What New Dog Owners Should Consider Before Adopting
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What New Dog Owners Should Consider Before Adopting

Adopting a pet can be very rewarding. When you adopt an animal from a rescue centre, you’re changing that animal’s life for the better. But what should you consider before adopting a dog? 

Consider the breed, sex, age and background of the dog

It might sound obvious, but make sure you are adopting the right type of dog  for your circumstances, lifestyle, and personality. You need to determine exactly what breed of dog is best for you. You might think Alaskan Malamutes are cute, but they are extremely challenging to train and require extensive exercise. It’s important to do proper research and look beyond preconceived notions about different dog breeds’; studies show that breed type explains only 9 percent of behavioural variation among different dogs, and that sex and age can often be a  better indicator for certain traits such as bathroom habits or levels of playfulness.  

Consider your situation seriously and how much time you’re willing to commit. It’s essential that you research more about different breeds and whether you have the means to support animals with behavioural issues. Usually, most rescue centres try their best to match you with the best pet for your circumstances and can offer advice if you’re unsure. 

Lifestyle 

It’s vital that you consider your lifestyle before choosing to adopt a pet. How many times a day are you able or willing to walk a dog? Unfortunately, many people adopt pets without considering their home life and routine and end up dropping their dog back into the rehoming centre. This can cause your dog great distress and anxiety, so do be completely sure you can give them the attention they deserve before you consider adopting.

If you’re considering bringing a dog into a family home of different ages, you’ll want to consider the size of the dog as well as their energy levels. Some of the best dogs for kids & families include Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Irish Setters. 

If you have a family member who has allergies, you may want to look into dog breeds that create less of an allergic response due to less shedding, for example American Hairless Terriers. Although no dog is considered to be 100% hypoallergenic, there are breeds that are considerably less likely to trigger an allergic response, such as’ Brussels Griffon, Poodles, Maltese & Schnauzer. 

Veterinary needs

Whether you adopt an elderly animal or a new puppy, it is inevitable that your dog will need some form of veterinary attention at some point. It’s important that you register your new pet with a veterinary practice, if not before the adoption, then immediately after. Look at all the vets in your local area and compare customer reviews before choosing the best practice for your pet. Be mindful that veterinary bills can be costly, often running into thousands of pounds. It’s therefore advisable that you consider getting decent insurance cover so you don’t get any nasty surprises. The pet insurance from Petsure covers vet bills of up to £15,000 per year. There’s also no upper age limit, which makes it ideal for newly-adopted shelter animals which are often older. 

Conclusion

Adopting a dog is a lovely thing to do and can be extremely rewarding for both the owner and dog. However, there are many things you need to consider before you think about adopting a dog. Think carefully about the breed, size, age, sex and background of the dog before welcoming them into your home. Also consider the dog’s veterinary needs and make sure you’re suitably prepared for any medical emergencies that may arise in the future.