| Adopting a new dog
When thinking about adopting or purchasing a new dog for your family, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First off, never purchase a dog as a gift or on an emotional whim, because a pet will be a member of your family for up to15 years. It is a long-term decision that needs to be based on careful thought. Here are a few items to consider when making your decision: · Size: The first decision to make when choosing a dog is the size. Keep in mind the size of your house, yard and car. Also remember, the bigger the dog, the more food it eats and the more it costs to feed it! · Age: The age of the pet also determines the right pet for you. Young dogs require more time and energy for training and veterinary visits. They will need to be de-wormed, vaccinated and potentially spayed or neutered. Middle-aged or older dogs are typically less energetic and usually only need a refresher training class. Older dogs need homes and love just as much as any aged dog, but it is important to remember that older dogs may need more medical attention than younger dogs. · Breed: The final consideration is the breed of the dog and learning what breed characteristics would be compatible with your personality and lifestyle. Boxers, Jack Russell Terriers and Border Collies need a lot of exercise and a job to perform versus Yorkies, Malteses and Toy Poodles who are typically happy lounging around the house. Other breeds need regular grooming such as Bichons, Lhasa Apsos and Shelties. Once you have narrowed down the type of dog that seems right, visit at least three shelters, breeders or pet stores. Select a dog that is active has a shiny coat and is responsive when called. After choosing your perfect pet take him or her to Friars Road Pet Hospital for a new dog exam for further evaluation. |
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