Being a Responsible Pet Owner: Part II

As we talked in the last blog, there are many so many things that go into making someone a responsible pet owner. We talked quite a bit about the psychological and environmental needs of dogs; now, I want to focus on the responsibility for the physical well-being of our dogs. I am going to apologize now for offending some of you. I am in no way suggesting that anyone is a bad dog owner for not doing any of these.

Healthcare, let’s just get this one out of the way first. It is a touchy topic for both people and pets. Our dog’s count on us for their healthcare, it is our responsibility to make sure that they are receiving the care and attention they need for a long and healthy life. Like with people, this healthcare is not cheap.  Our dogs should be taken to the vet for regular check-ups and preventative care. Here is a short list of some preventative care to do with your dog:  

              Regular Health Checks,

              Dental Cleaning,

              Vaccinations,

              Heart Worm testing and Meds (Check with your local vet to see if it is needed),

              Healthy Dog Food and Treats,

              Dog Safe Toys,

              Exercise.

Unfortunately, the last one on the list is the only one that may not cost a little more than the alternative. However, the preventative care will save you money in the long run. Being a responsible dog owner is expensive and should be considered when deciding to get a dog.

In addition to the preventative care, there are the emergencies that come up. Some breeds are more prone to health issues than others. As the owner, you want to take the steps to decrease/minimize any common health concerns for your breed. Again, the preventative care is always cheaper than waiting for something more serious to arise.

Please do not let this scare you away from getting a dog if you want one. Yes, owning a dog can be expensive…about $10,000+ during its lifetime, but the love, loyalty and companionship is worth every dollar.

I would like to mention that there are a number of companies that sell health insurance for your pets. If you are interested in pet insurance, please do your due diligence. If you have questions about pet insurance, you should check with your vet for information and to make sure that they accept the insurance company you are considering.

Remember that our four-legged family members count on us for everything from day to day healthcare to the unexpected emergencies. We need to all plan accordingly so we are able to provide the necessary care to allow them a full, long and healthy life.