Adopting Dog: What You Need To Know

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”– Josh Billings.
If you are someone craving the love of a “Fur Baby” and desperately want to adopt a dog then this article is for you. Dog Adoption is a very big decision. It is like introducing a new family member, so it is obvious to have confusion and queries but don’t worry we’ve got all this and more here.

Things to consider before considering a dog adoption

1. Take your time making a decision

As we discussed before adopting a dog is a big decision, so you should give ample time before making this decision, you need to consider everything before you adopt a dog. You need to make sure you have a place good enough for a dog to live, you have enough finances to support lifestyle of a dog; your family is ok with having a dog, you are prepared enough to take care of your new friend, you have time for your dog . Also, you need to ensure that no one in your home is allergic to dog hair or scared of dogs. 

2. Adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment

Before you adopt a dog, you need to know that adopting a dog is a lifelong responsibility. They need love and care just like a child. The average lifespan of a dog is between 10-15 years, and it majorly depends on the breed of the dog. So, make sure you are going to be there for him till the end especially when you are going for a small dog adoption. No matter what happens you can’t shirk your responsibility as it will be very hard for the dog to survive in the wild or somewhere else.

During pandemic dog adoption gained popularity and a lot of people welcomed a dog in their lives, but now that the life is back to normal people are giving back their dogs for adoption. However, the dogs find it very difficult to survive in a new place; they become very depressed. If you are making a commitment please make sure to stick with it.

3. Dog brings responsibilities 

Adopting a dog brings plenty of responsibilities, if you are someone who enjoys carefree life then you need to change as taking care of your dog is important once you adopt the dog. Adopting a dog makes you a parent and, it is very well known how big a responsibility parenting is. From his nutrition, entertainment, training, grooming, to wellbeing you have to take care of everything. You should be there for your dog whenever he needs you. Before going on a vacation or even a night out, you need to find a dog sitter or someone who will take care of your dog in your absence.

4. The age factors 

You need to be very peculiar about the age of dog before adopting. You should have a fair idea of whether you want a puppy or a full-grown adult, as both have very different needs. Puppies need obedience training and they are full of energy. They require a lot more time to adapt to the surroundings while adult dog require less training but whether or not they will adapt easily to the new environment depends on their past life, i.e., if they were raised around children or other animals, their eating habits etc. 

5. The thing about microchips and dog tags

Life is full of accidents and you never know when or if your dog may become lost or leave. At such times a dog collar with a tag can be a great help. The tag should have the name of the dog written along with your address and two phone numbers of your family members. Microchipping is another wonderful way to ensure that your dog comes home! Don’t worry microchipping is a very simple operation performed by a veterinarian. Also don’t forget to update the tags and microchip in case you relocate. Though microchips are not that popular in India but dog tags are a must.

6. Temperament, trainability and energy level

8. Dog proofing your house

It is necessary to dog proof your houses. Just like babies, dogs are not accustomed to many things; they are not aware of potential dangers around them. They can get hit or worse can happen if they are not under your supervision so make sure your house is dog proof. Dog proofing means keeping electric sockets and appliances far away from the reach of the dog to prevent electric shocks. Medicines and other items that can cause harm to the dog should not be easily accessible to him. The door should be secure enough to prevent the dog from fleeing; sharp objects should be kept under cabinets to keep them out of the dog’s reach, and other provisions should be made so that the dog is safe from any accidental harm.  

9. Walk, exercise and dog training

Dogs need daily exercises and walking, so make sure you have enough time to take your dog for a one-hour walk. The level of exercise depends on the energy level of the dog, but in general all dogs need daily walking and exercises to let their energy out. If your dog doesn’t get ample time for exercise, he can turn degenerative and depressed and you would never want that. 

Dog training is another aspect to consider, it is necessary to train your dog so that he could respond to your command and become a good canine citizen. You can hire an expert trainer to do the task and if a little tight on budget you can opt for doing it yourself. Training your dog, yourself deepens the bond between you two and is a fun activity. 

10. Food and treats

Like all other living creature dogs need food to but which kind of food and how much? That depends on a lot of factors like dog’s health, age, energy level, breed etc. There is a variety of dog food available in the market. Make sure you choose the correct one for your fur person. Also, dogs have very different needs from humans so it is great sharing love but sharing your food is not advisable. 

Giving treats works as a positive reinforcement especially when you are training your dog. But be mindful of the amount of food you are feeding your dog. Don’t fall prey to those cute puppy eyes. Overeating can make your dog sick and you will never want that. 

11. Vet appointments 

Dogs can’t express their problems in words and speech; only their behaviour can give us a clue about their ongoing problems. A veterinarian is the ideal person to consult if your dog is feeling uneasy or behaving strangely. Apart from that it is advisable to make frequent veterinarian visits to keep a track of your dog’s well-being and health. Just like humans, annual vaccinations are necessary for your dog. So, before making your mind for dog adoption, make sure you will be able to get your dog vaccinated.

12. The teething phase 

 When you consider puppies for adoption you need to be well aware of teething phase. The teething phase is quite challenging for the dog and the pet parent both, as during teething phase which lasts for one to two months dogs get irritated and they chew everything they find. At such times pet parents get worried about their valuables and resort to give up as they don’t have previous knowledge. It is preferable to be ready because dogs need chew toys and other distractions during these times. Also, dogs are social animals; they need constant company and entertainment. When they get bored, they can become destructive, so you need to have ample dog toys and time to keep the dog entertained. 

13. Love and affection  

Love is something a dog craves the most, especially when you are adopting a dog you might not know what he has faced in past so you need to give him all the love and affection to feel him welcomed and loved. There are various benefits of dog adoption but the love you receive tops all the dog adoption benefits. Trust me the love you give to a dog is returned to you in amplified amount by your pet partner. Dogs are highly social animals. They need constant company, so before you decide to adopt a dog, prepare your family and make sure you can full fill his need of love and company. 

Bottom Line 

Welcoming a dog in your life is beneficial for both you and your pet buddy. However, before adoption you need to tick some items so that your new member don’t have to face any problems. A dog comes with many responsibilities and expenses; even if you go for free dog adoption, you need good finances to nurture him. And, who doesn’t want to give their pet a happy life? So make the decision after considering all aspects of your and your pet’s lifestyle. And once you adopt a dog, your life will change for good as dogs make you a better human being and shower you with unconditional love and loyalty.