. You will need to sacrifice much of your spare time and energy to care for a canine’s every need.

If you’re considering welcoming a dog into your life, you must be mentally and physically prepared for the responsibility that comes with it and set time aside to feed, walk, and play with your pet.

You may also need to forgo social events or turn down last-minute invitations to care for a puppy or adult dog. When we love our pets, it’s a no brainer, but still something to keep in mind! And don’t forget that you’ll need to organize a dog sitter before you go on vacation, business trips, or overnight travels.

Breed research is essential

We suggest you avoid buying a dog based on appearance alone. The breed you choose will determine energy levels, potential lifespan, and susceptibility to various health conditions. That’s why educating yourself on different breeds and their lifestyle compatibility is so important.

For instance, dogs with many folds and wrinkles will have a greater risk of developing a skin allergy or infection. Other breeds may require a high level of exercise or space to run, which could be difficult for apartment dwellers.

Larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to smaller breeds, which might not be ideal when caring for a pet while raising children. Chihuahuas are a great example; they often live eight years longer than Great Danes.

As with any big life decision, the more time and care you put into researching, the better prepared your whole family will be once your welcome your dog home.

Conclusion

Dog ownership requires time, money, energy, and patience – and you must be mentally prepared for all of this and more before bringing one home. Despite being a huge commitment, trust you will be rewarded with a dog’s love, loyalty, and companionship throughout the years, making the time and effort worth every moment.