Did you know that over three million dogs are sent to animal shelters each year in the USA and of those, almost 400,000 are euthanized? We make no apology for sharing this hard-hitting truth, nor it being the opening sentence of our Bow Wow How Blog Series. This startling reality underscores the need for greater awareness, more compassionate care, and proactive steps to ensure the well-being of our canine companions.

Remember, a dog is not just for Christmas…

The fact is that January is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters as too many animals are given as gifts during the holidays without proper consideration of the long-term commitment required to care for a pet. So… if you’re thinking of that cute puppy as a present under the tree think carefully…

Is dog ownership right for you?

To help you to make an informed decision as to whether dog ownership is right for you (or the person you might be considering that Christmas puppy for), the team at HomeoPet have put our heads, tails, and paws together and created our Bow Wow How Blog Series, starting today. Over the coming weeks we’ll share our knowledge and experience of dogs and their care needs, providing insights into everything from nutrition and health to training and exercise tips. All this information IS also available as Bow Wow How – a downloadable booklet all about dogs.

 

To start us off, we are going to first share with you the downsides of owning a dog. We do this with all the love imaginable as we cannot imagine a life without our dogs. However, we also know that giving them the love and care they need is a responsibility that should not be undertaken lightly.

Dogs can be the most rewarding and beautiful addition to one’s family, but the numbers don’t lie. Many people are suddenly overwhelmed with the commitment and effort needed to take care of another living being, particularly one with such a high level of needs as a dog! So, we feel it’s important in a series about dogs to start with the bad news, so that you are clear about what’s expected and what’s needed. If that doesn’t scare you away, then you and your new four-legged family member are in for a much happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.

What does it really cost to have a dog?

Financial Commitment: Owning a dog does not come cheap. Expenses include food, veterinary care, grooming supplies, toys, beds and potential unforeseen medical bills. It’s essential to consider these ongoing expenses and ensure that you can meet them comfortably.

Time Commitment: Owning a dog requires a large time commitment. Dogs need daily exercise, regular feeding, grooming and playtime. And it’s every day… all year round.

Come Rain, Shine, Hail or Snow. Yes, we did say every day, all year round. And your dogs’ needs do not change if it’s raining, hailing or snowing outside. Sufficient daily outdoor exercise is a must.

One May Not be Enough! Like us humans, dogs are social creatures and get lonely if they are left alone. Consequently, you may need two! And two will mean double the responsibility and double the financial commitment. Is this something you can handle? An alternative to double trouble is to hire a dog sitter or use dog boarding services, all of which will increase the financial burden associated with your furry friend.

Training and Behavioral Challenges: While dogs are incredibly adaptable, good training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. Dogs are not born house-trained and whether you get a puppy, a young, or even an older dog, you will have to address behavioral challenges such as housebreaking, chewing, barking and more.  Are you ready for the stress…and the mess?

Allergies and Health Considerations: Some people have allergies to pet dander, making dog ownership impractical. Similarly, specific breeds may have genetic health issues, requiring regular check-ups and potential medical attention. All of which add to the cost and time commitment of having a dog.

Travel Restrictions: Owning a dog can limit your flexibility to travel, especially if you like to take spontaneous trips. Finding pet-friendly accommodation and transportation options will require extra planning and add extra expense.

Emotional Pain If you choose to have a dog in your life, the chances are that you will one day you will also lose them, which is a sorrow that can be hard to handle.

Got Plans? Maybe not, as having a dog can get in the way of even the best laid plans. They’re a responsibility not dissimilar to having a baby in the house and their needs have to be taken into account.

Speaking of Babies… dogs can sometimes be dangerous for small children.

House Wreck – dogs have hair, claws and teeth and, let’s face it, may not agree that your favorite pair of shoes, leg of your antique coffee table, or edge of your new sofa are not appropriate chew toys. Bringing a dog into your home will also shake things up on the cleanliness front! So, be prepared for extra sweeping, vacuuming and washing thanks to shedding fur, dirty paw prints and the occasional whoopsie. You also may be liable for any damage to third parties that may be caused by your dog.

Head Wreck – while we love, love, love dogs… we also know that they can (at times) be annoying! From frantic barking sessions to constantly following you to the bathroom to never being able to enjoy a meal in peace again, dogs can sometimes be an incy wincy bit annoying!

With all that out of the way, the next article in our series will look at the part of being a dog-mom or pop that we’re more comfortable with – the pros of having a dog in your life…

And click here to view and download Bow Wow How – a booklet all about dogs. Feel free to share it with friends, family, or anyone else you know that may be contemplating getting a dog.