6 Things Everyone Should Know Before Adopting a Dog

One of the biggest motivations for adopting a dog is the way it can change the atmosphere  of a house. A playful puppy brings the family together and spreads a lot of laughter. Yet, raising a dog is not everyone’s cup of tea as one may think.

Dog ownership also involves a bit of preparation like most of the things in our life. One needs to know a few aspects of dogs before adopting them. Here are 6 things each dog lover should know before getting a new puppy,

1) Your Lifestyle Matters

Before adopting a dog, you have to check whether your lifestyle suits the nature of the dog breed. This is highly important for having an excellent bond between the owner and the dog. For instance, if you have a busy life and you lack time for going to the park, a high energy dog is a big no-no for you. This is relevant for breeds like Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, German Shepherd, Rottweiler etc. These dogs need an owner who enjoys physical activity and can provide them at least 2 daily walks.

2) Size of Your Living Room

Large dogs need a bit of space in the house to move and walk around, as it is vital for their health. Keeping them enclosed in small spaces can induce behaviour problems in them. On the flip side, small breed dogs like Dachshund, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian etc suits best for small households and apartment dwellers as these dogs don’t have much exercise requirements. Keep this factor in mind before you select a dog breed.

3) Taking out Enough Time in a Day

Truth be told, if one can’t take even half an hour a day to play with the dogs, they need to rethink about dog adoption. Dogs are social animals who thrive on companionship. They love to play, socialise and also need a good amount of attention as well. In fact, many dogs develop separation anxiety when they are left alone for a longer time without owners. So only adopt a dog if you can spend some time daily with them.

4) Be a Bit Financially Prepared

Owning a dog comes with certain financial responsibilities as well. Apart from the initial investment, you also need to shell some money on dog food, grooming, vet care, and other pet accessories as well. Doing all the maths before dog adoption can help you figure out the approximate expense which will be needed. A good financial planning regarding dogs can significantly help you to keep them in excellent health as well.

5) It’s a Long Term Commitment

If you are planning to adopt a dog, it’s a commitment of at least 12 years. Many people ignore this aspect of dog ownership and make themselves and their dog suffer. Only adopt a dog if you think your long term goals will not impact them. This includes a change in accommodation, career switch, starting a family etc. Dogs thrive best when they have all their family members around for a long time.

6) Regular Vet Checkup

Regardless of the breed, all dogs need vet checkup on a regular basis. This is vital for their health as dog owners are not always able to identify problems. Your vet can prevent several health issues at the early stage when they see the symptoms of it. So you need to invest your time and a fair share of money to keep the dogs in supreme health.

By considering the above factors, you can make a well-informed decision for adopting a dog or not. Careful planning and preparation before welcoming a new puppy is key to avoid many hassles and to keep the dogs healthy and happy as well.