Pet insurance is an affordable way to ensure that funds
will be available in case of an emergency. An alternative
to insurance is making monthly deposits to a savings account. By
withdrawing money only when absolutely necessary, you can
be sure that your dog will get the health care it needs.
Time
Like children, dogs require a lifetime commitment. Time
is required for daily walks, socializing, and grooming activities
such as tooth brushing. Puppies have much more energy
than older dogs and need ample time for playing and training. A
dog is therefore not suitable for someone who spends little
time at home.
Often a dog walker can help share the burden if you will
be spending a large amount of time away from home. Although
most are professionals, be sure to check references to ensure
that the person you are hiring is responsible. Dogs
can be a handful at times and should have a trained handler
when out on walks.
Home Life
It is extremely important to evaluate your living situation
before making a commitment to own a dog. For example,
if you live in an apartment building, a loud barker may
be out of the question. If you are renting, you may
want to consult with your landlord before acquiring a pooch,
in case there are any strong objections.
Caution must always be taken with pets if there are children
in the house. Even the most laid-back and docile dog
can be unpredictable if provoked or frightened, and some
dogs may even react instinctively aggressively towards a
high-pitched squeal. It is absolutely necessary that
any interaction between a dog and a child to be supervised
at all times, no matter how “friendly” the dog.
Always consider how a new dog can impact the life of existing
household pets. For example, a dog with strong prey-instinct
would not be good with small pocket pets such as ferrets
and rabbits. It is a good idea to test your new dog
with your existing pets before making a commitment to the
dog.
If a household member is immunosuppressed (e.g. children,
pregnant women, those on immunosuppressive drugs), a consultation
with your veterinarian in recommended to ensure that the
risk of disease transmission from your dog is minimal.
One of the most common reasons for giving up a pet is allergies. Be
sure that those in close contact with your dog are not allergic,
or at the very least understand the situation and have a
plan to deal with it.
Future Plans and Vacations
As mentioned before, a dog is a lifetime commitment. Dogs
can be expected to live for at least 10-12 years, but this
can vary greatly depending on the breed. Where will
you be 10 years from now? Will your lifestyle still
allow time for your dog?
Another area of consideration is where your
dog will go when you are on vacation. It is often not
an easy task to leave home for an extended period of time. Can
you take your dog with you, or do you have a friend or family
member who is willing to dog-sit? Boarding facilities
are always an option, though finding one that your dog will
like can be difficult. Look for a kennel that is professionally
staffed and comes recommended. Full vaccinations,
including kennel cough, is required before boarding your
dog, so plan ahead for a veterinary visit.
Purchasing your dog
Once you have decided that a dog will fit in well to your
life, there are many careful decisions to be made. Do
you have the time and patience for a puppy? Or are
you looking for an older, more mature dog? Puppies
are of course cute, but remember that they have unlimited
energy and may require lots of training.
Do you have room for a large dog? Or is a small lap
dog what you are looking for? Large dogs generally
are more expensive, due to the fact that they eat more and
require more medication as doses are based on body weight. They
often need a larger area for exercise and require longer
walks. Small dogs that are carried around still need
regular exercise to stay in shape.
If you are looking for the purebred variety,
be sure to research the breed of dog before purchasing. Pay
particular attention to behaviour traits, maintenance level,
and pre-dispositions to disease. For example, most
Golden Retrievers are great family dogs but are also prone
to developing cancer. Their
long hair may also be an issue for those who like their home
spotless. Your veterinarian is your best source of
advice, especially when it comes to health issues, so be
sure to consult him or her before purchasing.
After all things have been considered, it is time to select
your dog. Many people often look first to the local
pet store, and this has often been the subject of furious
debate. It is not a secret that some dogs that end
up in pet stores are from puppy mills. Many spur-of-the-moment
purchases are made because a puppy looked “so sad” or “ill” in
the display window and a kind-hearted soul wanted to “save” the
puppy. It should be kept in mind, however, that if
the pet store was not providing adequate living quarters,
mental stimulation, and health care for that puppy, it is
likely not going to change for the next batch of arrivals. If
you do decide to purchase a dog from a pet store, ensure
that you are provided with a health guarantee of one week
at the very least (30 days would be ideal). Have your
new pet taken to the vet for a full physical immediately
to check for any signs of ill health. A health guarantee
from the store is important because some of the most devastating
diseases, such as Canine Parvovirus, have an incubation period
of 5-7 days before the onset of symptoms.
Breeders are often deemed more reputable,
but you should still choose wisely. Although there are
many good breeders, there are plenty of bad ones too. Ask
friends or your veterinarian for recommendations. When
visiting the litter of puppies, ask about the parents’ health
in an attempt to foresee any potential problems.
Finally, the humane society as well as rescues
and shelters are often a goldmine of canine companions. At
any given time there are many wonderful dogs looking for
permanent homes. Usually
these dogs come spayed or neutered, and the staff will be
able to tell you quite a bit about the dog’s personality. Shelters
are a great opportunity to get to know and spend some time
with the dog you want before purchasing. There are also many
breed specific rescues in the U.S. and Canada where you can
adopt the breed of your choice.
No matter which dog ultimately goes home with you, remember
that each is an individual with his or her own unique personality. Each
may require a slightly different method of training or socializing,
but all require a lifetime of unconditional love.
By Beverly Wong - Pets.ca writer |
