Dog Preparedness Checklist
1. Medical Treatments
Dogs require yearly veterinarian checkups and vaccinations, and preventative medication. A puppy will need a whole set of initial vaccinations. If you've taken in a stray older than 4 months, he'll need an all-in-one shot, plus the rabies vaccine.
2. Food and Supplies
- Dog food
- Toys
- Crate
- Collar
- Leash
- License
All these can cost upward of $500 per year, depending on the breed. A puppy's first-year expenses can run to roughly $900, including food, toys, neutering, vaccination and other items. Factor these figures into your annual budget if you're going to take the responsibility of pet ownership seriously.
3. Affection
While all pet dogs need lots of affection, the active attention your dog requires will depend as much on his breed as on his personality. While all breeds exhibit particular exercise and behavioral characteristics, you can never be completely certain what your dog will do next. Make sure he is well-trained, secure and well cared-for. Play with your dog often and give him plenty of chew toys.
4. Living Situation
Single apartment dwellers should think twice before acquiring an energetic dog, and never get a dog for your child unless you want one yourself. Children can help, but parents should be prepared to take on all dog-care duties, since youngsters don't always keep the promises they make when they first set eyes on a litter of cuddly pups.
5. Environment
Simply bagging and disposing of dog waste is no longer enough. Check out the environmentally friendly composting units made for this problem, or use a commercially available mix of water and enzyme powder, which will break down your dog's stools.
6. Interaction With Other Animals
Keep your dog on a leash when stray or strange animals are around, and when he will be in contact with other species. No dog should be let loose on a wildlife preserve.
