Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love dogs? Ok, people with allergies, maybe. But for the rest of us, they bring joy to our lives and adorable videos to our Instagram feeds.
Pet ownership has been on the rise since lockdown, and though the trend might slow a little once we’re free, man’s best friend will never lose its appeal.
Everyone knows that taking care of a dog is a major responsibility. But in return, they offer us comfort, company and laughter when we need it most.
If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of a new pet this summer, check out this list of the top three considerations you need to think about before getting a dog, from the perks of a new pup to the biggest canine challenges.
- Time
Lockdown has seen a spate of new pet adoptions, probably down to the fact that so many of us have had extra time on their hands, giving new owners plenty of time to spend easing newly-homed dogs into a healthy routine.
But as restrictions begin to lift, chances are those same owners will have less time on their hands, meaning an adjustment period for pets
Think carefully about the time a dog demands – they thrive on routine and need frequent walks, regular feeding, plus lots of company to keep them entertained. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow for it, or you’re not sure you can commit to that, owning a dog may not be for you right now.
- Healthcare
It’s vital that your dog’s basic health needs are taken care of – food, water, exercise, etc.
And while making sure these requirements are met will go a long way to looking after them, it’s still important to be registered with a vet to make sure all vaccines are up to date and check up on your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
Services like Avacta Animal Health also manage pet allergy, another potential concern that owners should keep an eye out for. Certain vets will partner with experts to manage these specific conditions, so do some research to find the right veterinary practice for your dog.
- Personality
Breed research is important in the adoption process.
For example, pugs are popular right now thanks to social media. But aside from the breed’s inherent health issues (or rather because of them) they’re not always the most energetic dogs.
This might be exactly what you’re looking for in a pet, but if you want a canine companion that can run rings around you and has oodles of energy, do some research to find the breed that matches your lifestyle.
When it comes to choosing your dog, most shelters will give you time to get to know them to make sure you’re a good fit for each other – this is also a great way for your future pet to get to know you and feel comfortable around you.
We hope these three tips help you decide whether owning a dog is right for you. And if it is, have a wonderful summer with your new four-legged friend!
