Why People Should Consider Dog Ownership Carefully

Did you know that October is Adopt-a-Dog Month sponsored by the American Humane Association? If you are thinking about getting a dog, this article provides some information to think about before making a decision. Owning a dog is a long-term commitment. If you have built an adult lifestyle without a dog, it can be costly and inconvenient at times to accommodate a dog's needs, medical care, and supervision, especially if you are on a tight budget. It also requires planning and accommodation in your busy lifestyle for situations like traveling and emergencies.

If you know that you are going to have added responsibilities besides just feeding and exercising your dog, then you can make a more informed decision before getting a dog. This article examines four issues of dog ownership: whether you experience fear of dogs, if you know how to handle dogs, what to do with a dog during travel and emergencies, and whether you can reasonably afford veterinary care.

According to the American Humane Association, "Millions of dogs face euthanasia every year across the country because there are not enough caring homes for them." After considering these issues and still feeling prepared for ownership, then perhaps you will decide that adopting a dog is right for you.

The first consideration is whether you experience fear of dogs. If you did not grow up around dogs or often experience fear in the presence of some dogs, then owning a dog is a big step. Some people buy a dog to try to overcome their fear and later realize that they were not able to accomplish that goal just by owning a dog. However, there are some alternatives (i.e. adopting a smaller or older dog from an animal shelter).

The second consideration is whether you know how to handle dogs. It is easy enough to learn how to feed a dog, walk a dog, and clean up after her. However, do you know how to train your dog, give her a bath, take her to the vet, and deal with here when she panics? You can get some help from dog obedience training, but you need a firm commitment to caring completely for the dog. Just like children, dogs have unexpected situations that require special handling.

The third consideration is what you will do with your dog during vacations, business trips, and emergencies. Can you afford regular boarding for the dog if you travel frequently? Do you have dependable relatives, neighbors, and friends that can take care of your dog while you are away? Will your work schedule prevent you from walking and feeding your dog regularly? If you live alone and do not have reliable people, owning a dog may become too expensive or unfeasible if you are often away from the home. In this way, dog ownership can become a budgetary or time consideration.

The fourth consideration involves whether you have the room in your budget for quality veterinary care for your dog. Just like people, dogs need regular care, such as annual exams and vaccinations. They also need flea treatment, heartworm medication, and occasional emergency care. In more unusual situations, dogs can get illnesses like cancer that become costly if you want to keep your dog alive.

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility that can last for as long as 15 years. Many dog owners make the mistake of getting a dog and then later have to put the dog in a shelter or euthanize the dog because they can no longer take care of them. Be sure that dog ownership is a long-term commitment that you can make before buying or adopting a dog.