Should You Get Another Dog? The Important Considerations
Is it ever possible to have too many dogs?
Many canine lovers don’t think so. Still, it’s a question that’s worth asking, especially if you’ve already got your hands full with one or more four-legged friends. If you’re considering adding to your fine furry family, here are a few things to think about before you sign any adoption papers.
When getting another dog, you must also consider the fact that it will have a different diet from your current dog, especially if you’re getting a new puppy. An adult dog would have different nutritional needs and different appetites compared to a puppy. Your older dog is stealing food from your puppy? What’s going on? Check this article to see how to keep older dog from eating puppy food.
6 Things to Consider Before Getting Another Dog
The following factors are by no means the only ones you should weigh when deliberating whether or not to bring home another tail-wagging, sneaker-chewing, heart-melting bundle of joy, but they’re definitely some of the biggest things to take into consideration.
Breed compatibility
First and foremost, it’s essential to realize that not all dogs play nicely with one another. It’s a good idea to choose a breed that you can be confident will coexist peacefully with your current fur baby. For example, Labrador Retrievers, like those raised and sold by Snowy Pines White Labradors, are admired for their ability to get along with almost all other breeds. Not all pups will be such social butterflies, though, so research your prospective breeds before committing.
Expense
Let’s face it—dogs can be costly companions. You’ve got to house the dogs, feed them, groom them, provide them with toys and treats, and regularly take them to the vet to confirm they’re healthy. All those expenditures add up, and with twice the number of dogs, they’ll add up twice as fast. The question is, can your budget keep up with the bill?
Time
Money isn’t the only resource that your new addition will consume. If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know they require near-constant supervision. All dogs need attention, affection, and plenty of playtime, no matter their age. If you’re not sure you can offer these things while also setting aside valuable time for yourself, it may be best to put off procuring a new pooch.
Space
Between yourself, your stuff, and whatever spouses, roommates, kids, or other pets you have running around, free space may be a vanishing commodity in your home as it is. Throwing another dog into the mix will more than likely make your living conditions feel even more cramped—and possibly result in more things being broken, peed on, or hidden under the sofa.
Mess
Think about how much you clean up after your dog during an average week. Now, imagine doing double that amount. That’s how much more sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and disinfecting you can expect to do once you’ve got a pair of canines tearing up the place. If one of those pooches is a rambunctious puppy, you may have even more “fun” chores in store.
Commitment
Lastly, reflect on your motivations for wanting another dog and ensure that you’re willing to take on all the aforementioned challenges. Change is inevitable in life, and it doesn’t just affect where you live, what you do, or how much money you make, but also what your priorities are. Unless you can guarantee that your new pet will remain among those priorities, the answer is no.
Conclusion
Owning a dog is a big responsibility. Owning two or more can be utter chaos—unless, that is, you’ve performed all the necessary mental calculations and made sure that you’re going in prepared.
When it comes down to it, you’re the only one who can decide whether another dog is what your household needs to feel complete. Hopefully, the points highlighted here will help with that decision.
