A few things I wish I knew before getting my first dog.
Having a dog is almost like having a baby. Not only do they want to spend every moment with you: in the shower or while you're sleeping - but they require a lot of care taking. But VERY worth it. Puppies are absolutely adorable; there's no doubt. But they are TOUGH work.
Things to know before getting a dog:
1. Dogs are for life
The average lifespan of a dog is 13 years so make sure you are ready for a long dedicated commitment to your new furry friend. That means loving your pet after the puppy stage, into their naughty energetic teens and then the golden years of Fido’s life.
2. Time-consuming
Get ready to sacrifice your time. Similarly to having a small child, bringing a new
puppy into your home means you take responsibility of having a living being whose needs often come before your own. This means you might have to sacrifice more time and energy into this small creature than you first thought or that you are accustomed to.
3. Breed research
People usually go for dogs that are physically appealing or cute but pet owners report feeling better about their pets when their behaviour matches their own personality features. You need to find the suitable breed for your lifestyle and surroundings. You need to take into account the size of your living arrangements, your surrounding area.
4. Lifetime costs
Dogs are expensive so ensure you have the funds to take care of them from the time they are puppies to when they are old. The expenses don’t end after the initial purchase of your dog. They need to go to the vet, have plenty of food and water, a bed, collar, lead and other accessories to keep your pet happy and safe.
5. Pet healthcare
There is nothing more important than your dog’s health and happiness so be sure to know a good vet nearby. There will be healthy days and emergency medical days in your dog’s life that you need to be on top of. Your dog can become sick and hurt just like any human so you need to keep track of the vaccinations they receive to ensure they remain at their healthiest.
Few essentials to begin:
Basic four- to six-foot leash (later you can get an extra-long one for training)
Adjustable collar with ID tags
Metal or ceramic pet bowls for food and water (avoid plastic as it may cause skin irritation1 and is easy for puppies to chew up)
Puppy food
Simple dog bed with room to grow
Dog crate with room to grow
A few simple dog toys (try one of each: a squeaky toy, a plush toy, a chew toy)
A brush, comb, or grooming mitt appropriate for your puppy's coat
Thank you!
For taking the time to read this blog! We hope we helped you and your loved one. For any additional queries or information feel free to reach out to us!