Being a dog owner is a long-term commitment. Knowing that you will be responsible for the life you are raising in your house is one thing when you have a family, but it’s a whole other ball game when you have a pet. Dogs can’t tell you when they feel sick or sad. 

Not in so many words, anyway. In a practical sense, it’s good to understand what makes a healthy dog so that you can keep on top of their health and save your budget. An unhealthy dog can become very expensive so the more you look after your dog with a regular multi-vitamin for dogs. And frequent veterinary visits, the better. Before you search for your brand new best friend, let’s look at some of the ways you can make buying a dog an easy choice.

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– Should you buy a puppy or a senior? Purchasing a puppy is adorable, but it takes a lot of work, and they have tons of personality, which means you have a lot to learn. It’s essential to remember that they will require a lot more time and attention than a senior dog would. Training and socializing takes a lot of time, so if you can’t devote this time to it, then make sure you seek a dog of a different age. Senior dogs are often less healthy than puppies, but they are trained and more your speed. You have to ensure that you are conditioned into their health issues before purchasing. 

– Is your dog active or calm? Dog walking is an extremely important part of the day for a dog. No matter the size or breed of the dog you have, you need to ensure that you are giving them adequate exercise out of the house. Otherwise, they can become destructive and anxious. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow you to walk a dog at least once or twice a day, then you should consider a more low maintenance type of pets, such as a cat that can remain indoors. Some dog breeds are highly active by nature, which means that you have to be on top of this at all times.

– Are you considering a small dog or a big dog? Larger dogs make larger poops, and they also require a lot more food. They also need much more space than a Chihuahua or a toy poodle. Larger dogs have more endurance, but they will cost you a lot more money in terms of food budgets and cleaning up. Smaller dog breeds are more suited to smaller environments. If you live in a mobile home or an apartment, you might find a small dog breed like a Chihuahua a better option. Caring for smaller dogs is also cheaper because they eat less and are lower maintenance.