It may appear that there is no better time to add a new furry member to the family as winter approaches and the nights begin to draw in. As appealing as it may be to seek warmth, coziness, and support from a new pet, there are some factors to consider before you add a dog or puppy to your household.
Puppies are difficult to resist. Perhaps this is why so many people get a puppy before they are ready or understand how to prepare for one.
At the start of quarantine, people were quick to bring new furry companions to their homes to help them ease the feelings of isolation. Now, with most parts of the world going back to their pre-covid daily lives, there’s a concern among many that the rise in dog adoptions will now result in a higher number of abandonments too.
Many dog owners are unaware of the responsibilities and hardships that come with keeping a dog, which results in a large number of puppies being given up for adoption.
So, to make sure you’re fully informed before bringing a new dog, here are the top three things you should know.
1. Make Sure You’re Ready for a Lifelong Commitment
Having a dog is a commitment that lasts a lifetime. Animals form strong attachments to you and your family. Any change in ownership can be quite stressful, so you should be ready to take on the burden.
A dog’s typical lifespan is 13 years, so make sure you’re ready to make a long-term commitment to your new pet. That involves continuing to love your pet after the puppy stage, through their cheeky, exuberant adolescence, and many more to come.
2. Taking Care of a Dog Can be Expensive
Dogs are costly, so be sure you have enough money to care for them from the time they are pups to the time they become older. To keep your pet happy and safe, they need to visit the veterinarian, have sufficient food and water, a bed, collar, leash, and other accessories for entertainment. The average annual cost of owning a dog is between $800 to $1500; however, this might vary based on your dog’s type, size, and health.
3. Stock Up on Supplies in Advance
Ensure you have all of the necessary supplies before bringing your new dog home. Start with the essentials before you end up with a bunch of stuff you don’t need, such as toys or beds your puppy won’t even like or use. To begin, you’ll need the following items:
- A dog collar with ID tags
- A leash, four to six feet long. You can always get longer ones as your puppy grows.
- Dog food. It’s essential to have enough food supplies at home and know which type of dog food is best for your new friend. If you’re not sure which one to pick, check out Freshpet dog food reviews that can help you make sure you’re feeding your dogs the best nutrients possible.
- Food and water bowls (steel, glass, or ceramic recommended)
- a comfy dog bed, for starters. Make sure your dog has living room to grow. You don’t want to buy a bed that will be useless in a couple of months as your puppy grows older.
- A few simple toys, preferably one of each chewing toy and squeaky toy.
- Grooming kits or brushes made for your dog’s coat