Before you adopt a dog, you need to be able to provide space, a budget, time off, and someone to look after them in your absence.
It's a big responsibility, and you need to be prepared for it. Read the following article for some advice on whether or not you're ready to have a pet.
How do i know if i am ready to have a dog?
You might have watched videos of puppies and thought to yourself, "I want one," or you might have heard of a friend who has puppies as a pet and is willing to give them up for adoption. But this is not a decision to be taken lightly. Pets aren't toys, and they're certainly not items that can be discarded once you've become bored with them.
If you're unsure about whether or not you're ready to adopt a dog, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Why do you need a pet?
You must be honest with yourself to answer this first question: Why do you want a pet? It could be because you're lonely at home, you love animals, you need an exercise companion, or you had a dog growing up. Be objective and honest with yourself to get the best answer.
2. Will you take care of him for a long time?
A pet can be a long-term commitment, depending on the species, breed, or care. This means that you will have to feed it, care for it, take it for walks, clean it, and comply with veterinary checks for more than a decade.
3. Do you have any free time?
This is very important, as adopting a dog does not mean leaving it at home alone all day or pretending that the animal sleeps 24 hours a day to "stay away" if you are studying or resting.
You should walk your dog at least once a day, regardless of the weather. This is especially important if you live in a city apartment, as your dog will need the exercise and outdoor activity.
In addition, a dog should not be left alone for more than eight hours a day. Why? Why not? because it will develop certain behavioural problems based on anxiety, depression, and stress. Therefore, if you leave home very early and arrive very late, we recommend that you not have a dog for the time being.
4. Do you have a sufficient budget?
Food, whether home-cooked or purchased, as well as food for vet appointments, toys, bedding, and anything else you require, will cost you money. Although they don't eat as much as a human (this varies depending on the size or breed of the dog), you should ask yourself if your economy will hold up.
And remember, it will live for more than 10 years, so plan for the future. It's true that you can't predict what will happen tomorrow, but if you have a lot of debt and can't make ends meet, you're not ready to have a dog right now.
5. Do you know who will look after him while you are away?
We are referring to the weeks when you go on holiday, when you want to enjoy a stay in the countryside, or any other activity that includes leaving the house for a few days.
But it is also, of course, related to our absence due to illness or even death. Many people choose "godparents" for their pets, who will look after them when they are away.
6. Do you have space for a dog?
If you're considering getting a pet, you'll need to take the available space into account. Obviously, you could always move, but if you're living in a small apartment, you should choose a breed of dog that's suitable for that environment.
