Being a dog-parent isn’t as easy as it looks. It’s a lot more than just playing with your dog and showing him/her off.
Adopting a dog is a full-time responsibility that requires you to take complete care of every single need of your furry friend.
It’s almost like look after a child. If you’re wondering how to know whether you’re ready or not to be a dog parent, here are 9 signs that will help you find out!
The first thing to consider when you’re getting a dog is whether or not you have that extra time to look after them. Getting a dog is a huge responsibility and will require more time than you think.
From taking them on walks everyday to feeding them their meals and giving them constant love and attention, dogs can be demanding creatures. Remember, dogs are social animals so you can’t just leave them on their own, you will have to play with them and spend adequate time with them. If you already have that extra time on your hands then it means you are ready to be a dog mama.
Keeping a dog is more expensive than you think. It is almost like raising a child; you have to pay for its food, toys, grooming, vet bills etc. Don’t underestimate the costs! If you feel like you are making sufficient money to support yourself and a dog then go for it! We would recommend that you sit down and calculate your finances before making any decisions.
Just like you need to baby proof your house, dog-proofing is a real thing too. If you’re ready to put all the fancy stuff away along with your valuables and anything that the dog could possibly chew on, chances are that you are ready. Make sure to cover wires and outlets and anything else that could harm the dog.
Use gates where necessary. Even if you are bringing on an adult dog you still need to dog-proof to an extent. If you have delicate pieces around the house and are deeply considered about your furniture and belongings you may not be ready to be a dog-parent just yet.
Just like with anything else, you need to do your homework. If you have done your research and are well versed in everything dog-related then you are ready to be a dog-parent! It is integral that you do tons of research before bringing the dog home. Read books, articles, blogs and talk to people who have dogs.
Make sure that the information isn’t outdated and that you have read all the current stuff. There’s no such thing as too much research, so the more research you do the more prepared you are for your little one.
If being a dog parent is something that you have been thinking about for a long time then you are probably ready for it. When we truly want something we do our best to take care of it. It’s a huge responsibility and something that should not be done on an impulse.
You need to think about it seriously and thoroughly before going through with it. If its something that you have been wanting for a long time and it’s not just a phase then go ahead with it! If the thought comes into your mind, wait to see if it persists for a while and if it does then you’re most likely ready for it!
Having a dog isn’t all-glamorous as it may seem. Even though they are cute creatures there’s a not so cute side of them too. This includes their poop, puke, other gross fluids, etc. You will have to deal with all of this on a regular basis if you decide to become a dog parent.
You have to be prepared for the worst; if your dog is more mischievous then you could end up dealing with a lot more. If you find yourself prepared for it and the thought of touching it or cleaning it doesn’t freak you out, then you are ready and can go get yourself a cute little dog!
Being a dog-parent includes having their medical needs sorted. You need to be prepared for all kinds of situations. If you’ve thought of everything and found a vet for your dog then it means that you are ready to be a dog parent. Look for one online or ask around to get the perfect one. This will ensure that you don’t go mad finding one at the last minute just incase something happens to your dog.
Most dogs need enough outdoor space to let themselves be free. If you have arranged some kind of outdoor space for them where you can take them daily then it means that you are ready to parent them. The space doesn’t have to be too big but normal-sized and enough for them to be able to move around in and let loose.
If you’re getting a sudden urge to nurture then chances are that you are ready to be a dog-parent. You can only really be a good one if you want to do it whole-heartedly, so if you’re feeling the nurturing vibe then you’ll probably be great at it so go for it!
If you find yourself resonating with these 9 signs, you are most likely ready to be a dog-parent. Remember the key is not to rush into it and to carefully think about it from before.
by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
Facts About Animal Homelessness:
Here are a some adoptions for consideration: puccicafe.com/adoptions