Are you considering adopting a canine companion? Picking the right pooch can be pretty tricky, with so many sweet and adorable pups out there in need of homes. There are several factors to consider when deciding which dog is right for your household. A Bellaire, TX vet goes over some of them below.

Age

Age is one thing to ponder. A puppy and a senior dog have very different temperaments and care needs! Puppies are adorable, but they need a lot of supervision and training. If you have little kids, you’ll also need to be extra vigilant with petproofing, as toys can be serious choking hazards for our canine pals. Older dogs are calmer, but they may not be very active or playful.

Lifestyle

Although everyone has their own likes and dislikes, many families share similar interests. The Browns may love swimming, while the Foresters may be more into hiking. Choose a pooch that will fit with your lifestyle. For instance, if your clan loves swimming at the beach, a Pug may not be a great option, as they overheat easily and can’t swim safely.

Kids’ Ages

It isn’t just Fido’s age you’d need to consider. Children also need different types of care and supervision as they go through their childhoods. If you have toddlers, you’ll need to supervise them carefully, and make sure they don’t pull Fido’s tail or take his toys. Some dogs are also just going to be better with youngsters than others. 

Schedules

Many kids have full plates these days, and are juggling all sorts of extracurricular activities. If your little ones have your calendar filling up quickly, it doesn’t by any means indicate that you shouldn’t get a dog. Make sure you have time to give Fido the love, care, and attention he needs.

Living Space

You’ll also need to consider your home. If you have a house with a fenced yard, you have a lot more flexibility than a renter with no  yard at all. If you’re planning or even considering moving, you’ll want to take that into consideration as well. It’s much harder to find a rental that takes Saint Bernards than one that will accept a Chihuahua.

Fido Himself

Before adopting Fido, spend some time with him, and get to know him a bit. Adoption is forever, so it’s important to make the right choice.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Bellaire, TX pet hospital, today!