What to Consider When Looking for a Dog

What to Consider When Looking for a Dog

Owning a dog is not as simple as some people think. There are many things that owners need to consider before adopting or purchasing a dog. Once a dog becomes a part of the family, there is a huge commitment that cannot be ignored. In some ways, they need even more attention than a child, because they don’t gain independence at the level that humans do when they grow older and mature. Most people think of the basic needs and stop there without taking further consideration of how a dog might impact their lives. Here are a few important things to consider when looking for a dog.

Determine the right breed

 

Not all dogs are created equal. It is very important for potential dog owners to assess their specific, unique situations and determine the best breed to bring into their homes. Some dogs need ample space to move around without destroying things in the home. Others may need more exercise and access to the outdoors. There are even some dog breeds that are more trainable and independent than others. In essence, there are some dogs that are able to live great lives cooped up in apartments all day and others that absolutely need space. A dog owner’s living space may very well be vital to determining which dog breed is best for the situation.

Time commitment

 

Owning and caring for a dog is a huge time commitment. They need attention multiple times during the day, from feeding to exercising and cuddling to nurturing. People with time-consuming jobs and busy lives really should consider staying away from raising canines and other pets. At times, dogs may even pull owners away from their jobs, especially if they get sick and need medical attention during the day.
There are options for those who work long hours, but they are not exactly ideal. Often times, people will hire dog-sitters and dog walkers to help them with exercise and care for their pooches. Unfortunately, the relationship that the dog has is then made with the dog-sitter or walker.

Financial commitment

 

Caring for dogs costs money. They are an integral part of families, deserving all the care they can get. Owning dogs, as pets, are huge financial commitments, as they need to be fed, cared for in terms of their health, and entertained. All three of these elements cost money. When dogs age and their health declines, care can be extremely costly. Just like other members of the family, dogs also need annual health check-ups to make sure they are not developing diseases that may shorten their lives or make them uncomfortable.

Family health

 

Dogs are wonderful pets if no family members are allergic to them. If people in the house are allergic to dog dander, then the type of dog to welcome into the family will have to be hypoallergenic. There are a variety of dog breeds that fit the mold and are wonderful to have in an allergen-free home. In order for everyone in the family to enjoy their new pet, it is important to consider the wellbeing and health of all members.

Preparations

 

When people are ready to bring pets into their homes, there are some preliminary basics that need to get set up ahead of time. These preparations are important to consider so that the home and other family members are ready for the new addition. Potential owners need to make sure they are ready with a leash, collar, food and water bowls, crate (if necessary), sleeping area, and various toys for the dog to chew. If toys are not provided for dogs, they will find other things to chew on, such as shoes, couches, and curtains.

Primary Caregiver

When a dog enters a home, there needs to be a primary caregiver assigned to prevent future chaos and neglect. Different people in the family need to take on different roles to make sure everything gets done. If roles are left up to chance, the dog may end up not getting what it needs to survive and live a good, healthy life. It is always best to determine the primary caregiver and everyone else serves the secondary roles. This will make everything run more smoothly when the dog needs care.

Family lifestyle

Owning a pet can seem like a lot of fun, but in reality, it can also be restrictive. Traveling families who like to explore the world may have to consider how much time they are actually home and able to care for a dog. Those who like to be spontaneous may also find it a little restrictive if they have a dog at home. Some dogs travel well and can participate on long trips. Most, however, do not do well on long road trips. Considering the family’s lifestyle is crucial before bringing the dog into the home.

Finding a veterinarian

 

Before bringing a dog into the family, it is important to shop around and find a reputable veterinarian. Visits to the vet are hard enough as it is for dogs. If they don’t have a vet who is caring, gentle, and knowledgeable, it can really be miserable for the dog. Although there are many options found on the Internet, the best way to find a reputable vet is to talk to current and former dog owners and get recommendations and referrals.

Dog-Proofing

Just as parents have to childproof their homes when their children become mobile infants, dog owners need to implement dog-proofing measures. In addition to hiding things the dog may chew up, owners need to make sure there is no access to toxic chemicals. Toxins can be found in plants, bags, and cleaners that the dog may come across as they explore around the house.

Dog’s age

Some people want to raise puppies and go through all the training themselves. Others are determined to rescue older dogs that have been through neglect and abuse. Before heading out to find a dog, a decision needs to be made whether the new addition to the family will be young or old. Dogs have different needs depending on their ages, so it is important for potential owners to consider the pros and cons of raising them from pups, as well as the advantages and disadvantages to rescuing an older canine.
Adding a dog to the family is not a matter to be considered lightly. Dogs deserve to have the best owners who will dote on them and love them to death. The time, energy, and money it takes to raise and care for a dog are critical to consider before making a lifetime commitment to bringing a dog into the home. So, are you ready to have a dog?

Pet Ownership Positively Affects Your Kids in More Ways Than One

Pet Ownership Positively Affects Your Kids in More Ways Than One

Pet Ownership Positively Affects Your Kids in More Ways Than One

Caring for a pet really is a childhood rite of passage. The excitement of nurturing another being — which quickly becomes a best friend — is incomparable to anything else. The experience creates lifelong memories, and we always remember our first pet.Experts say a child's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development can all be encouraged by interaction with the family pet.

Having a pet helps kids improve their motor skills and also just increases overall activity.
In fact, a 2010 study showed that kids in England who had a dog exercised on average 11 minutes more a day than other children who didn't have a dog. Doesn't sound like a whole lot, but a little bit of exercise every day can be seriously beneficial to children.

You know how the saying goes: "Dog is man's best friend" — which is true. But pets can actually help people make new human friends too.
For children especially, pets can be a wonderful catalyst for socializing. Children are more prone to approach and interact with another child who is playing with an animal, so a pet can be the bridge between a less socially outgoing child and other potential playmates.
“Pet ownership appears to be a significant factor for facilitating social interaction and friendship formation within neighborhoods,” Dr. Lisa Wood, associate professor at the University of Western Australia, wrote in her recent study via Harvard Health Publications. “For pet owners, this also translates into new sources of social support, both of a practical and emotionally supportive nature.”
And kittens and puppies aren't the only pets that can help kids make friends, Wood's study showed that other kinds of pets, including rabbits and snakes, can also be catalysts for making friends and finding social support.

Emotional

According to the Pet Health Council, kids who have pets have higher self-esteem.
"Children with low-self esteem may talk to, or confide in, an animal in ways they would not with people," the PHC reports. "They are often more confident in performing tasks they find difficult with an animal simply because the animal does not care if mistakes are made, nor will the child be afraid of looking silly in front of the animal."
Makes sense, right? A pet is basically a source of unconditional love who provides support but never judges.
Moreover, kids with pets tend to be more capable of showing empathy to other people because they learn how to nurture their animal.

Cognitive

Can having a dog actually make a child excel in school? According to a 2011 study, yes.
The study done on second-graders showed that the ones who read aloud to a dog actually made bigger strides in their reading ability than their peers who read out loud to an adult — possibly due to the dog's ability to help reduce a child's stress and the fact that a dog provides nonjudgmental support.
Having a pet might also encourage a child to learn more about animals in general and in turn foster an appreciation for research and science.


Adopting a pet is a huge commitment and shouldn't be taken lightly, but it might be the best thing you could ever do for your kids' childhood experience.

Common Things That Make Veterinarians Crazy

Being a doctor is tough, especially when your patients can’t clearly explain their symptoms. Between tight appointment windows, unruly animals, and having to diagnose ailments in multiple species, the life of a veterinarian can be very stressful.
Before arriving for your next appointment, help your vet to help your pet by avoiding these common mistakes that drive veterinarians crazy.

 Unruly Pets

A rambunctious pet can slow down your veterinary visit and eat up valuable time. With lots of animals to see, wrangling a stressed out pet is the last thing your vet wants to deal with. To prepare your animal for a lifetime of smooth appointments, consider dropping by your veterinarian’s office for a few friendly, no-pressure visits.

“Try bringing your pet in strictly for social visits,” recommends Dr. Jessica Downing, general practitioner and emergency veterinarian at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital in Valley Cottage, New York. “Make the visit a positive experience by offering lots of treats, visiting with the front desk staff for hugs and kisses, and practicing placing your puppy or kitten on and off the exam table. It’ll make the experience more familiar and less stressful.”

Unprepared Pet Owners

It’s best practice to come prepared with your pet’s medical history and most up-to-date information. Waiting until the last minute and assuming all information is readily available in your veterinarian’s medical records is time consuming, especially if your pet has been seen at more than one veterinary practice. What may seem like a no-brainer can very well save your vet from a headache.
“Gathering all the necessary information from various sources can really take away from their appointment,” advises Crystal Morrin, ophthalmology technician at the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. “Even something like illegible handwriting in your pet’s records can slow things up, so it’s important to come prepared with as much knowledge about [your pet] as possible.”
Downing agrees that having a firm knowledge of your pet’s medical history is very helpful and appreciated. “Any information regarding previous vaccinations, medications, and surgeries is helpful,” she says. “This way, the veterinary staff will know what your pet may require in terms of vaccinations, lab tests, and medications during the office visit, which could speed things up.”

Absentee Pet Parents

Nobody knows your pet better than you, and making yourself available to answer questions about your pet ensures a smooth visit. If you’re the primary owner, try to be the one to take your pet to the vet. If a friend or family member must, make sure they’re knowledgeable about your pet and what symptoms they may be experiencing.

“Important details, such as what type of food your pet eats, changes in your pet’s behavior, or what the pet may have been exposed to can best be answered by the person who spends the most time with your pet,” says Downing. “You’re the person who feeds them every day, plays with them, and tends to their daily needs, so odds are you know the most about their day to day life.”

Procrastinating the Visit

If something seems wrong with your pet, it’s best to make an appointment as soon as possible. Putting off a visit could result in worsening symptoms that could potentially become more difficult to treat. And don’t try to cram preventive care and addressing health problems into a single vet visit.

“To address your pet’s medical concerns more thoroughly and effectively, we recommend not waiting for your pet’s yearly visit to discuss their health concerns with your veterinarian,” says Downing. “It’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with the health of your pet.”

Not Reading Discharge Instructions

If your pet is leaving with a new medication or follow up appointment, be sure to carefully read your discharge instructions before you exit. If there’s something you’re not clear on, speak up and don’t be afraid to ask questions.


“Discharge instructions will always specify the recommended treatment while reiterating the diagnosis and next steps,” explains Morrin. “Keeping them in a safe place and using as a reference doesn't just help us, it helps the client stay on the same page as us.”