WASHINGTON — Few things in life are cuter than a dog, but before you fall head over heels for a four-legged furball and decide you can鈥檛 live without him, there are a few things to consider.
Local veterinarian and 蜜桃视频app contributor Dr. Katy Nelson outlines six things all potential pet parents should know before getting a dog:
1: Personality Matters
One of the main reasons pets end up in shelters is behavioral issues, Nelson says. But a lot of the time, it鈥檚 not the pet鈥檚 fault.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a mismatch of personalities between the family, or the individual, and the pet,鈥� Nelson explains.
When figuring out what type of dog you want, Nelson says, the dog鈥檚 personality should be a key factor in your decision.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e a very active family and you鈥檝e got a couch-potato dog, that might not be the best match,鈥� she says. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e a chill, literary family that likes to read in the mornings and you鈥檝e got a hyper Jack Russell terrier, that鈥檚 probably not going to be a very good match.鈥�
Many websites and animal shelters offer 鈥渕atchup鈥� tests to help potential owners find a dog that will fit in their home environment.
2: Make Sure You Have Time
Once you bring your dog home, the real work begins. Most dogs — especially puppies — are a lot of work and require a lot of time.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e like little kids, and you need to realize that,鈥� Nelson says. 鈥淎nd if you don鈥檛 have the time to give them the attention that they need 鈥� they鈥檙e going to make themselves really busy, whether you do or not.鈥�
Nelson says pet owners should expect to have to let their dog out at some point during the day. If your job doesn’t give you midday flexibility, hire someone who can care for your pet, such as a dog walker or a doggy daycare.
Setting aside time for walks and bathroom breaks isn鈥檛 all. Dogs need quality time, too, whether that鈥檚 time spent playing fetch or snuggling on the couch.
鈥淭hese are living, breathing, soulful individuals 鈥� so you do need to be able to commit some time to them, to give them the attention they need. They deserve it, and you deserve it,鈥� Nelson says.
3: Consider the Kids
Nelson says you also need to make sure all members of the family get along with the new dog — especially little kids. Before bringing your new dog home, set up a visit so the dog and the children in your home can meet. Make sure they get along, and, Nelson says, make sure your kids can handle being around the pet.
鈥淚f you have a 100-pound, rambunctious, goofy dog and you鈥檝e got two little bitty kids that are going to get run over, that might not be the right match at this time,鈥� she says.
4: It鈥檚 Going to Cost You
When it comes to costs associated with pet ownership, Nelson says to be realistic about everyday expenses, and expect infrequent expenses as well.
鈥淭his is not just a matter of paying the adoption fee and you鈥檙e all set — and we鈥檙e not even talking about the heartworm prevention and the preventative care that you鈥檙e going to do every year. You need to make sure that you are prepared in case of an emergency, as well,鈥� she says.
Many pet owners opt for pet insurance to help cover the costs of routine and emergency vet visits. Costs for food, grooming, dog walkers and boarding for out-of-town travels should also be expected. And if you adopt a chewer, plan for some unexpected expenses, such as new furniture and rugs.
5: Want a Puppy?
Sure, they鈥檙e cute. But if you鈥檙e going to welcome a puppy into your family, make sure you know what you鈥檙e getting into.
鈥淏ecause it鈥檚 like potty training a little kid — it鈥檚 going to take some time; it鈥檚 going to take a lot of consistency and dedication,鈥� Nelson says.
Setting aside time to do obedience training is another factor to consider. If you adopt a pet, many shelters offer training on-site.
6: It鈥檚 Worth Every Second, Every Penny 聽
It鈥檚 important to be realistic before adopting a dog, and to think through everything that鈥檚 needed. But don鈥檛 let a little extra time and a little hard work deter you — Nelson says it鈥檚 worth it.
鈥淭hey do become such a part of your family, and such a huge part of your heart. For me, a house without a pet is not a home.鈥�
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