6 Things to Seriously Consider Before Getting a Dog or a Puppy

Whether getting a new puppy or a full-grown dog, it is very important to know its background. Unless the dog is rescued out of nowhere and remains unclaimed in a deserted location, you have to know some information about your new canine buddy's past.

This short list will be very useful to those who wish to adopt or buy a dog for the first time or those who wish to get a dog again after a long period of dog-less lifestyle. The dog pound or the dog breeder can surely give you enough information you will need. Often, you will have to ask.

1. feeding and diet or dietary concerns and preferences
2. care and treatment of previous owner (Was the dog treated kindly or abused by previous owner?)
3. breed or traits of parents (certain breeds have unique traits
4. medical history
5. vaccinations
6. current living environment

Knowing these tidbits of information will help you understand the dog's behavior as well as help you anticipate the necessary adjustments as soon as the dog starts living with you. Most dogs will generally respond positively to a loving and caring home.

Even dogs who have been raised in poor breeding and training conditions will still be able to adjust to proper training from a loving and patient human.



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Tips on Selecting a Veterinarian

If your dog does not have a veterinarian yet, ask the puppy's breeder or your dog-owning neighbors for recommendations. The local veterinary association can also give you the names of veterinarians in your area. You'll find conscientious and competent veterinarians conveniently located almost everyplace.

It is wise to select and get acquainted with the vet of your choice before trouble happens. Today's veterinarians are busy professionals; they don't often go to one's home. Their more complex equipment for examination and treatment is office-bound, so you should go to them.

Know if the veterinary hospital is found within a short drive of your home; determine what the office hours are, and whether it is possible to get emergency care after hours or on weekends and holidays. When inside the hospital, see if the facilities are clean, bright, and pleasant-smelling. Does the vet handle your dog diligently? Is he or she willing to talk about problems, treatments, and fees? Are the staff courteous and cheerful and, most important, tolerant to animals?

The important point is to search professional assistance before an ailment is advanced and the treatment unnecessarily hard or expensive. Don't forget that, like everything else these days, the cost of animal care has multiplied considerably. Some large cities have pet clinics for those not able to pay normal fees. Your local human organization can guide you to these.

 

© 2011 TW