When you decide to add a new puppy to your family, it can be a very exciting time. There is nothing better than cuddling a tiny furball that smells of puppy breath. But a puppy quickly becomes a dog, and both puppies and dogs will change your life forever. These are some of the ways my dog unexpectedly changed my life.
Finances:
In the first months of life, your puppy can cost you quite a bit. There are a lot of vaccinations he/she will need to stay healthy. There are also the usual expenses like food, collars, leashes, bedding, and more. These are all things I thought about before getting a dog, but what I didn’t count on was other major medical problems that can accompany any dog.
From the very beginning, my dog has had some recurring medical issues that were totally unexpected. We have battled countless ear infections, bouts of vaginitis, severe allergies, and more. One of the most expensive medical issues she has had, is an ACL injury. The ACL is a ligament in the knee, and when it ruptures or tears it almost always means the dog will need surgery. The cost of ACL surgery varies depending on the age and health of your dog, and the procedure the veterinarian uses to repair the knee. For us, what was supposed to cost $1000 and take eight weeks to repair, has now taken over three months and has cost us over $1500 and she still isn’t healed.
The best advice I can give to any dog owner is expect your dog to be costly, and be surprised when he/she isn’t.
Loss free time:
When you add a dog/puppy to your family, you should expect to lose a good amount of your free time. Dogs need a lot of time and attention. When my husband and I decided to add a puppy to our family, I knew I would lose free time due to things like play time, exercise, and general care. What I didn’t account for was the pack mentality of beagles, and the severe separation anxiety some dogs experience.
We learned early on that our dog didn’t like to be left alone, she didn’t even like being in another room. When left alone she would howl as loud and long as should could. We tried everything, including crate training and a noise “no bark collar,” but nothing worked. For us the only solution was to treat our dog like a child. When we need to leave our dog alone, we get a sitter, even if it’s for a few hours.
When you take a dog into your family, you are 100% responsible for their needs. There is a chance that your dog may require more time, attention, and/or money than you thought. Your life may be forever changed if you add a dog into it. So, you should think long and hard about the commitment you are about to make before getting a dog/puppy.
More from Threesia:
Hidden Dangers for Your Dog at Public Parks
Dog Obesity — Obesity Isn’t Only a Human Problem
What You Can Do to Help Stop Puppy Mills