Are You and Your Home Ready for a Dog?

Approximately 4.1 million shelter pets are adopted every year, and about half of these are dogs. If you are thinking of adding a new pup to your family, you may have many thoughts in your mind. These may include the costs and responsibilities that a pet dog supposes, providing your dog with all he needs, and helping your pet get over any fears or insecurities he may have. Below you will find a starter’s guide for turning your house into a home for a canine friend.

Are You Ready for a Dog? Financial Considerations

Only a few things are quite as fulfilling as adopting a dog in need of love and care, but before you take the plunge and commit to loving a pet for decades to come, ensuring that your timing is right is vital. A good place to start is by working out if you have the budget for a pet. Adopting a dog costs between $775 and $1,542 (these amounts cover adoption; startup supplies such as a dog bed, leash, food, and bowls); vaccinations, a spay or neuter, licensing, and a microchip. After this initial expense, you should budget $762 to $822 for annual costs (these amounts include food, vet care, preventive medical costs, toys, and miscellaneous supplies). Of course, costs can vary considerably depending on the size of your dog, the activities you choose for them, and the health needs they may have. It is also wise to factor pet insurance into the equation, as coverage can include vet costs, vaccines, and more. Some pet insurance companies offer monthly coverage for as little as $10 monthly.

Time Considerations

Being a responsible dog owner also involves having enough time to train your dog, spend time with her, and take her for two or more good walks a day. Dogs need to be physically and mentally stimulated to be happy. Of course, even if you have a busy workday, and you can only handle one walk a day, you can still make it happen provided a trusted friend, family member, or dog walking service takes charge of this activity. Dogs also love nature and spaces where they can run, jump, and socialize with other dogs. Indeed, ensuring your dog has enough time with other canines is key. Investing time in dog behavior classes and socialization will enable your dog to be relaxed and well-behaved when he comes across other dogs in public.

Designing a Dog-Friendly Space for Your New Pet

Many families consider their dogs to be just another part of the family, and pooches may have access to furniture like chairs and sofas. If so, it is important to select furniture in pet-resistant fabrics such as microfiber, cotton, and nylon. If your dog has well-trimmed nails, you can even opt for leather, which is very easy to remove hair from and is sturdier than it may seem. Fabrics to avoid, meanwhile, are linen and silk. Linen is a huge fur trap, while silk won’t last a week if dogs and cats jump on it regularly.

Giving Your Dog a Quiet Space 

When your dog first comes home, she may be a little fearful of the new surroundings and her new family members. Initially, it is a good idea to allow your dog a little quiet time and personal space near her crate or dog bed. If you have young family members, let them know that it is better to allow your dog to approach them, rather than vice-versa. If your dog is particularly fearful, try this little trick. Place a bowl between you and the dog and drop a treat in it, walking backwards to your starting position. Bring your starting position a little closer to the bowl every time you drop a new treat, until your pooch associates your proximity with positive experiences. 

Comfort is Key

Dogs love creature comforts as much as human beings do, so it is wise to purchase the right-sized dog bed. Your pooch should be able to comfortably make his way in and out of the bed, stretch and roll over without falling out. Depending on the age of your dogs, specific beds may be more suitable. For instance, dogs with osteoarthritis may benefit from a bed with memory and support foam layers. These provide joint relief. Opting for a bed with raised edges, meanwhile, is a good idea for dogs who tend to roll onto the floor. To keep the bed clean, choose a bed with a waterproof liner and two removable covers.

Toys for Dogs

There are many toys that will keep your dog active and improve her cardiovascular health. If you have a large garden, a ball shooting machine is ideal for pooches that can’t get enough of playing fetch. Kongs (which you can tuck treats into), food labyrinths and challenger sliders (which make your dog “work” for treats), and putty teething chew toys for puppies are all good choices. One new toy is a snuffle mat; it has thick, shaggy pieces of fabric your dog has to sniff through to find dry treats.

Adopting a shelter dog is one of the most rewarding decisions human beings can make. However, crunching numbers at the outset is essential, so that all your pet’s needs are met. You may also need to make a few small changes at home, including replacing fragile fabrics with sturdy ones that are easy to clean.

Credits

Guest Post by Jackie Edwards, email at: [email protected]