Key questions to ask before getting a dog

Dog ownership is a serious commitment as they will play a significant role in your life. There are numerous reasons to welcome a dog into your life—and endless rewards—but it is a two-way relationship. We’re here to help you get it right.

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How to be a responsible dog owner?

To ensure the health and happiness of pets, it is necessary to provide them with continuous nutritious food and clean water, create a comfortable living environment, and attach importance to the medical care process, including good medical services, regular veterinary examinations, and strict adherence to medication and feeding schedules; It is also necessary to create a suitable cultivation environment and invest sufficient time and attention.

What to consider before getting a dog?

The benefits of having a dog are endless. However, there are several things to consider before getting a dog

Are you available?

A puppy or dog requires time and attention. From daily walks to training sessions, grooming, and vet check-ups. Leaving them alone for extended periods is not advisable and can lead to emotional distress and behavior changes.

Are you available?

A puppy or dog requires time and attention. From daily walks to training sessions, grooming, and vet check-ups. Leaving them alone for extended periods is not advisable and can lead to emotional distress and behavior changes.

Are you available?

A puppy or dog requires time and attention. From daily walks to training sessions, grooming, and vet check-ups. Leaving them alone for extended periods is not advisable and can lead to emotional distress and behavior changes.

 Are you patient?

Bringing a puppy or dog into your life is a significant adjustment. Patience will benefit both you and your canine companion during critical development stages.
Make sure you’re getting a dog for the right reasons. It will require hard work, but the rewards are plentiful.

The benefits of having a dog

Lower stress levels

Time spent with dogs can lead to increases in oxytocin (hormone for happiness) and lower cortisol levels (stress hormone).

Better health

Like indoor plants, there are many outdoor plants that are toxic to dogs. They include hemlock, holly, mistletoe, rhododendron, narcissus, hyacinth, iris, rhododendron, rhododendron grass, heather, cherry grass, and sweet peas. If there are toxic plants in your yard, you need to observe your little dog and make sure they stay away from them.

Companionship

Like indoor plants, there are many outdoor plants that are toxic to dogs. They include hemlock, holly, mistletoe, rhododendron, narcissus, hyacinth, iris, rhododendron, rhododendron grass, heather, cherry grass, and sweet peas. If there are toxic plants in your yard, you need to observe your little dog and make sure they stay away from them.

Improves social interaction

Like indoor plants, there are many outdoor plants that are toxic to dogs. They include hemlock, holly, mistletoe, rhododendron, narcissus, hyacinth, iris, rhododendron, rhododendron grass, heather, cherry grass, and sweet peas. If there are toxic plants in your yard, you need to observe your little dog and make sure they stay away from them.

Which type of dog should you get?

Choosing the right dog is a big decision. If you’re fortunate, your dog will live a long life, so your future dog must fit well with your lifestyle. When selecting a dog, there are many factors to consider

What size of dog is suitable for your living space and circumstances?

When your puppy should switch from puppy food to adult food depends on their breed and size, and these foods are divided into five categories. Toy dogs like Chihuahua will reach adult weight (approximately 20 times birth weight) at around 8 months of age. Meanwhile, the Great Dane, classified as a “giant” breed, will reach adulthood between 18 and 24 months, but by then will have grown to 100 times its birth weight!

Aging

Where can I get a dog from?

Even if you know what breed you want, as a first-time dog owner, questions still linger. Will you adopt or buy from a breeder? Whichever you choose, responsible dog ownership means acquiring them in a safe and ethical manner.

How to adopt a puppy or dog

From an animal shelter

If you decide to rehome an abandoned dog or puppy, your local animal shelter is on hand to guide you. Share as much information as you can, to help them match you to the right dog.

From friends or neighbors

Before taking your newest family member home with you, check that they have been properly weaned and that their mother is in good health. Then, schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible, for essential medical tests and vaccinations.

How to buy a puppy or dog

From a breeder

Honest breeders will always prioritise the well-being of puppies and their parents. Pay them a visit to ensure that they provide safe and comfortable living conditions. Responsible breeders should provide medical certificates or health screen tests.

From the pet shop

If you’re buying from a pet shop, be sure to check where they get their puppies from. You should be able to access the proper documentation, such as proof of genetic testing, like with a breeder.

Aging

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