VET COLUMN: Would having a puppy fit in with your lifestyle?

Summer will soon be here, which means lovely weather, being outdoors – and minds turn to getting a puppy.

A dog is a wonderful thing to own and enhances any family. But it is a long term commitment both financially and time-wise so consideration and research before you go ahead can make all the difference.

Does your lifestyle work for a dog?
A puppy will take a considerable amount of time in its early days. They have loads of energy, they wee and poo and chew and cry and steal and dig and jump up and bark and these are all perfectly natural puppy behaviours which take a lot of time, effort and experience to deal with.
Once older, a dog needs exercise and company. Can you provide this every day of the year?
Dogs are extremely sociable animals and find being on their own for long periods extremely unnatural and stressful. There are many good dog walkers and day care centres that can care for your dog during the day, so working does not need to prevent you having a dog as long as these types of arrangements can be provided and afforded.
Can you afford a dog?
Your dog will have an average life span of 12 years and the cost of owning one is estimated at around £16,000 -£31,000 depending on size, according to research by the PDSA.
As well as food, you need to consider vets bills. Your puppy will need to be vaccinated every year, treated for fleas and worms regularly, neutered and microchipped. You will need a savings fund to provide for veterinary treatment when things go wrong and insurance to cover the big vet bills.
Certain breeds require regular trips to the grooming parlour, kennels when you go on holidays and day care as mentioned above. Vitally important, in my opinion, are good quality puppy training classes, preferably for several months until your puppy has grown through its adolescent behaviours and blossomed into a beautifully adjusted family member.

Research your choice
Then you can start researching breeds in order to choose one best suited to you. Talk to lots of people who work with dogs and have experience of loads of individuals and breeds.
If this is all carefully and responsibly considered you will give yourself the best chance of having a wonderful companion for years. No promises, dogs come with their own characters and potential problems but good preparation can go a long way to forestall this
And remember, even if you decide to get a suitable breed rather than the one of your dreams, ALL puppies are cute and you will love yours deeply once you’ve had it home for half an hour.