I think if you’re here it’s safe to say you love animals. You probably have a pet or two, or maybe you’re thinking about getting one. So here are some things that I would like you to consider before bringing a canine companion home.
Do your homework
Dogs are truly amazing. There are so many mental and physical health benefits to owning a pet. Here’s an article to learn more on that. But for the relationship to have the best chance to be a positive one for you and your new dog, please consider if the dog you want is a good fit for your life and vice versa. If you will be out of the house for long hours every day, for example, think twice before getting a breed of dog that will require an intense amount of exercise and/or mental stimulation unless you are planning on using daily doggie daycare or a dog walker or giving your dog some other outlet for his energy. Example breeds include border collies, Labrador retrievers, Australian shepherds and others. Failure to provide high energy breeds with adequate exercise and mental stimulation can result in chronic anxiety and behavior problems for your dog.
It’s also worth looking into the general types of genetic issues common with the particular breed you are interested in. Take the English Bulldog. They are super cute and very popular. But as any vet will tell you, they are plagued with all types of physical maladies: heart disease, arthritis, skin allergies, and of course, breathing problems (like all brachycephalic breeds). If you choose to purchase a bulldog, be prepared for ongoing veterinary care and prescription medications requiring a significant investment of time and money. Other breeds have some predisposition for underlying hereditary diseases that at a minimum can require some additional screening tests. Doberman pinschers, for example, are prone to a bleeding condition called VonWillebrand’s Disease. Australian shepherds and related breeds can have an MDR1 mutation that can make them very sensitive to certain medications. Goldens, labs and German Shepherds are over-represented in terms of risk of hip dysplasia. This is not to discourage you from getting one of these breeds (ok, I AM discouraging you from getting a bulldog). It’s just a heads-up to be informed and prepared.
Not all “breeders” are equal
Unfortunately there’s just not much regulation or oversight for breeders. The term has been applied to everything from responsible, knowledgeable individuals, puppy mills, and the backyard breeder who either decided to have a litter or who had an accidental breeding. Breeding healthy dogs and responsibly raising puppies for sale is a lot of work and requires financial investment. Unfortunately, we see a lot of pet owners who purchase a dog and then want to “get their money back” by having a litter of puppies to sell. If you choose to purchase a puppy from a breeder, do some research. Good places to start are the kennel club directory for your specific breed and state (i.e. the Mid-Florida Golden Retriever Club), referrals from other pet owners, and your veterinarian. Reputable breeders will often give you a lot of helpful information about going home with your new puppy and how to care for them. Please verify all of their advise with your veterinarian, however.
No matter where you purchase your puppy, most states require that you be provided with a certificate of veterinary inspection (a health certificate) stating that the puppy has been examined by a vet, given its first vaccines, checked for parasites and dewormed. A piece of paper with some handwritten dates and/or stickers is NOT the same. Plan to take your newly adopted dog or puppy to the vet within the first few days after bringing them home to make sure they are healthy and to plan for any needed care.
Pet stores
Some dogs come from a breeder (or puppy mill) by way of a pet store. When they were younger, my kids always loved going into the local pet store to see all the dogs in the window and even ask to play with one. I always felt so sad to see all the puppies crammed into tiny cages basically 24 hours a day. As a veterinarian, I have seen puppies come out of pet stores with pneumonia, parvo virus and a variety of parasites. Most have recovered and gone on to be healthy dogs with appropriate care. There are definitely challenges that puppies in pet stores must face due to stress, overcrowding and infectious diseases, not to mention the price tag. But when you fall in love with the doggie of your dreams, it may not matter where they come from or what obstacles they need to overcome.
Rescuing a dog
There are so many different ways to rescue a dog these days. You can go to a shelter or other adoption site and hope that your next furry friend choses you. You can adopt a dog directly from a friend, family member or acquaintance who can no longer care for them. You can find your next fur baby online or through social media. Who knows? He or she may even show up on your doorstep. However it happens, make sure to get your new dog to the vet within a few days to get them checked out and find out what, if anything, they need. Your vet can give you advice on helping your new family member adjust to your home.
There are a couple of common misconceptions that I hear regarding rescued dogs that I would like to address. The first is that you never know what you’re going to get in terms of health and temperament. I would argue that can just as easily be the case for a pure-bred dog from a breeder or pet store. In fact, many mixed breed dogs (the majority of rescued dogs are mixes) have a lower predisposition for breed-related genetic diseases than their pure-bred counterparts. The second misconception is that a “free dog” should continue to not cost much to take care of. I’m not sure how this argument makes sense, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heart the comment “So much for my free dog” after discussing a recommended treatment plan with a dog owner.
Get Insured
Once you bring your new baby home, look into pet insurance! It may help you save your dog’s life (and your wallet) some day. Pet insurance is different from human health insurance. The insurance company pays you typically instead of paying your vet. So you still have to be able to pay your bill, but in the case of a serious injury or illness, it could save you thousands of dollars and potentially help you afford care that might otherwise be out of your budget. Most pet insurance plans cover just accidents and illness and not routine care, but there are a variety of companies out there for you to choose from. Whoever you choose, they pretty much all exclude pre-existing conditions. So get your policy as soon after getting your dog as possible!
What to expect at the vet
When you bring your new dog or puppy to the vet, bring all the records you have from the purchase/adoption of your new baby, along with any medications or supplements you have for them. Take a picture of the container for the food you are using so you will remember the name, and be prepared to report how much (in cups!) and how often you are feeding your dog. Write down all your questions to help you remember everything you want to ask about.
At your first visit, your pet will have a physical exam, the vet will review the records you have brought and then make recommendations about testing (fecal tests, heartworm tests, bloodwork), vaccines and medications/preventatives. Your vet may also make recommendations about possible diet changes. For puppies, they usually need to have regular preventative visits for exams and vaccines starting at 8 weeks and continuing every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. There may be discussion about spaying or neutering. This is also a good time to discuss any behavioral concerns. If your dog is an adult, some vaccines may still need to be boostered, but typically not as many times.
Here to help!
Bringing a new dog into your life and into your home can be life-changing in so many ways. There’s no one right way to do it. Just know that your vet is there to help and support you as you start your life with your new companion!