A majority of people are huge dog lovers, especially when they’re getting a puppy. And who could ever blame them? They are goofy, full of joy, and adorable, so what’s not to love about them?
Read More:
- 7 Accessories That Every Dog Needs
- 8 Accessories Every Aquarium Needs
- Best options to consider for pet accessories storage
- End of Life Care: 5 Decisions Dog Parents Need to Make
- 6 Smart Tips on Picking the Best Pet Food
All you want to do is play with them and cuddle because they are simply irresistible. It doesn’t matter whether you’re getting a puppy or an older dog. At the end of the day, it’s a living being that has its needs that must be taken care of properly.
There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration, so get ready for some important advice before you get yourself a lovely doggo. If you’ve never owned one before, then precisely these tips will help you figure out if you’re truly ready for this role or not.
Things You Must Know Before Buying/Adopting A Dog
Is This The Right Decision?
Nobody can deny that dogs/puppies are cute and charming, but bear in mind that they are also very time-consuming. That’s the fact that, unfortunately, a lot of first-time owners overlook when they decide to take one.
Adult dogs are demanding, but it’s a whole different story with puppies. It’s practically like having a human baby. You need to feed them at least three to four hours every single day, and as soon as you do it, you must instantly take them outside so they can do “their thing.”
Another thing that you shouldn’t forget is that these babies are not yet house-trained; hence, you need to prepare yourself for potential accidents until you teach them what they can and cannot do.
Furthermore, if you’re used to having a goodnight’s sleep, then you can freely forget about it in the beginning, since this adorable fur baby is going to wake you up at night either because it wants to go outside, wants to sleep next to you or because it is boring.
More importantly, if your life is pretty hectic and you’re away for too long, then maybe you should reconsider this decision since puppies shouldn’t be left alone at home for more than a couple of hours.
Moreover, puppies, just like any other kids, can be very mischievous because they are still not properly trained, plus they love exploring new places. So what can you expect? It means that some of your furniture and items are probably going to be eaten.
They are not doing this on purpose; it’s just they are too young to separate right from wrong, which is why training is a must, along with socializing and exercising. All these things require a lot of time; hence, if you’re too busy yet you want to have a pet, then maybe you should consider having a cat.
Do You Have Enough Money For A Dog?
This doesn’t refer to the purchase/adoption moment only, but for many other things that can occur along the way. Huge dog lovers at Your Puppy FL would like to remind you that buying/adopting a puppy/adult dog is only the beginning of your expenses. What about the rest?
Just like everybody else, these fur babies require food and vaccinations as well. And at some point, you need to think about the costs you’ll be having in case your dog gets sick or god forbids having an accident.
In these types of situations, the only solution is the vet, which can be very costly. Bear in mind that dogs usually live around fifteen years, which is a long-term financial responsibility. And then, once it gets old, it will require special medications to maintain its well-being.
That’s precisely one of the reasons why you should reconsider this decision if you do not think you have enough means for a pet. Bad things can, unfortunately, happen in a blink of an eye, and they can almost never be predicted, yet you must always stay prepared if you want to make sure your fur buddy is happy and healthy.
Read Below For More Awesome Reminders
Having A Good Vet Is A Must!
Just like you would want to have a good doctor always by your side, well, the same goes for your doggo. Of course, we’re referring to the vet. You need a person you can lean on, who truly adores animals and is always ready to help.
Even though every vet is supposed to be kind and skilled, sadly, that’s not always the case; hence, you need to conduct thorough research before deciding anything. You can either consult your friends or family members who already have a pet or just go online and check out some informative pet-related forums where you can get great recommendations.
Remember that a vet is supposed to be a helping hand, someone you can trust; therefore, it cannot be just about anyone but someone who is very dedicated and, of course, skilled and knowledgeable.
Do You Want A Particular Breed?
If the answer is yes, then it’s time for some homework. Namely, logically, not every breed is the same. Some are more or less demanding. The whole point of getting a certain breed is to find one that will easily match your lifestyle and the place you live in.
Are you living in a smaller apartment or a large house? If we’re talking about something that’s relatively small, then it would be good to consider having a smaller breed. On the other hand, if the house you live in is big enough, then this factor isn’t that relevant.
Furthermore, some breeds are more for families and love playing with children, while there are those that aren’t too into this type of “structure”; hence, it would be smart to consider this as well before purchasing a dog.
Accessories, Accessories, Accessories
Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you’ve obtained all the necessary supplies. This involves a dog collar, water and food bowls, ID tag, a leash, toys, and a cozy dog bed.
No matter how much you love dogs (just like most of us), as you can see, this isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. That’s precisely why you should carefully read everything that’s been written here to see if you are honestly ready to embark on this long-lasting journey or not.
