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September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month. If you are already a dog owner, you are very familiar with what it takes to care for a puppy or a dog. You have to accept all tasks that come with having a dog: from buying food to cleaning up after your dog to veterinary bills. It\u2019s a huge responsibility! So for those of you wondering if you\u2019re ready to take that plunge into doggy parenthood, think about what it takes to be a responsible dog owner.<\/p>\n
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1.\u00a0Affordability<\/strong><\/p>\n Having another life in your home always means more expenses. If you are struggling to pay your monthly expenses, you may want to wait on getting a dog. If you\u2019re financially stable, then let\u2019s chat about the expenses. First, the essentials: food, a collar and leash, poop bags, grooming tools, a kennel, ID tags, a microchip, shots, veterinary bills for procedures (like spay and neuter) as well as preventative care. And we often enjoy getting our dogs some extra goodies: toys, a bed, food and water dishes, winter gear like booties or coats, etc\u2026 In the end, the love and joy your dog will bring you is priceless, but if you can\u2019t afford what your dog needs, it\u2019s best to wait until you are more prepared for the costs of owning a dog.<\/p>\n 2. Commitment<\/strong> 3. Safety<\/strong> 4. Health \u00a0<\/strong> Are you willing to commit to what it takes to be the parent of a dog? Once you know you can handle the responsibilities, you can truly enjoy a new furry family member! Whether you are looking for a puppy or an older dog, check out your local humane society or a dog rescue to see what dogs are up for adoption. Happy searching for the perfect dog for your family!<\/p>\n September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month. If you are already a dog owner, you are very familiar with what it takes to care for a puppy or a dog. You have to accept all tasks that come with having a dog: from buying food to cleaning up after your dog to veterinary bills. It\u2019s a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8198,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[17,83,443,444,27,445,446],"class_list":["post-1991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-animal-emergency-referral-center-of-minnesota","tag-dog-health","tag-dog-lovers","tag-dog-owner-responsibilities","tag-dog-owners","tag-dog-parents","tag-reasons-to-adopt-a-dog"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nIf you are always out of town for work or are only at home to sleep, having a dog might not fit your lifestyle. A dog needs you. You have to be ready to devote time for play, cuddles, walks, meals, grooming, baths, cleaning up after your dog, vet visits, and training\/obedience classes. You can\u2019t expect to only have to manage the playing and cuddling. You have to be ready for all aspects.<\/p>\n
\nAre you ready to dog-proof your home? This includes keeping your dog safe from health risks. No more leaving food out (especially not toxic items like grapes, chocolate, nuts, etc\u2026). You must place particular items like antifreeze and rodenticides up on a high shelf in the garage where your dog can\u2019t access them. Be prepared for your dog to get into anything and try to eat it.<\/p>\n
\nYou also have to be willing to keep your dog healthy by taking trips to the vet, cleaning teeth, grooming, preventing obesity by exercising, etc.\u2026 And what if an emergency occurs? How much are you prepared to spend in case your pet has to visit the pet ER or a veterinary specialist?<\/p>\n![\"reasons](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Untitled-design-2023-01-13T152421.518.png\")
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