First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘owning a dog’

It’s becoming more apparent that animal shelters are continually struggling to find homes for many unwanted canines in this country. Researching dog breeds prior to adopting one is extremely important; dog abandonment occurs all to often when the dog doesn’t meet that person’s expectations. When selecting the right dog for you, take into consideration several factors about your lifestyle and about the breed of dog you desire. Think about your own lifestyle. Are you active, or are you more of a couch potato? Where do dwell – do you rent an apartment in the city or own a large suburban home? Are there children in your life? Do you battle allergies on a regular basis? Do you need to set up indoor dog gates throughout your place? Do you find it tough to remember to shower in the morning, let alone groom a dog? If you are the kind of person that likes to be active and outdoors, a larger breed may be a good fit. Like spending time indoors?

It may be in your best interest to choose a dog that is happy and content to hang out on the couch with you. Some energetic breeds may become destructive when left indoors all day. Make sure you understand whether your schedule will accommodate your dog’s limitations. One of the saddest situations occurs when dog owners relinquish their pet to the pound due to the changing nature of their family. So take care of your dog and surprise him with goodies like Christmas dog collars. If your dog will be around children or elderly people frequently, you may want to consider finding a breed that is docile with a gentle temperament. If you suspect allergies will be an issue, investigate dog varieties with lesser shedding of hair and dander. Try to spend time around other’s pets before committing to your own as you may be able to determine the intensity of your reaction.

While you may like the distinctive appearance of certain coats, their grooming demands require constant attention. Neglected grooming can create a severely uncomfortable situation for man’s best friend. Be sure to not leave clothing on dogs for hours on end, even if they are wearing a cute dog Christmas sweater, because they are not good for their fur. Save yourself and your dog from future heartbreak by taking the time to better understand the time, energy, and care that a canine pet requires. Finding the right dog can be one of the greatest additions to your life and should not be taken lightly.

It’s not a bad idea to have a little understanding of what to expect, prior to delving into parenthood and bringing a “child” into your life; and I’m not speaking of reading baby books. That particular method simply doesn’t provide the hands-on experience that comes with being a parent, helping to ease some of the responsibilities. That’s why the best solution is to go to a shelter or rescue and adopt a dog or puppy!). Having man’s best friend by your side will teach you responsibilities such as feeding, cleaning, playing, grooming (with the right dog grooming brushes) and potty training.

Budgets will have to be made to include your pet, and care will need to be sought out and provided for long durations away from home. Those responsibilities come along with having children, and will allow you to see how much having a dog effects finances, and better determine whether you are financially prepared for a child or not. Your dog will depend on you the same way a child would, making you responsible for another’s well-being. They require attention on an on-going basis, just like an infant, and will make lots of noise and messes too. Places in your home might need to be “puppy-proofed”, much like one would “baby-proof” a home. When traveling, a dog car blanket should be used to catch excess dog hair.

Dogs are wonderful and loyal companions to have around, and will bring you plenty of love and joy. That’s why they have been come to be known as man’s best friend, always by your side when you need them, unlike any other pet you could own. On average, dogs typically live between 10-18 years, depending on the breed, are a great addition to any family. Most importantly, they will prepare you for when the time comes around to have little critters of your own. If you are thinking about adopting a dog or puppy and having a child soon, it would be of your best interest to adopt a low-key domestic breed; ideally a small dog for safety reasons.