What to Consider Before Getting a Dog?

The choice to get a new pet in the home is exciting. Having a cute dog to take of and who adores you can be very rewarding. A dog is truly and man and woman's best friend. But, before you get a dog, especially if this is your first pet, there are a few items you need to take into consideration.

The first thing to think about before getting a dog is how much the dog is going to cost you for him to live a happy and healthy life. You will have to buy food for your furry friend all the time. Also, treats, you have to buy you dog treats if you want to be a good owner. There is a wide range of food choices out there for puppies and dogs. You should research which one is the best option for your dog according to his age, breed, and even any special health concerns he/she may have. The same goes for treats. It's totally fine to reward your dog with a treat here and there, but you want to check the nutritional content of the treats to make sure you are not feeding your dog too much junk food.

Another thing to think about before getting a dog is entertainment for your dog...toys! Your pet has to have toys to play with. Not only does it give you and your pet something to play with together, but it will also give your dog something else to chew on besides your furniture, shoes, etc. There are so many toys out there to choose from. I bought quite a variety for my spoiled pup. He has stuffed animals, squeaky rubber toys, squeaky stuffed animals, tug-of-war toys, a Kong toy, and the list goes on and on. He actually has a toy box full of toys. You can use some baby toys as dog toys as well. One way I found to save on money for buying toys is to go to garage sales and buy stuffed animals that don't' have to many parts dogs can chew loose. I don't' eve buy my dog plastic or rubber toys made in China because of the lead paint scare from a year or two ago. Many dog toys at dollar stores are made in China, just an FYI.

Just like a child, a dog will need regular visits to a doctor, especially during the first year. As soon as you get your dog you should take him/her to e vet to get checked out. If it is a puppy, you will need to take your puppy to the vet several times during the first year for shots/vaccinations. Not to mention if your dog gets sick, you have to budget for extra expenses like that. Before getting a dog, also consider if the dog is already spayed or neutered or if the place you are buying your pooch from will reimburse you once you have this done. That is, if you do not plan on breeding your pet.

You have to take into consideration the size of your home and yard before getting a dog as well. A large dog is going to need plenty of space to run around and exercise. If you live in an apartment or small house or condo, you may want to consider getting a smaller dog. There's going to have to be enough room in your house for you, your family, and your dog.

Even with a good sized yard, it is still a good idea to go out of your way to make sure your dog has ample exercise. You can do this by taking your dog for a walk or run with you; playing fetch with toys, and having the kids ply with he dog. This will ensure your dog is healthy and lives as long of life as possible. Before getting a dog, make sure you will have enough time to set aside to do this daily.

If you have children or other pets in your home already, it is a good idea to research breeds of dogs before getting a dog. Some breeds are better to have around children than others. Also, some breed do better if they are the only pet in the home while other breeds to well if they have another dog to play with.

Lastly, before getting a dog, think about the size its going to b when it is full grown. It may be hard to resist a puppy because in the beginning they are all cute and small. But the bigger the dog, the more room they need to play. The bigger the dog the more food they are going to eat as well, which will cost more money for you. Everything that is bigger will cost more, collars, toys, grooming tools, and the like.

There is a lot to think about before getting a dog. But a well thought out plan can make things better and happier for everyone in the end.