Congratulations on your decision to get a new puppy! Whether you want that cute puppy in the window, researching the perfect adoptable elderly dog, or you’ve already had your furry bundle of joy and you’re wondering, Ok “Now what?”
Here Is A New Series on How to Survive the First 6 Months and Living to Talk About It!
The most essential item? Your unconditional love.
Part 1: The How-to of Getting A New Puppy.
I was doing a little research before deciding upon my fur-ever buddy and there’s a lot of information out there! Before you even consider getting a new puppy, let’s look at a few of the things that you probably should know before getting that adorable furry bundle.
Understanding puppies’ needs and how to deal with them can help owners plan and create a forever life together. Puppies will chew on clothes or shoes, munch on furniture, will eat human food, and get into the trash.
In addition, here are just a few of the things people should consider before getting a puppy:
Will it change your lifestyle?
* More time spent at home.
How much attention does the puppy need?
* Potty training and teaching basic commands.
Do I have to puppy-proof my home?
* Some of the ways to do this is just like baby-proofing your home These include securing the trash, moving breakables out of reach, using gates to close off rooms or spaces also using a pen or gated area while you’re away.
Now There is The Cost of Bringing Home Your Little Bundle of Joy!
For the first 6 months and even before you bring home your new family member, there are a handful of one-time expenses!
The following is list of some of those expenses, some expected from adoption fees to teeth cleaning and some pet parents spend money in unexpected ways:
- Adoption Fees: $0 – $600
- Puppy Vaccinations: $75 – $100
- Flea & Tick Prevention: $40 – $200
- Potty Pads: $16 – $35
- Heartworm Prevention: $24 – $120
- Spray or Neuter Surgery: $200 – $800
- Collar & Leash: $6 – $50
- Stain & Odor Removers: $25 – $250
- Toys: $10 – $200
- Food: $40 – $60
- Poop Bags: $6 – $20
- Food Bowls: $10 – $50
- Microchip: $40
And this is just the basic beginning, oh my!!
Granted, it may seem like a lot to take in, but once you get past the first 6 months, there’s a lifetime of love and joy that can only be between you and your best friend.
