A house is not truly a home without a dog, and it is an exciting time if you have made the decision to welcome a new four-legged friend into your family. However, there are some considerations you should take into account to ensure that your new dog is a good fit for your family and that you are providing them with the correct care and attention that they need to thrive.
Read on for some tips on what to consider when getting a new dog.
Do You Want a Pedigree?
Dogs have been bred over time so that different breeds have different temperaments and personalities. You should carefully consider the type of temperament that would fit in well with your family and lifestyle. For instance, golden retrievers make great family pets if you have young children, as they are fun-loving and affectionate.
Ensure that you buy your pet from a trusted breeder who does not engage in cruel and unethical breeding practices like puppy farming.
Or a Mutt?
Don’t discount mutts from your search for your perfect pet. Mixed breed dogs often provide the best traits of several breeds, all in one dog. Furthermore, by adopting a mutt from a rescue center, such as the ASPCA, you can be sure that you are helping to save lives reduce the number of unwanted dogs in shelters.
The rescue workers who spend all day looking after and rehabilitating the dog will be able to provide you with detailed behavioral information to ensure that you are properly prepared for what to expect with your new dog and know what behavioral challenges lie ahead if any.
Organize Vet Care
Book a health check for your new dog with a trusted veterinarian, such as an easyvet location. Your vet will give your new friend an all-over health check to ensure that they are in good physical condition, as well as providing vaccinations and additional services such as microchipping and neutering if required.
Furthermore, your vet can be an excellent source of information about how best to care for your new dog, such as what is an appropriate diet and how often a flea and worm treatment is required. This is invaluable advice if you are a first-time owner. Following the initial health check, ensure that your dog receives an annual health check to ensure that they remain in tip-top condition.
Exercise
All dogs require regular exercise to ensure that they keep fit and mentally stimulated. However, some breeds are more active than others, such as Labradors and whippets, and you need to consider whether you have the time and inclination to exercise them several times a day. If you would prefer a less energetic dog, look for low energy breeds such as a basset hound or bulldog, who are happy to stay curled up on the sofa. Remember, though, that these breeds do require some daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy.
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