There are numerous reasons that dogs are a great addition to the family, and many people have used the extra time at home that lockdown has given them an opportunity to get a new puppy. However, we won’t be locked down forever and it’s very important to consider life post-lockdown when deciding whether or not to get a dog.
Dogs are for life
Most breeds of dog have an average lifespan of thirteen years, which is something you need to bear in mind. Just because adding a dog to your family is the right thing now, will it still be right in thirteen years? Factors to consider are whether you are likely to move home in this time and whether it would be easy to find another home suitable for a dog (particularly if you don’t own your home); whether children leaving home will leave fewer people around during the day to keep the dog company and help with walking; whether you are thinking of having a new baby within that time frame; and whether you are likely to start working away from home more than you are now. Consider anything that will change how daily life in your home looks and whether a dog will still be the right choice.
The cost
As well as the cost of feeding a dog and buying it a bed and toys, dogs also come with a healthcare cost. Healthcare for a dog can quickly become expensive. As well as care for any unexpected injury or illness, it is important to keep on top of routine healthcare such as flea and worm treatments. You can find a vet like easyvetclinic at veterinarianmidlothianva.com that keeps access to veterinary care as affordable as possible. However, the costs can still add up. According to the ASPCA, the average cost of pet care is $1,000 per year, so it’s very important to understand whether you can afford it.
The time commitment
Dogs don’t like to be left alone for too long and can become destructive if they are. If you have a full-time job, dog ownership may not be right for you, unless you can guarantee that someone will be around to keep the dog company during the day.
Pet-proofing your home
Just because you know how long you spent on decorating your home and making it your own, doesn’t mean that your new dog will care. Until you have trained them, dogs can trample all over carpets with muddy feet, chew on cushions, scratch at the floor, and generally bring a tornado of destruction to your pristine home. Make sure that you can keep the dog safely away from parts of your home where you don’t want them to be able to go, and accept that once you have a dog, your home won’t ever be pristine again.
Adopt, don’t shop
By adopting a dog rather than buying one, you can be sure that you aren’t supporting puppy farms, and you can also provide a home for a dog that really needs one. Additionally, if you get your dog from a shelter, you will be able to discuss your needs with the shelter staff and they will be able to help you choose a dog with the right temperament to suit your family. They will also have spent time with the dog and know it’s background, so you will know a lot more about the type of dog you are getting than if you buy one.
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