Dogs have good reason for being known as man’s best friend. Dogs were domesticated by man all over the world thousands of years ago, and the popularity of keeping dogs has only grown. In this day and age, we tend to keep dogs as a companion rather than to work, but there are still plenty of dogs who go above and beyond the call of duty as invaluable helpers to the blind, heroic sidekicks to police officers, and still a farmer’s best friend when it comes to rounding up sheep. So, if you are thinking of owning a dog yourself, there a few things to consider before you take the plunge, to ensure that you and your dog have the best experience you can…
Cost – You don’t only have the day to day feeding costs to consider, but also consider vet’s bills – they can get very expensive if your dog has a long-term health problem. It is also advisable to neuter your dog, as this has been proven to give dogs longer lives and you will also avoid any accidental puppies who will all need to be cared for by you unless you can find suitable homes for them! Also consider worming, your dog, and more common ailments such as itchy dogs – this can be overcome with products such as this https://www.stinky-stuff.co.uk/product-cat/dog-remedies/ – basically, you need to thoroughly research this before you commit and decide if you can afford it. Many people choose to take out pet insurance, which is a great help with unforeseen and expensive vets bills!
Time – To care for a dog properly takes up a great deal of time. A dog needs to be taken for a good walk at least once a day, they need to be bathed regularly, fed, wormed, and groomed – it is a lot like having a child, so make sure that you have enough time to dedicate to your dog. Especially if you have one form a young age where it can be very distressed at first at not being with it’s mother. This may lead to many nights sitting and comforting your dog.
Environment – Is your home suitable to bring a dog into? Do you have enough space for your dog to be comfortable in and an outdoor space where the dog can exercise? Also, if you have children, ensure that they understand how to treat a dog and respect it. Check with whoever you get your dog from what it is like with children and with other pets if you have any, as it is not always a suitable mix!