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Puppies are adorable and beloved pets. Getting a dog is an exciting process, and many prospective dog owners often get carried away in the merriment only to make some mistakes. If you are planning to get a dog, here are some crucial things you should consider.
Your readiness to own a pet
Raising a puppy is a demanding task, and you need to be psychologically and physically prepared to own one. Your readiness depends on your availability, locality, and family size. Additionally, dogs can live for as long as 14 years, and owning one is a lifetime commitment.
Pet food
Dogs require specific nutrition at different levels of development. Pups need food with adequate proteins for body tissue development, while adult dogs require more energy as they are extra active. In addition, different dog breeds have different nutritional needs, and you want to check out dogfoodcare.com for expert advice on the best dog food for your favourite breed.
Dog breed
Dog breeds have different physical, nutritional, and health needs, and it would help if you chose a dog breed that perfectly suits your lifestyle. For instance, large breeds are often active and susceptible to obesity if not exercised, and you have to create time for regular morning or evening walks and other dog-friendly physical exercises. If you have kids, you may want to consider getting kids-friendly and non-aggressive breeds, as some dog breeds can be dangerous when playing with children.
Training
You can always adopt a trained dog, but most people prefer buying a pup and raising it from scratch. In such a case, you may wish to consider your dog training options. Puppies are fast learners, but only when trained.
Dog accessories
Dogs do not require many accessories. All you need is a leash, at least two feeding bowls, a dog mat, and a collar, for starters, and you can add to your accessories list as time goes by. You may also want to modify your living environment to accommodate your new companion by building a small kennel and a dog’s door space.
Pet healthcare
Dogs get sick or injured from time to time, and it pays to acquaint yourself with medical conditions associated with your preferred dog breed and their home remedies. This is also the right time to research local vet services available to you.
Medical concerns
Dogs’ fur can trigger severe allergies, and it is important to ensure that none of your household members are allergic to dog fur beforehand. Additionally, dogs can harbor parasites such as fleas and ticks, and you should be ready to clean them regularly.
Price
Some dog breeds are quite expensive. Before settling on a breed, check if its price tag falls within your budget to avoid inconveniences at the pet store. You should also factor in other petcare aspects such as vet services, food, accessories, and training costs in your budget.
Endnote
Dogs are excellent companions, but there is more to raising a dog than occasional evening walks. Nevertheless, getting the right dog breed at the right time can be a blessing to your life.