Things To Consider BEFORE Getting a Dog

Alright, time to vent... I'm sick of people getting dogs for the sole reason that they want something to keep them company. Having a dog can sometimes sound like SO much fun, but a lot of people don't realize the responsibility and work it is to have a dog. When people get a dog without realizing the commitment it takes to care for it, the dog ends up at the pound or at a shelter without a home and sometimes this means an end to their life.

Since I'm SO good at list-making, here are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to dog responsibility.

1. Cleaning--we have to sweep the kitchen floor once a day, or it becomes covered in black dog hair. We vacuum once or twice a week. Keep in mind that if a dog isn't 100% potty-trained, you'll need to have a good enzyme carpet cleaner (nothing with ammonia, or it will make the smell about ten times worse!) on hand.

2. Dog food--with two 80 pound dogs, they go through food quite fast. We spend about $50-$80 on food per month. After doing some research on different dog foods, I found out some HORRIBLE things about a lot of the foods on the market. We used to give Bosco a food called Beneful from Target because it was cheap and he seemed to enjoy it. This food actually "grades" so low that they are actually considering pulling it from the market. It has even led to some doggy deaths! Here's a link to a food grading system where you can grade your own dog food or see how other dog food ranks. Just a hint: you won't find any quality foods at places like Target or Wal-Mart. Spend the extra money and get the better food. Kibble with things like corn or grain and the #1 ingredient can lead to malnourishment which can lead to weight loss and eventually food-seeking behaviors such as trash-digging and poop-eating (YUCK!).

3. Vacation--It's not as easy to just pick up and leave as you would when you are dog-free. You need to either line up a place for the dog to stay, or pay up to $40 a day for boarding.

4. Time away from home--One major change I noticed when I added dogs to my life was that I could not just go and run errands after work like I used to. Dogs need to be let out to go potty more frequently than you would think. My 80 pound pooches can make it about 9 hours maximum at home alone, but we don't like to do this often as it can lead to bladder infections. Keep in mind that the smaller the dog, the more frequently they must get out to potty (every 3 hours maximum for a small breed, like a Maltese or a Yorkie).

5. Exercise--dogs are NOT meant to sit inside all day long doing nothing. There are many benefits to regular exercise: their joints, energy, muscles, and weight are kept in balance. Make sure you can dedicate at least an hour a day to exercise (even when it's cold!).

6. Vet trips--just as we have to go to the doctor, dogs need regular vet visits. This is essential to their health and longevity! They need monthly pills to protect against heart-worms (about $8/month/dog) and monthly protective treatments against ticks, fleas, and mosquitos (about $20/month/dog).  Dogs also need rabies vaccines every 2 to 3 years. Remember that if you get a puppy and you decide to get them "fixed" they will need additional veterinary care.

7. Housing--not all housing is meant to accommodate dogs. They need a yard to potty in, space to run, and a safe place to roam. Many rental places do not allow pets, or charge additional pet fees. Make sure you contact your landlord if you rent BEFORE you pick out your dog.

Bosco (right) and Keeda (left)

Dogs make great pets! Just make sure you are ready to make a commitment to them if you decide to get one. Learn all you can before you bring your new best friend home and get ready for your dog to change your world!