Tips to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
Let me take you through this exciting journey of decision making.
Budget: Can you financially afford a dog?
It usually varies depending on the dog age, breed, weight, health condition, and many other factors. Below, I am breaking it down to basic items to think about, during your decision-making process.
- Food / Treats can cost you around $100 per month; whether you cook, buy dry or wet food or subscribe to a human grade pet food delivery service.
- Vet visits might be up to twice a year. Each visit can cost $65; emergencies are a possibility and that would increase your budget by 1x times.
- Vaccines are normally taken once a year, costing an estimate of $67. In addition, the Rabies vaccine every every years, costing $30.
- Pet insurance is optional, but in the long term, can be helpful to cover some health issues that are usually expensive. The cost can vary between $27-$35; depending on age and breed.
Essentials to have including a leash for walking, clothing for different weather conditions, food and water bowls, and wee pads. All later items can be a one time purchase for long term usage, costing you $70.
To conclude, you will need an estimate of $1,800 annually. Put into consideration that this figure is only an estimate; it can be more or less depending on many factors.
Mental and Physical Readiness
A dog will require some mental and emotional readiness; especially the first period of time when you get the dog for the first time at your house. As well as, be prepared physically for some activity throughout the day.
- Building trust is a challenging phase. You will need to have the patience to build trust between you and your dog. It can a long period of time, especially for shelter dogs due to their previous experience with their previous owners.
- Potty training can take from three weeks to a month; constantly cleaning after the dog's mess in the house, and taking him to the right spot to do his potty.
- Dog walking is important at least once or twice daily; it can be short walks of 15 minutes or long walks for 45 minutes. walking is essential for their well being; their mobility, energy release, connecting with the surroundings of your house.
- Dog feeding is usually twice daily. Trial and error in food can take time until you find the right food for your dog; suiting his health and appetite.
- Health emergencies have no time or date; which means your schedule will be disrupted when your dog doesn't feel well. This means it is time to go to the vet or hospital depending on the severity of the dog condition.
- Aging is a normal process of a dog life; like humans, when dogs get older, their health can be prone to deterioration. This will affect your budget, mental, and emotional readiness for this phase.
- In conclusion, if you feel you are overwhelmed with all the above points, and it is too much to handle. Then it is time to take a step back and reconsider your priorities, before making any decisions.
If you feel all the above is manageable, and you are ready for this adventure. Then welcome to the first step of enjoying bundles of unconditional love, and daily wagging tail with wet nose kisses.
I would like to share a quote with you to think about, during your decision-making process:
When we adopt a dog or any pet, we know it is going to end with us having to say goodbye, but we still do it. And we do it for a very good reason: They bring so much joy and optimism and happiness. They attack every moment of every day with that attitude. —W. Bruce Cameron
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About the Creator
Dira Silvera
Animal advocate with passion for their well being and happiness as long as they breathe on this planet. Adventurous person we love for travel and exploring new places. And finally a beach lover with desire to retire in the Caribbean :)
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