subject: Things To Consider Before Bringing Home A Dog [print this page] They are soft, fluffy and love to cuddle on a cold night, and your child would love to have a puppy. Big eyes, pouts, smiles and tears - from the puppy that is - can soften your heart in not time at all.
It's easy to forget that dogs are living creatures as they creep into your heart with their baby ways. They are a big responsibility and the expense of caring for them can be a huge burden on a family. Here are some things to consider before making the commitment to bringing home a dog.
Dogs are a Big Responsibility for Their Owners
Common pets, like dogs and cats, rely on their owners for love and attention in much the same way as a new born baby does. They need to be walked, fed, and loved. If dogs are left alone in the house for a long period of time, they can become agitated. This can result in constant barking that annoys the neighbors, or worse. In some, the anxiety is so severe that they can take out their aggressions on your personal belongings. It is not unheard of for shoes, pillows, or large furniture pieces to be ruined by a distraught dog.
Dogs Are a Big Expense for Their Owners
Owning a dog may mean sacrificing savings or extra money for your family just to look after the dog properly. If you don't have lots of disposable cash, think carefully before bringing a dog home.
It can cost hundreds of dollars to purchase an animal. This is just the initial expense of the transaction. There will be several once-off costs - bowls, a leash, a crate, kennel, brushes and toys should last a while, although a puppy will outgrow some of them. But you do need to buy food. Dog food can cost hundred of dollars a year, depending on the type of food you buy. If you want to impress your friends with your dog's gourmet food, you can add a few extra hundred dollars on to that bill.
Then there is medical care. Unlike the rest of us, our pets are not covered by health insurance. Therefore any time they get sick, need a vaccination, or if they develop a much more serious illness, that expense will come out of your pocket.
Dogs bring a lot of joy into a home, and they really can be your best friend. The responsibility of owning a dog should not be taken lightly however. Give it a lot of thought before you bring a dog home, as once you do, you are responsible for giving the dog the love and care it needs to thrive.
