6 Things to Consider Before Getting a Puppy
If you’re considering adding a new furry friend to your family, a puppy may be the way to go! Puppies are adorable and full of energy, but there are some things you should consider before bringing one home. In this blog post, we will take a look at six important factors that will help you make the best decision for both you and your new pup!
Be realistic
Getting a dog is an eight- to fifteen-year commitment to take care of another life, and it demands time and responsible family members to look after the pet.
Feel comfortable with your decision after taking the time to think about how much time you truly have and whether or not a pup is a good fit for your life. The more time you have now, however, might not be accessible in the future.
What would you want your puppy to look like as an adult dog? What do you want them to be able to accomplish? Can you make a promise that you’ll be able to teach them how to achieve it?
Make an appointment with a veterinarian. Even before you acquire the dog. When people see that you’ve planned ahead of time rather than making spur-of-the-moment judgments, veterinarians appreciate it. Your doctor can assist you in preparing and directing you to reputable sources if needed.
Will Your Pet Fit Your Lifestyle?
One of the most egregious errors individuals make is choosing a pet based on how fashionable or adorable it is. These animals are too frequently abandoned at an animal shelter when they become overly energetic, demanding, or intolerant… The list goes on and on.
Become familiar with the breed you’re interested in and be ready to reconsider your decision if it doesn’t suit your temperament. Inquire about the animal’s background from its adopters, or perhaps join a breed-specific group and ask questions of some of the members.
The Chihuahua craze is a wonderful example. Sure, they’re adorable and can live in any size home, and they’re quite easy to maintain. The difficulty is that they aren’t overly patient with children and are one of the breeds that have been recalled for maiming youngsters without cause.
Make a financially informed decision
A truly free dog is impossible to find. There are continual expenses for each dog, as well as the potential for emergency medical procedures. The cost of the dog might vary greatly, depending on your lifestyle and financial situation.
Expect to spend around £1,200 for adoption fees, equipment (leash, collar, kennel, food bowl, toys), puppy vaccinations, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption costs vary widely.
Preventive medicines, food, and toys will cost around £80-£120 per month.
You should have your dog’s veterinarian check him out and give shots every year. This will cost between £200 and£500 per year.
Most pet owners will have at least one emergency visit. A surgical procedure to remove an object that should not have been eaten might cost £2,000-£5,000. Consider saving for this or getting pet insurance.
Make Your Home Pet-Friendly
Did you know that chewing gum is poisonous to dogs or that ibuprofen is harmful to cats? It’s critical to go through your house right now, before bringing a new pet home, in order to find hazards and remove them. Countertops, cabinets at pet level, chemical bottles on the floor, little toys, electrical cables, and curtain cords are all examples of dangerous items that should be removed from your home.
Yes, you must clean your house and yard for dogs and cats. You’ll also want to search for any toxic plants for dogs or cats in your home and yard, as well as look for any potential dangers – such as sugar-free gum, which frequently includes xylitol – if you carry a handbag or backpack.
Pick a breeder, not a puppy, first
If you acquire a puppy from a breeder, choosing a puppy from the litter is the incorrect approach to consider it.
Begin by choosing the appropriate breed for your lifestyle. Some breeds require a lot of exercises, while others are satisfied to relax most of the day. To assist you to make the best decision, read as much as you can, speak with the breeder, request to meet adult dogs from the breeder, and see your veterinarian.
Look for a reputable breeder who can produce healthy litters with consistent, reproducible results. Concentrate on finding the perfect breeder, someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Look for a responsible breeder that can generate healthy litters consistently and predictably.
You may pick a puppy for your dog based on your own preferences. You may select from the litter depending on sex, color, and cuteness once you’ve identified the proper breeder.
If the breeder demands a contract, see whether your veterinarian agrees with the standards of care before signing one.
Be Prepared for an Adjustment Period
If you’re adopting a puppy, expect to hear plenty of howling. Yes, just as with human newborns, baby dogs wail at night in their first days in their new homes. However, it is not a good idea to bring your puppy to his bed to calm him like you would with a human infant.
The greatest thing you can do before bringing the puppy home is set up a quiet, enclosed area with a comfy bed, or a kennel that can be closed, keeping your puppy safe from wandering. Choose the location where you’ll keep your dog permanently.
Let your puppy have free, authorized romping about the house during the day so that he or she may smell everything. This will also allow you to discover any dangers you might have missed on the first pass.
Things get a little bit trickier when you are bringing a new pet into a home with pets. You will need to make sure that your resident pet does not feel threatened enough to strike out at the newcomer.