4 Things Vets Say You Must Know Before Adopting a Dog

With recent research revealing more pets are being put down to rising vet bills and dog shelters at an all time high, a vet has shared advice on what they wish owners knew before rehoming or adopting a dog… 

Dr Suzanne Moyes, in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care says: “While it’s great to see demand for rehoming and adopting dogs increasing, it’s important to consider whether a dog is the right fit for your routine and lifestyle. 

“Unfortnately, despite the best efforts from rescue centres to make sure dogs find suitable homes, we often see a rise in demand for adopting dogs over the summer months. 

“This is often due to the school holidays being in full swing and people being more active as they’re outside their normal routines. However, when people return to work and school, dogs can often be neglected and even returned to rescue homes. 

“It’s important to consider a few key factors before adopting a dog to help ensure your four-legged friend is the right fit for you.”

Dr Suzanne Moyes goes on to share essential advice to those thinking about rehoming or adopting a dog… 

Consider the lifetime costs of owning a dog

Dr Suzanne Moyes says: “While owning a dog is a dream for many, it’s important to be realistic about the costs involved of owning a dog before committing to one. 

“From vet bills, insurance, food, toys, bedding to even day care or dog walking costs, there are multiple costs associated with owning a dog. 

“According to the PDSA, the average annual cost of owning a dog is around £2,000 but this can vary depending on the dog’s size and breed. 

“The PDSA estimates that the lifetime cost of owning a dog can range from £16,000 to £31,000, excluding potential veterinary costs.

“All dogs should have a routine vet check-up at least once a year, but puppies, senior dogs or those with health conditions will need to see the vet more frequently.”

Don’t assume all breeds will be the same 

Dr Moyes continues: “It’s important to take note that some breeds will be more expensive than others due to health complications or requiring a different diet. 

“Breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers often experience a range of issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer or other genetic conditions and therefore might require more veterinary support.

“Brachycephalic breeds, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, have short-nosed, flat faces and commonly encounter health problems due to breathing difficulties. 

“Generally, the breeds which experience less health problems include Terriers, Whippets and Siberian Huskies. 

“However, each dog is unique and their health can never be guaranteed, so being prepared for additional vet bills is important for owners to consider.”

Don’t cut costs on food 

Dr Moyes warns: “While many dog owners cut costs down by opting for a cheaper dog food, it’s important to ensure you’re choosing a high quality solution for your dog, to keep them healthy. 

“Lower cost dog foods may not provide the same level of nutritional support and have ingredients that vary with each batch made

“Owners should look for dog food that contains functional ingredients to support their dogs’ health. These could include ingredients such as beet pulp and prebiotics to support digestive health. Rescue dogs are often stressed which can lead to an upset stomach so these ingredients can offer a real benefit. 

“Owners will also want their dogs to look in great condition so foods with fish oil and zinc will help skin and coat health.

“If owners are looking to save costs on food then one of the first things to look at are the feeding guides on the food and the body condition score of their dog. 

“Almost half of dogs in the UK are obese, so feeding the right amount of food will help to promote a healthy weight while potentially saving money from overfeeding.

“Using dry food as opposed to wet food from pouches or cans will also be a cheaper option. This will allow owners to buy a high quality dry food with added ingredients to support their dogs health.”

Consider if your lifestyle is a match for a pet

Dr Moyes says: “Dogs are social animals and require daily exercise and human interaction to keep them happy and healthy. 

“Always make sure you can accommodate this in your routine before committing to a dog to prevent them from becoming depressed or developing health issues. 

“If you do have a changeable lifestyle or travel a lot, make sure you have friends or family or can pay for care while your away to keep your dog happy and cared for while you’re away”

While taking on a rescue dog shouldn’t be a sudden decision, it can be a rewarding one if you have the right lifestyle and financial situation to properly care for one. 

Luxury Life Magazine – the luxury lifestyle magazine for discerning readers around the world.