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Ever since you were young, you’ve wanted a dog. You’ve watched as friends and family members opened their homes and hearts to a doggy companion, but you’ve never had one of your own. Before making the decision, take the following into consideration.

The Breed

Have you decided on a breed? Don’t just go off looks alone or choose the breed your friend has. There are lots of considerations when finding the right dog for you and your family. Different breeds have different behaviors and needs. For example:

• Breeds such as Dalmatians and Weimaraners need lots of exercise
• Some dogs shed a lot of hair and may cause issues with allergies
• Certain medical conditions are associated with some breeds
• Some dogs are more child-friendly than others
• The amount of food dogs consume varies widely, depending on the breed and size, etc.

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Looking After Your Pooch

Dogs require a lot of care and attention. They need to be fed and walked regularly, and they need lots of human contact. Unlike cats, that are largely independent creatures, dogs are likely to fret or misbehave if they don’t receive adequate attention. This can be a big undertaking, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Are you ready for early morning and after work walks in the rain and snow? Can you commit to spending time with your dog each day?

Dogs Have Health Problems

Just like their human companions, dogs need medical attention on occasion. This can be expensive. In addition to illnesses and accidents, your dog will need regular checkups and preventative treatment such as Frontline for dogs to prevent fleas. Fortunately, these treatments are easy to obtain online and are relatively inexpensive. It’s true that certain breeds are prone to specific conditions. It is important to take this into consideration.

Dogs Can Be Messy

Like young children, dogs can be messy. Children grow out of it but dogs can’t Though you can house train them to a certain extent, they are still likely to create extra housework by shedding hair and leaving muddy paw prints. If you like your home to be immaculate, a dog may not be the best choice. Though, there are lots of tools and cleaning products you can use to keep on top of the mess.

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What If You Go On Vacation?

If you enjoy jetting off at a moments notice for a weekend away, a dog may throw a spanner in the works. Who will feed and walk them in your absence? Do you have a dog-loving friendly neighbor who could look after them? Or maybe a friend or family member? You should be able to find a local dog walking service who will look after your pooch when you’re away. But this will take a little planning and spontaneous trips away may be a thing of the past.

Dogs Can Be Expensive

Dogs can be expensive. Depending on their size, they may consume a lot of food. Then there are the vet bills, costs for toys and accessories, and unexpected expenses such as replacing damaged possessions, etc. Do you have enough spare cash each month to take care of your dog and cover unexpected bills?

If you’re fine with all this and still undeterred, then it might be time to welcome a dog into your life. They can be hard work, time-consuming and expensive but the joy they bring will far outweigh the cons.