Who Should Adopt?
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While adopting adopt comes with many benefits, you must be sure that it is an undertaking you are prepared for. The requirements for caring for a dog vary at different stages in their life. For example, a puppy requires immense socialization and training, while a senior dog requires expert medical attention and sometimes even a special diet. It is important to consider all of the specifications and obligations associated with adopting and the adoption process before you make your final decision to determine if adopting a dog is right for you.
Exercise, Socialization
and Environment
Both exercise and socialization are imperative to your dog's well-being physically and mentally. Puppies are extremely curious and can even become a burden if they are not given adequate activity or mental stimulation. Older dogs generally require less rigorous exercise. However, exercise, even if just a walk around the block or indoor play, is necessary to prevent the onset of common medical conditions such as arthritis and muscle weakness, especially in dogs. Walking, for example, is a great way to exercise a senior dog. In regards to your environment, it's important to consider the following questions: What kind of environment do I live in? Do I live in an apartment where space may not be abundant? Do I have access to a lawn or green space nearby? How many hours each day am I willing to put into exercising or training my dog? Do I have other pets or children in the household? In addition to the considerations above, determine how the conditions of your living space may impact your new dog.
Supplies
When it comes to adopting a pet, preparedness is key. Food, toys, leashes, collars, crates, carriers, litter boxes, and bedding are some examples of important supplies to have upon adopting a pet. Each dog has its own dietary needs. Some may need a grain-free diet, while others benefit the most from a raw diet. Whatever the needs of your pet, it is important to consider the right diet in order for your dog to stay healthy. Also, you should understand the costs associated with this specific diet. From tennis balls to treat-filled kongs, all pets enjoy toys, as well. Toys are important to ensure your dog is mentally and physically stimulated daily. In addition, toys are especially important to keep your pet busy while you are not home. A necessity for dogs is having a leash, of course. Leashes allow for enjoyable and safe daily walks. Collars are imperative, too, as they carry informative tags that list your pet's vaccines, home address, and name, in the event that they are lost. Crates are useful during the housebreaking process, as you can keep your puppy in a crate while you are not home to ensure they will not urinate or defecate indoors. In addition, many dogs enjoy having a comfy crate to serve as a "safe place", especially during stressful situations, such as a thunderstorm. Along that line, bedding is important to ensure maximum comfort for your pet at home. Carriers are imperative for smaller dogs who will be travelling often by train, ship, plane, and even by car.
Visits to the Vet
Visits to the vet, simply put, can be very costly. Nonetheless, annual checkups, at the least, are imperative in order to ensure your pet's well being. The typical average cost for a basic annual checkup costs anywhere from $45-$55. Vaccine boosters, however, can range from $18-$25, heartworm tests from $45-$50, and fecal tests from $25-$45. In addition, dental cleanings, which usually take place biannually, can range from $70-$400, and geriatric screening for pets seven years and older typically costs $85-$110. Also, it is important to consider the cost of neutering or spaying your puppy, which, on average, costs $50-$500, although the cost depends on where you live, the size of your dog, and which animal hospital you choose. Ultimately, it is important to consider your financial situation, and whether or not you have to means of providing all the necessary medical attention your pet may need.
Travel and Mobility
When adopting a shelter animal, it is also important to consider your travel habits. Are you home most of the day or do you travel often for leisure or work? While it may seem insignificant, considering your travel and mobility is extremely important when determining the type of animal you want, and what stage in life this animal is at. In addition, you must consider whether or not your pet would regularly travel with you, or if it would need to stay at a friend's or family member's house, or a reputable kennel or animal hospital. If your pet would be traveling with you, consider the equipment you might need, such as a carrier, a harness, portable food, and water bowls, etc. In addition, you must ensure that each hotel or location you are staying at allows pets. f your pet would not be traveling with you, you should be cognizant of the costs associated with boarding an animal at a specialized facility.
Grooming
Although usually overlooked when adopting a pet, grooming is an extremely important aspect of your pet's wellbeing and health. However, different breeds of dogs and cats have different grooming requirements. Dogs, whether they have a double coat, single coat, wire-haired coat, or are hairless, all require regular grooming. Hairless dogs benefit from the occasional bath. Dogs with single coats usually need weekly brushing to control shedding if they have fur, and a monthly haircut if they have hair. Dogs with wire-haired coats also require hair cuts once in a while, and monthly baths. Nonetheless, dogs with double coats require the most grooming. Dogs with double coats benefit from a professional undercoat removal every three months in order to allow their coat and skin to properly breath. In addition, dogs with double coats usually need monthly baths and brushings in order to avoid matting. It is also important to occasionally brush your dog's teeth in order to avoid tartar and plaque buildup, as well as to prevent the development of dental disease.