What to Know Before Adopting Your First Dog
Guest Article brought to us by:
Delilah Farrell
While adopting a dog can prove to be a great and exciting addition to your family, there are some factors that you need to consider before diving in. If you are considering adopting a dog, here are a few things you need to know.
Take Your Time
Finding the perfect dog for you and your family is going to take some time, especially if you have other animals, spouses, or children to consider. While some dogs may be great with other dogs, they may not be great with kids and vice versa. The same can also be said to genders. Some dogs may not work well with men or women. If you have other members of the family to consider, be sure to have everyone involved in the adoption search.
Adopt, Don’t Shop
There are so many pups across the nation that are in need of a home, do not shop for a dog! Even if you are in search of a specific breed, take a little bit of extra time searching outside of your zip code to find the exact breed you want in a shelter. You’d be surprised by how many purebred dogs are available for adoption.
Consider the Finances in Owning a Dog
Pets are expensive. Between dog food, medication, doctor’s visits, grooming, and buying toys, the price tag will add up over the years. Make sure you create a budget for the expenses that go into owning a dog to make sure you are up for it.
Make Sure Your New Dog is Spayed, Neutered, and Microchipped
Most shelters will require you to have all of this done before you can even get your new member of the family but if that isn’t a requirement, be sure to take your dog to the vet as soon as you get them to be spayed, microchipped, and to get all their shots and medications. You want your dog to be safe and healthy.
Is Your Home Pet-Proof?
Before your pup comes home, be sure to pet-proof your entire house to prevent your dog from injuring itself. Depending on the age, temperament, and energy level of your dog, they will more than likely get into some things they shouldn’t. Be prepared. Make sure all chemicals are out of reach, there are no small toys or trinkets accessible to them, and even consider the rugs or carpeting you have in your home.
Dogs Need Forever Homes – Are Your Ready?
Dogs require a lot of time, money, and energy to take care of – especially if they aren’t yet house trained. So be sure you understand what you are jumping into. Roughly 6.5 million domesticated animals go into shelters each year, so the last thing you and your new family member wants is to have you welcome them into your home, only for you to change your mind and send them back to a shelter. Dogs in shelters are ready and waiting for you to come get them and give them a safe place to spend the rest of their lives. Be sure you are ready for them.
