9 Things To Consider Before Getting A Puppy

 9 Things To Consider Before Getting A Puppy

Getting a puppy can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, but it's also very difficult. Your parents are probably nagging you to do some research before making this big commitment. Well, they are right! As cute as puppies are, they require a lot of attention and care.

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Getting a puppy is no joke - so if you really want one, here's what you should know first:

1) How much time will I spend with my new friend?

This question isn't just about how often you'll play with it; it's about how clean the house is going to be! Puppies need constant supervision, not only for potty training (which takes months) but also because it's normal behavior for dogs to chew on things. If you're not able to give your new furry friend the attention it deserves, you should reconsider getting a puppy so soon.

2) What is my family's lifestyle?

You've probably heard about people who love their dogs but can't even take them outside for walks because of work or other obligations. The dog ends up living in the backyard and oftentimes gets neglected. This is actually more common than you think! You need to take into account how your family's schedule will impact your pup's care before bringing him home.

3) Is my house big enough?

Not only do puppies require exercise, but they also have tiny bladders! For bigger breeds, this might mean several bathroom breaks throughout the day; for smaller breeds, it might only be a couple of times. If you live in an apartment and your yard is too small for a decent walk, getting a puppy probably isn't the best idea.

4) What kind of dog should I get?

There are so many puppies out there to choose from, but don't just pick one because he's the cutest. Do some research on different breeds and their temperaments; some dogs might not be the best fit for your family. For example, if you have kids, you'll want to get a breed that is known to be gentle and good with kids.

5) How much will this cost me?

This question isn't just about buying walmart fresh dog food and toys (although those can be expensive, too). Puppies require vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other medical procedures. You should also factor in the cost of obedience classes - which are highly recommended, especially for puppies.

6) Am I ready to commit?

Puppies are a lot of work; they need to be fed, walked, played with, groomed, and given plenty of attention. If you're not able to make a lifelong commitment to your new furry friend, you should think twice about getting a puppy.

7) What will I do when I go on vacation?

This is definitely something you'll need to consider before getting a pup! Unless you have a friend or family member who can take care of him while you're away, you'll probably have to leave your dog at a kennel. This can be very expensive - not to mention stressful for your pup.

8) Is my lifestyle compatible with owning a dog?

Pets require a lot of work and responsibility; if you're not able to handle those things, you should reconsider getting a pet. Owning a dog is a big commitment that should not be taken lightly.

9) What if I can't keep the dog anymore?

This is something you need to think about before getting a puppy. Puppies are hard to find homes for, and most animal shelters are overflowing with dogs. If you're not able to keep your new furry friend for whatever reason, please find him a good home. It is much more difficult to find another owner than you think!

Safety Measures While Keeping Your Pooch Active In Winter

Keeping active in winter is tricky for everyone. For new pet owners, however, keeping their dogs active and fit during the cold season can feel like an impossible challenge if you lack experience. Indeed, despite their natural coat, dogs can feel the cold too. If you’re planning on enjoying the great outdoors, you need to make sure that you can play safely with your dog during wintertime without putting your pet at risk of hypothermia or other cold-related issues. 

What are the precautions you need to take to keep your dog healthy? 

You need to understand that there is a variety of different cold weathers and a variety of dogs, all different in size, coat, strength, and health. Your role as an owner is to find the right balance to keep your pooch active in winter.

Should your let your pooch play in the snow?

Your dog needs exercise no matter what

First of all, dogs need to stay exercised to maintain both their mood and their health. Thankfully, your dog’s needs are simple so that going for a walk can act as an exciting exercise for your pet. 

Regardless of the season, you should walk your dog at least twice a day, morning and evening. You can alternate routes and pace to entertain your dog and keep the walk enjoyable. Ultimately, even if you can’t do anything else in winter, going for a walk can be plenty of fun and exercise even in winter.

Be mindful of rain and deep puddles

However, the winter weather can force you to consider safer and more accessible paths to avoid puddles and cold water. Indeed, your dog can suffer from hypothermia if they jump in freezing water. 

You want to make sure that you keep young and excited pooches on a tight leash in winter to stop them from jumping into cold lakes and rivers during your daily walks. It’s a good idea to invest in a waterproof leash to maintain your grip even under the rain! If your dog jumps and swims into the water despite your best efforts, always try to dry her coat as soon as possible.

Protect your pooch

While some dogs have a thick coat such as Siberian Huskies, others tend to have a thin coat and suffer more in the cold, such as Greyhounds. Dogs who are used to cold temperatures and have double-layered coats handle the winter weather much better than others. You can help your dog make the most of your daily walks by investing in a pet-jacket or coat to protect her. You can also prep the paws using balms and sticking to proper grooming techniques. Cleanse your dog’s paws after a walk to remove all the toxic salt and de-icer. You can also use little boots to keep her feet healthy.

Should you adjust the diet?

Last, but not least, there’s no denying that body fat is designed to keep us warm. That being said, it doesn’t mean you can allow your pooch to put on weight in winter. However, you can focus on a vitamin-rich and nutritious diet that provides all the elements your dog needs to maintain her weight during the cold months. Be careful not to overfeed her!

Keeping your dog active in winter is not about the amount of exercise you prepare for her, but how you ensure that the outdoors time remains safe and healthy. From keeping your dog away from cold bodies of water to protecting her paws, beware of the risks of winter!