If you’re interested in adding a new pet to your family, a puppy may be the perfect option! While these animals are ridiculously cute and quite energetic, there are some things you should consider before bringing one home.
We are going to share some advice in this blog post. There are six factors that we think you should look at before investing in a dog breed or rescue pup.
1. Have realistic expectations
Getting a dog is a huge responsibility that can take up a lot of time and depends on having people who are responsible enough to look after them.
Think about your life right now, and whether a pup is the right fit for you. Make sure you have enough time to be able to commit adequately to the pup in whatever time that might take. If you don’t have as much time at the moment, it may be smart to wait on getting a pet.
Would you like your puppy to grow up to be a certain size? What do you want them to be able to do and are you confident that you can teach them?
Early on, make arrangements to meet with a vet. Even before you get the dog. When people see that you’ve planned ahead of time rather than making last-minute decisions, vets appreciate it. Your vet can help you in preparing for your dog and discuss any questions you might have.
2. Is Your Pet a Good Fit?
It can be hard to find the time or energy to care for a pet while juggling work and family commitments. It’s no wonder then that animals get abandoned when they become too much to handle. However, there are certain things people can look out for before making a decision about a pet.
Consider your own needs and personality when looking for a rescue pet. Research any breeds you are particularly interested in. Ask other owners what the animal’s temperament is like, or join an online group for that type of animal and ask them. Be prepared to reconsider a breed if things don’t match up.
The Chihuahua craze is a good example. They are a popular dog for their looks and small size however, they don’t always get along with children. This can be a big issue if you have a young family.
3. Take Your Finances into Account
It’s hard to find a completely free dog. Even if you do, there are ongoing costs such as food and the possibility of emergency veterinary care. The cost of the dog can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and financial situation.
Costs of adoption vary a lot but expect to spend around £1000 all in, for the basics like leashes, collars, toys and food bowls. The cost also factors in spaying or neutering your puppy which is included in these prices.
Preventive medicines, food, and toys will cost around £70-£100 per month. Your dog will also need a yearly checkup and injections, this will cost between £175 and £450 per year.
Most pet owners tend to have one emergency visit somewhere during their time as a pet owner. Surgery to remove an object that should not have been ingested can cost £1750-£4500. In the event that surgery becomes necessary, consider saving up for it or getting pet insurance.
4. Make Your Home Pet-Safe
It is important to make sure that you have a pet-friendly home. You might not know that gum is poisonous to dogs, or that ibuprofen can be harmful to cats, but before buying a new pet you should find and remove any hazards from reach in your house. Dangerous things like chemicals in basements, little toys around the house, or electrical cables need to be considered and made pet safe.
You’ll also need to clean your home and your garden or yard for your pets. You’ll need to search for toxic plants and any potential dangers – such as sugar-free gum that might contain xylitol.
5. Look for a Reputable Breeder
Begin by picking the right breed for your lifestyle. Some breeds need a lot of exercise, but others might simply be happy to rest all day long. First, do your research and then speak with the breeder. Ask about meeting adult dogs from the litter, and consult your vet for a second opinion.
Look for a reputable breeder who can produce high-quality litters with consistent results. Make sure you pick someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Find a responsible and reliable breeder to get your next puppy from.
You might pick a puppy based on your own personal preferences. There are many factors to consider: what sex, colour, and cuteness you want your new pup to have. Once you’ve identified the right breeder for it all, there are plenty of options to take into account!
Is your vet OK with the standard of care requirements? If so, then it’s probably ok to go ahead and sign the contract with the breeder.
6. Take Some Time to Adjust
If you’re adopting a puppy, be aware that it may howl a lot at first. Yes, just like human babies, dogs wail when they move into their new homes. However, it’s probably not wise to carry your pup back to his bed in order to calm him down.
The best thing you can do before bringing your new puppy home is to set up a quiet room filled with a cosy bed. Place the kennel in this room or choose an area of the house where you think your dog will be spending most of its time.
Let your puppy explore the house during the day so they can get familiar with it.
Adding new pets to a home with other pets can be difficult but luckily there are many tips online you can use to make the process go as smoothly as possible. For example, one should not introduce a new pet when the current is feeling threatened enough to lash out.