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’t live without him, there are a few things to consider.
Local veterinarian and WTOP 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’s not the pet’s fault.
“It’s a mismatch of personalities between the family, or the individual, and the pet,” Nelson explains.
When figuring out what type of dog you want, Nelson says, the dog’s personality should be a key factor in your decision.
“If you’re a very active family and you’ve got a couch-potato dog, that might not be the best match,” she says. “If you’re a chill, literary family that likes to read in the mornings and you’ve got a hyper Jack Russell terrier, that’s probably not going to be a very good match.”
Many websites and animal shelters offer “matchup” 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.
“They’re like little kids, and you need to realize that,” Nelson says. “And if you don’t have the time to give them the attention that they need … they’re going to make themselves really busy, whether you do or not.”
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’t all. Dogs need quality time, too, whether that’s time spent playing fetch or snuggling on the couch.
“These are living, breathing, soulful individuals … 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,” 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.
“If you have a 100-pound, rambunctious, goofy dog and you’ve got two little bitty kids that are going to get run over, that might not be the right match at this time,” she says.
4: It’s 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.
“This is not just a matter of paying the adoption fee and you’re all set — and we’re not even talking about the heartworm prevention and the preventative care that you’re going to do every year. You need to make sure that you are prepared in case of an emergency, as well,” 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’re cute. But if you’re going to welcome a puppy into your family, make sure you know what you’re getting into.
“Because it’s like potty training a little kid — it’s going to take some time; it’s going to take a lot of consistency and dedication,” 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’s Worth Every Second, Every Penny
It’s important to be realistic before adopting a dog, and to think through everything that’s needed. But don’t let a little extra time and a little hard work deter you — Nelson says it’s worth it.
“They 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.”
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