Author: Alexandra Doherty

If you are an animal lover, you might be harboring a dream of having a pet for years. An adorable four-legged creature can bring a surge of happiness and warmth to your life. Especially if you have a dog as a pet, you gain a best friend and unconditional love for a lifetime.

Having a dog or any other pet is a long-term commitment. Do not make the grave mistake of adopting a dog on impulse. You might suddenly become enamored of a fluffy dog, but there are many things to consider. A dog is like a newborn baby; they come with tons of responsibilities and also worries.

Treating Dogs using Kratom and CBD

Dogs or any other pets are prone to accidents. They run around and injure themselves. Just like humans, they also have mood swings and experience anxiety and stress. One of the frequent worries of dog owners is how to cure such issues to get their dogs back on a happier, healthier side. Fortunately, vets recommend a few natural methods to heal dogs or other pets.

Herbs such as  maeng da kratom are beneficial for relieving chronic pain, stress, and depression in dogs. The presence of mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine in the plant produce anti-inflammatory properties. Despite no formal research, CBD suggests positive results on dogs. It might help in pain alleviation, controlling seizures, anxiety, and stimulating their appetite. These natural remedies often prove more effective than prescribed drugs. So future dog owners, this information might come in handy to you!

Know these things before adoption

However, this is not all. You need to be aware of several other things if you are seriously considering adopting. Let’s make that a bit easier for you. Here is a list of 7 things you ought to consider before having a dog.

• Carefully consider your family and living arrangements. Talk with your family members if they are okay with having a dog and if you all are willing to divide the responsibilities required. You have to decide whether there is enough living space in your house. Dogs need space to run around, and it is unhealthy to confine them inside a limited area. If you reside in a building, make sure the policies allow for pets.

• Money: Welcoming a dog into the family is like adding a new family member. You have the financial obligation to take care of your dog. Having a dog is a far more expensive task than you expect. Apart from adoption fees, there is a cost of getting your dog spayed or neutered. The bulk of the money is spent buying high-quality, nutritious dog food, giving proper vaccinations, and taking vet checkups. Besides, there are additional costs of treating accidental injuries. There are further expenses on necessary dog articles such as a dog collar, leash, and other essentials. You might have pet health insurance to cover up the unexpected costs. The wallet will keep emptying, so you need to be honest about whether you are financially adequate to afford a dog.

• Opt for dog shelters instead of pet stores. Whenever you look to have a dog, always adopt from local rescues or dog shelters. They usually give the initial round of vaccination and take care of the spaying/neutering before final adoption. They are inexpensive compared to pet stores which make massive profits by selling the pets. Dog shelters euthanize thousands of dogs each year due to abandonment or lack of want. So visit or do online research on the reputable rescue shelters; make a note of the policies they provide. Also, choose a dog breed that is suitable for your lifestyle and surroundings.

• Pet-proofing: Whenever you look to have a dog, always adopt from local rescues or dog shelters. They usually give the initial round of vaccination and take care of the spaying/neutering before final adoption. They are inexpensive compared to pet stores which make massive profits by selling the pets. Dog shelters euthanize thousands of dogs each year due to abandonment or lack of want. So visit or do online research on the reputable rescue shelters; make a note of the policies they provide. Also, choose a dog breed that is suitable for your lifestyle and surroundings.

• Pet health care: As with any other family member, you need to provide for the physical and mental well-being of your dog. Most pet foundations recommend neutering or spaying the dogs as it prevents the possibility of tumors, cancer, and other infections. Regular vet checkups and proper doses of vaccinations are a must for your dog. Consult with the vet and buy medicines to keep your dog free of ticks, fleas, and heartworm diseases. Dental health is also crucial for dogs. For bathing and trimming purposes, you can take them to a professional groomer once a month, or you can do it yourself. Dogs also need exercise to stay fit and sustain their energy. Pet experts suggest at least an hour walk each day for dogs. Most importantly, you need to keep them happy and relaxed by treating them with treats, chewing toys, and loads of love and affection.

•  Compromise with your social life. Dogs are 100% dependent on their owners for survival. You might have to cut down random outing plans or vacations where pets are not allowed. Also, look for pet sitters and avoid locking your dog at home alone when you leave for work.

• Training, commitment, and patience: When you bring a dog home, it takes time to adjust to the new surroundings. Patience is a must while training your dog with proper commands and setting the boundaries. You might encounter relentless mischiefs but remain committed to guiding them to the appropriate behavioral conduct.

Conclusion

The average lifespan of a dog is 13-14 years. Hence, remember that investing in a dog is a long-term commitment. A dog changes your life for the better, but there are consequences. If you are not ready to accept those duties, do not think of adopting yet. Otherwise, you will end up having regrets and deprive the dog of a loving, caring home.