Give These Points Some Thought Before You Bring A Puppy Home

It’s hard to resist a child’s pleas for a puppy. And even harder to resist the big, sad eyes, glimmer of a pout and what looks like tears – and that’s just the puppy! Soft and furry, there’s nothing like a bundle of fluff cuddling up to you on a cold winter’s night.

Dogs are a baby and a best friend rolled into one. So it’s easy to forget that all pets are living beings. The responsibility and cost of caring for them can come as a big surprise. Give these points some thought before you bring a puppy home.

Are You Ready for the Responsibility?

Common pets, like dogs and cats, rely on their owners for love and attention in much the same way as a new born baby does. They need to be walked, fed, and loved. If dogs are left alone in the house for a long period of time, they can become agitated. This can result in constant barking that annoys the neighbors, or worse. In some, the anxiety is so severe that they can take out their aggressions on your personal belongings. It is not unheard of for shoes, pillows, or large furniture pieces to be ruined by a distraught dog.

Dogs Are a Big Expense for Their Owners

Dogs can cost your family thousands of dollars a year in added expenses. This money may be needed for your own survival. Here are some of the things to think about before setting up a corner for Rover.

The first bill you’ll pay will be for the dog itself. Depending on where you buy the dog, this can amount to hundreds of dollars. You will then need to buy a selection of accessories such as a leash, a cage, feeding bowls, chew toys, shampoos, and brushes just to name a few. Some of these are one-time expenses. For example, you don’t have to buy a new leash every week. Grooming products like shampoo will need to be replaced, but your biggest expense will be food. Depending on your choice of dog food, the bill can add up to several hundred dollars a year. Of course, if you want your dog to have gourmet food you can get it, but other than impressing your friends, it will only cost you more.

Then there is medical care. Unlike the rest of us, our pets are not covered by health insurance. Therefore any time they get sick, need a vaccination, or if they develop a much more serious illness, that expense will come out of your pocket.

Before you take on the responsibility of owning a dog or cat, make sure you are willing to give the pet the loving care it will need. A dog will bring a lot of joy into your home, but a lot of time, work and money will be needed as well.

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