7 Things Pet Owners Wish They Knew Before Getting a Dog

Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend” for a reason. They are normally the first to greet you when you get home and consider you perfect. However, before you get your new furry companion, here are a few things you should know.

Dog-Proof Your Home

It is worth noting that dogs are aware of what they should not touch or chew, just like children. However, those are the things they will go for first. This said, be ready to have your socks, towels, or clothes being torn by your furry companion. To avoid incurring damages to your belongings, the best course of action is to dog-proof your home.

You’ll need to check on your dog’s height to know where they can reach. Always ensure that all the fragile things around your house are placed on the upper shelves. Also, any item that can be potentially harmful should be placed away. Finally, let your family know the dog’s restrictions; this includes where the dog can access and where it cannot.

Dogs Need Company

If you are a new pet owner, you might not know that it is essential for dogs to socialize. Besides benefiting the dog’s physical health, it also ensures that it can know how to react to the world around it healthily without unnecessary aggression or fear.

Since dogs are social creatures, you have to be ready to be followed anywhere in your home. Also, if you love traveling, it would be wise to consider going with your furry friend. Note that you don’t need to meet the social demands of your pet on your own. Other alternatives would be to take your pet to a dog park and let it enjoy the company of other dogs.

Be Informed of What Your Dog Can and Cannot Eat

Without a doubt, dogs can eat some of the foods you take; however, you need to realize that some are harmful to them or, even worse, can kill them. This is a predicament that you’ll not want in your household; therefore, ensure to watch out for the nutrition requirements of your dog. It’s also important to note that all dogs do not have the same requirements and thus don’t eat similar foods.

A Dog Will Cost You Money

Whether you have bought or adopted your dog, you have to be ready to spend more than the fee. An aspect that you need to bear in mind is that dogs are living creatures. For this reason, they’ll need training classes, toys, and food. You’ll also need to purchase dog equipment such as collars and leashes.

Another indispensable aspect that will cost you money is the dog’s health. Understand that you’ll have several visits to the vet as dogs also get sick and require appropriate treatment. You’ll also have monthly costs to worry about as you’ll have to pay for flea/heartworm prevention and vaccinations. To help you cut the costs, it would help to know the benefits of pet insurance. One is that the insurance cover will help you focus more on your dog’s health than the amount you’ll need to spend.

House-Training is Vital

You need to understand that dogs do not naturally know where they should or shouldn’t pee. They are also not aware of how they should signal to you that they need to go outside. Therefore, signs you should watch out for to know your dog needs to pee include; scratching the door or barking, sniffing around, or restlessness.

Dogs Have Different Personality Types

It’s critical to know that dogs have different personality types, just like humans do. This said it would be best that you get a flurry friend that matches your personality. Before you bring a dog home, ensure to do breed research. This is the best way to find one that matches your lifestyle.

In addition, another aspect that will influence the type of dog breed you bring home is your family structure. This is whether you have small children or if you live alone. Whether you live in the city or the countryside is also a factor to consider. Understand that you are most likely to have the best connection with your dog when you get the right breed.

Dogs Become Part of the Family

Undoubtedly, dogs can cause you trouble every now and then. However, once you are used to it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it before. With time, you’ll not be able to give up your best friend, and thus they become part of your family. Nothing beats coming home to a welcoming pup after a long day.

Conclusion

Dogs are an ideal pet to have at home for their good company and love. However, to experience this, you’ll need to ensure that you get the right breed and be ready to shoulder the expenses.