The number of abandoned pets in the shelter continues to increase. People often leave their pets on the streets because they fail to care for them. One of the reasons for the high number of animals in the shelter is that people often forget to make informed decisions when adopting a dog.
There is no proper guideline on what to consider when adopting a pup. However, there are a few factors that come into play during adoption. Finding a dog that perfectly fits your home and its people is incredible. Selecting the appropriate dog can make a huge difference in your and your dog’s life.
Introducing a dog in your family must be bigger than just the cute face that they make. When adopting a dog, you must consider the needs of the dog, too. Are you looking forward to bringing your new best friend but don’t know where to start? Follow this mini guide to know about the factors that you need to keep in mind.
1. Size
When bringing home a furry friend, consider their size and the space they need to live. Now, people often restrict their thoughts to the size of the dog. However, also think about the size of the place they will live in.
Living in a small apartment home may not be suitable for large dogs such as a Great Dane or a Saint Bernard. These large dogs require ample space and even a yard in the house, so they may not be the perfect fit for you. They even need wag room to plop their tails to show their excitement.
When it comes to medium-sized dogs, people usually consider hounds, poodles, or pit bulls. These breeds are average-sized, and some even survive in smaller apartments. If you want a size comparison of Italian Greyhound vs Whippet, then there may only be a few inches of difference in size.
2. Temperament
Every breed is different from another in some way. Temperament and character are important traits to consider when adopting a dog. Assessing any dog’s temperament is crucial for a household with kids or the elderly.
Terriers and retrievers are popular for families that have growing kids. The reason is that they are outdoorsy and are very active. They are medium-sized, which makes them a perfect fit. On the contrary, greyhounds and spaniels have a laid-back temperament, which makes them great for the elderly.
3. Grooming
Most dog owners consider accommodation and food as the basic needs of any dog. However, Grooming is an essential factor too. Like humans, dogs require constant attention. You need to groom them regularly or book grooming sessions with a specialist. Dog breeds with long coats require these sessions at a higher frequency. In selecting the correct type of breed, consider your availability and time.
If you are a busy person who only has a little free time to groom their dogs, then always prefer ones with a shorter coat. These include beagles, Chihuahuas, and boxers. However, if you love to spend time with your dog, pick the one with a longer and fancier coat. These include poodles and shitzus.
4. Health
When planning to adopt a dog, health problems are the last thing that comes to someone’s mind. Any disease or condition is there for their entire lifetime. At the same time, you may not want to miss out on adopting a cute soul. You should make an informed decision.
Researching a breed’s most common health issues will help you decide to adopt a dog. Most dogs suffer from allergies, obesity or even dental problems. Some illnesses may be diagnosed early, while others may appear when your dog ages.
5. Age
Adopting a dog at a suitable age is essential, especially if you live with a family. Most people believe that pups are better to adopt since they are easier to train. But they often forget that puppies are also challenging to take care of. They require more attention in comparison to older dogs. They must also be potty trained and regularly visit the vet for shots.
Adult dogs, on the other hand, are easier to train and are better as companions. They do not require extra attention, and you may not have to worry about developing health concerns apart from those with age, such as arthritis.
6. Allergies
When discussing allergies, we are not discussing allergies that your dog may have. Instead, it’s the other way around. It’s the allergies that you or any of your family members may have. Many people suffer from dander allergy, which starts up a reaction upon exposure to pet fur.
If that is the case, you must look into the options of hairless breeds or breeds that shed less dander. Some examples you can consider include schnauzers, Bichon Frises, or Poodles.
7. Budget
When bringing in a perfect dog breed, owners must remember to calculate the budget for adopting that dog. A budget includes food expenses, grooming expenses, vet expenses, and much more. People often need to remember to calculate the amount they are willing to spend on a dog they wish to adopt. Typically, purebred dogs cost more than other mixed breeds. They require more grooming sessions and are considered high maintenance than others.
Before making the final decision, research thoroughly and calculate how much your preferred dog will cost you in a day. After taking all these factors in consideration, you will be able to decide whether you can afford to adopt a dog or not
Additional Tips to Consider
- Small children are full of emotions, and they are hyperactive too. If you have such children in your home, then looking into larger breeds for adoption is preferable. Smaller dogs are prone to injuries and are fragile. Moreover, they are also at a higher risk of being unknowingly squished by a child.
- If your house has an old or disabled person, then consider a dog that has a calm and quiet personality. A dog with an active lifestyle and high temperament may accidentally hurt a person who is physically not fit.
- Multiple dog households exist, but these factors also play in such scenarios. If you already own a dog and want to add another one, then make sure they are compatible. Gradually introduce the new dog into the household so that it does not stress out the other one.
- If you bring a big dog home, remember to train them from the very first moment. For instance, if you teach them to be a lap dog, they will soon outgrow your lap and may topple over a person when going for a hug. Larger dogs also require more medical treatment and food expenses.
- If you plan to bring in small dogs, ensure they stay warm during winter. These dogs suffer from breathing problems and are sensitive to the cold. Training is also necessary so that they do not become aggressive to humans or other pets in the household.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of dog is important not just for you but for your family, too. This list will help you narrow your options, and you can select the perfect dog for your family. Always remember that the perfect dog does not exist. What you select may not be the best option for another one. Take your time making this critical decision, and have fun picking out a new family member!
Author Bio :
M. Hassan Iqbal is an experienced digital marketing specialist with 3 years of SEO and content writing expertise. I provide these services to various companies, consistently achieving real results by improving their online rankings. If you’re looking for excellent digital marketing services, I’m only a click away.