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There will come a time when your kid will ask you for a dog. It pretty much happens to every parent.
It might be that their friend has a new family pooch, or they might have seen a cute dog on the television. I remember when I was a child, my friends got a dog and so, of course, I wanted one too. I begged and begged and eventually got it.
However, it is a huge decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. A dog is a big responsibility. And while there are a lot of benefits for your kids, there is a lot to think about before adding a dog to your family.
Here are some things you need to consider before heading for the pound:
Dogs Cost Money
A lot of people forget about the cost of adding a dog to the family. Usually, people remember the initial cost and the first veterinarian visit but they forget about the expenses they will encounter over time.
For one thing, dog food can be expensive. A lot of people claim it’s one of the most expensive parts of their shopping bill.
And then there are costs like dog walkers and kennels that you might have to pay for if you work or travel a lot.
If you struggle already to cover your grocery shopping bill, it might be smart to reject the idea of a dog. It’s also a good idea to write a list of all the bills associated with a dog before actually getting one. That way, you won’t get any surprises on the way!
Dogs Have Health Problem Just Like People
If you get a puppy, you will hopefully have years of happiness with them. However, you do need to consider the health problems your dog may encounter over the years. And not just the big health issues either.
It’s so easy for your dog to get problems like fleas and ticks. These can be even more irritating than other household pests like ants. And if you don’t do anything about it, your dog could become ill. Not only this, but fleas can cause health problems for your family too.
It’s a smart idea to start them on some form of flea preventative like k9 Advantix ii when they are young to stop a problem before it starts.
Looking into pet insurance could also save you a lot of heartaches. That way, if they do encounter any health issues over the years, you can make a claim and get the treatment paid for!
Trips to the vet can also be extremely expensive. Therefore, it is always important to know what you are exactly feeding your dogs. Certain human foods are extremely poisonous to dogs and require costly medical treatments. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Dogs Need Routines Too
You might have already chosen a dog bed for your new friend to sleep on. But do you know where in your house it’s going to go? You want to make it clear where the dog sleeps in your home. Otherwise, it’s easy for them to end up sleeping in your room, or even your kid’s bedroom. While some people prefer this, it usually means extra stress when cleaning the home.
Whatever, you choose, make sure you stick to this to bring some routine into the dog’s life. They thrive on routine just like people.
Also, remember to talk about who will do what job for the new dog. This way everyone gets some routine and responsibility while enjoying their new companion.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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Please adopt don’t shop! It is recommended that you wait till your youngest child is 8 years old before bringing a pet into the home, before that they are just too young to understand the responsibilities and there is a greater risk for injury for both the pet and the child. Be sure to evaluate your schedule to be sure you aren’t traveling or otherwise so engaged that your pet sits home alone or is constantly being boarded – not fair to the pet! Be sure your finances can bear the responsibility of pet ownership. We recommend that you budget at least $3000 a year for this. Don’t transport your pets in the back of pickups or otherwise loose inside a vehicle, you can’t control accidents and That is something your children do not need to see or experience ever. Don’t leave your pets unattended in the yard while your gone – people steal pets, other animals can get in – would you leave your child for hours in the yard – Pets are family members. Be sure you have a tall well secured fence to keep pets in and others out! Consider a pet door so that your pet can go outside to potty – less accidents! Always Always have fresh clean water available. Be sure and take your pet to the vets at least once a year and keep up on vaccinations and other maintenance issues. Having a pet means taking the time to brush the coat, groom and brush the teeth. Better quality pet foods mean less health problems!
Such wonderful pet tips! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂