Owning a dog can be a life changing experience, and make a great addition to your family. And when everything goes well, they can be the world’s greatest companions. But owning a dog is not all lollipops, sunshine and rainbows. You have to know that you’re now responsible for this little pup’s life and its wellbeing. You also have to know that no two dogs are the same, and that both you and them will need some time to adapt. Here are some of the things few people will not tell you about owning a dog, and how to prepare for it.
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Dogs Can Potentially be Needy
Dogs are social and active animals, and they have lots of needs. They won’t hesitate to let you know, either. Dogs can expect you to take them out when they want to, feed them when they want, and play when they decide it’s time to play. Typically, you shouldn’t be surprised if you see your puppy pacing back and forth, barking at you, or nudging your arm until you give them the attention they want.
Training Can Take Time
If you decide to adopt a dog, you might be lucky and get one that is well behaved and already knows how to stay, sit, and so on. However, most of the time, it will take time for them to behave if they haven’t gotten some formal training. Dogs don’t have our societal rules engraved in them, and you’ll have to be patient. You’ll need to effectively, gently, and consistently show them how to act properly until they get it right.
Pet Insurance Can Go Well Beyond Medical Expenses
A lot of people are aware that they should consider buyingdog insurance. But what a lot of people don’t know is how much the scope of the insurance can vary, as some providersincluding those like Everypaw, could offer dog cover that doesn’t just cover potential vet fees. Some covers could include help towards the costs of searching for a missing or stolen dog. They could also help towards the cost of a holiday cancellation in case a medical issue is causing you to cancel, for instance. So, make sure that you look at all the options out there, and pick the right type of coverage for your particular needs.
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Picking the Right Food is Not as Simple as it Looks
There’s a much wider variety of dog food than many imagine. You have your classic kibbles and canned food, but you also have other options such as raw, grain free, and boutique brands that you can choose from.
Don’t necessarily go for the most popular brands, or which bag looks the prettiest. Consideration should be given to talking to your vet who may be able to recommend the best types of food specifically for your dog. Things like age, breed, weight and health conditions can all make a difference.
Healthcare Costs May Get Expensive Really Quickly
If you have thought about owning a dog, you may have already factored in costs for things like vaccines, yearly visits to the vet, and other things such as neutering and spaying. But there are other unexpected health issues that can occur, and you’ll have to be prepared for that.
Some breeds might have specific health issues that are common to them. This is why it’s very important that you do your research before choosing a breed, and make sure that you again look for the right coverage.
You May Need to Make Some Lifestyle Adjustments
You also have to take into consideration that your life habits may have to be rearranged with your dog in mind. This could mean that you might not be able to stay for drinks after work, or may need to find someone to take care of your dog if you decide to leave for a holiday.
So, while you can always find a sitter, or find ways to do the things you like, you may not be able to make as manyspontaneous choices as you used to. With proper planning, however, you’ll eventually build a network and have someone on hand in case of emergency.
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, and one that may have a significant impact on your everyday life. However, it’s also one of the greatest experiences that you can have as an owner, or a family. Just make sure that you’re ready for all the work that it entails, and don’t hesitate to speak with other dog owners so they can let you know more about what you can expect.
