Should Your Family Get a Dog?

The idea of a family dog may have been something that’s always been muted once you had kids or is a new idea that a son or daughter has recently suggested. But is it right for your family?

There are a few indicators that a dog will fit right in and it’s a good time to adopt one. Also, they’ll need to be taken care of in much the same way as another kid would, so it’ll be more work. But they give love back, so that is its own reward.

Here is how to tell if your family should consider getting a dog and various things to consider along the way.

Do You Have Lots of Spare Time?

There is plenty of work involved in being a dog owner.

They’ll need feeding, keeping cool in summer and warm enough in winter. It’s one more mouth to feed and they can get sick too. They cannot take care of themselves, even though it might seem like they can.

Daily walks, sometimes more than once a day can eat through an hour or two. That’s a large chunk of time for people who live busy lives.

Also, do think about whether you like to go on vacations regularly? Do you have neighbors or relatives who are happy to take the dog for a week or longer? You won’t want to put them in a doggie kennel each time you feel a wanderlust.

Is It a Passing Fad?

Children often love the idea of getting a puppy but aren’t knowledgeable about what’s involved with owning a dog for the long haul.

They also go through phases of falling in love with ideas and then rapidly abandoning them for something new. If that’s the case here, you’ll be left with the responsibility for the dog.

Having had a long-term plan to get a four-legged friend is a far better reason to adopt. Also, they don’t make for good gifts for anyone; they’re a more serious commitment than that.

Healthy Food and Supplements

Dogs are only as healthy as the food and supplements they receive.

A good budget will need to be set aside for high-quality wet food, and some dry food to chew through too. Also, organic pet supplements are a good idea to improve their health and avoid potential health issues before they happen. Native Pet’s selection of supplements is considerable, so there will always be something that fits their needs. They’re organic too, so even sensitive dogs will find them agreeable.

Dogs Need to Be Appropriately Sized for the Home

A dog needs to fit into the size of the home. Also, if you have a large home but plan to downsize later, consider how this will impact the dog.

A large dog in a smaller home is a bad fit. They will feel too confined. A small or mid-sized dog will be a far better fit.

What Activity Level is Expected?

Some dogs are sporting breeds or working breeds and were originally bred for the outdoors or high activity levels. Breeds like these include golden retrievers or cocker spaniels, or a Great Dane. They’ll always be very active and need several, long walks each day to burn off their energy.

If you’ll want your pet to be happy while you’re out at work, or you have less time for length outdoor adventures, choose a breed that matches this requirement. Avoid falling in love with a certain breed because of how they look or behave and then ignore how active they’ll need to be.

Young Children? Get a Children Friendly Pouch

Unlike what you may have heard, not all dogs are child-friendly.

It’s sometimes the case that certain breeds don’t take nicely to little people. Some dogs aren’t a fan of small children randomly waving their arms around or being rough with them.

A calm, easy-going breed that appreciates children will be a much better fit when there’s a young family to think about. Breeds like pugs, bearded collies, and Labradors are kid-friendly.

Allergy Issues? Choose a Breed That Sheds Less Fur

Not all dog breeds shed as much fur. Some shed left and right, whereas others are far more manageable.

If someone in the home has allergy issues, let them be around a few different dog breeds to see if they break out in a reaction first.

Also, while it’s true that regular grooming can keep a handle on things, it won’t be a complete fix for a dog that naturally sheds heavily.

Are You Ready for the Changes?

Getting a family dog is a big commitment. It will lead to plenty of sudden changes to accommodate them, including routines that’ll get upturned and more effort to keep the household running smoothly.

If there are other major life events ongoing and upcoming, be that impending nuptials, a big vacation trip soon, or a family member in poor health, then it might be better to delay.

Getting a family dog can one of the best decisions that the family makes together. But choose wisely, so it’s likelier to be a successful decision. Pets are for life.