The Financial Aspects You Should Consider Before Owning a Puppy

When a person makes the decision they are ready to get a new pet in the home, there is a lot to think about. You will be taking the puppy from its current environment and bringing it into your home. This puppy is young and may not understand what is going on. Your home is now the puppy’s forever home.

Things To Think About Before Buying A Puppy

Before you adopt the puppy, take a step back and think about the following things.

What Type Of Breed Would Be Best Suited For You?

There are so many breeds of dogs out there. Each breed has its own characteristics, personality, and specific needs for living a happy and healthy life. 

If you live in a small one-bedroom apartment, a small or medium-size dog breed may be the best option for your home. A Rottweiler or Large Mastiff would not fare well in small living quarters. 

Many large breeds of dogs require a specific amount of heavy exercise daily. This includes long walks, time to run. If you have a daily work schedule or other commitments that will prevent you from spending time walking the dog, a large breed may not be the best option for you.

Each breed’s personality is different. Some dogs like the comfort of their owners and will spend time snuggling, whereas others may be content laying on their dog beds and act as more of a protector for their family.

Have some fun with this. Use the internet to your advantage and research various breeds of dogs to find which breed will be the most suitable for you.

What Type Of Costs Can You Expect To Incur With Owning A New Puppy?

First-time pet owners may not understand the financial implications that come with owning a new pet. When you welcome a pet into your home, a person must have the financial means to take care of that pet. This does not just include the cost of food.

When you acquire a new puppy, expect to spend several hundred dollars in the first year. Within the first few weeks and months of having the puppy, there will be vaccines required that are necessary for the puppy’s survival and development. Puppies are susceptible to getting Parvo, a disease the affects under-vaccinated animals. 

Within the first year of having the puppy, you will need to get the puppy spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies from your pup.

While your dog is a puppy, it is best to start training good habits and tricks. A puppy needs to be taught how to be housebroken. A puppy can be taught commands like “sit”, “lay”, and “rollover”. Depending on the breed of dog you have, it may be best to get formal training for your dog.

Once your pet gets out of the puppy phase, expenses that will come up are for annual wellness checks, annual vaccines, and occasional blood work.

In extreme circumstances, you may need to bring the puppy or dog in for emergency care. Emergency care can be extremely costly out of pocket.

Many people have begun to embrace pet insurance as a way to save money. Yes, you would be responsible for a monthly premium, but should an emergency happen, you will only be responsible for a deductible at the time of the emergency. The average price of a pet insurance deductible is $500 versus the average cost of $2,500 for emergency care.

How Will Your Life Change After You Get A New Puppy?

When adopting a new puppy or dog, you have to understand that your life changes in many ways. If you work long hours, you need to ensure you are taking the time to walk your dog on a regular basis and so the puppy gets the exercise it needs.

If you travel often, you need to have a plan on who can watch your puppy while you are out of town or where you can board your puppy. Unlike cats, dogs can not be left alone for several days at a time.

Give Your New Puppy A Health And Happy Home

By giving your pet a safe, healthy, and happy home from the beginning, you will ensure your puppy will have a long life with you. A dog that is treated well will become extremely loyal to its owner. Be prepared to get lots of love and companionship from your furry friend for years to come.

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