4 Things That Change When You Get a Dog

Congratulations on becoming a first-time dog owner! Now comes the fun part: endless cuddles, someone to make you laugh, and unconditional love.  However, along with all these perks, also come plenty of responsibilities. It’s essential to make sure that you understand the full picture so that you know exactly what you’re getting into. 

Once you become a dog owner, your life will change in many ways.  Here are some of the biggest ways that your life will never be the same again. 

You Have More Expenses

A lot of first-time dog owners don’t realize that a dog costs much more than dog food and a water bowl.  In fact, dogs can cost thousands a year without even realizing it.

From visits to the vet to fencing your yard, there will be all sorts of dog-related expenses that pop up. Make sure that you have some savings set aside to anticipate any sudden costs you didn’t see coming.

You Base Your Social Life Around Taking Your Dog Out

In many ways, dogs can be just as much responsibility as kids.  However, unlike kids, you can’t exactly take your dog everywhere.  There will be times that you have to leave social events early so that you can go home and let your dog out.

This is why there are so many dogs that end up being put up for adoption.  Their owners don’t realize how much their lives have to bend for the well-being of their dogs.  Leaving your dog indoors for more than a few hours isn’t an option. Even well-trained older dogs need to be let out after 8 hours.  You’ll need to be there to take them out for a walk and to do their business.

There Is Hair Everywhere

Surprise! Dogs are hairy!  As a result. Your life is about to become hairy.  Unless you want to sit in piles of dog scruff on every possible surface of your home, you’ll need to brush and groom them regularly.

Regardless of how much you groom them, however, hair is still a part of pet life. If you aren’t the kind of person that can deal with a little slobber and hair, then you are in for a big surprise.

Your Patience Will Be Tested

There will be a learning curve for your dog, even if you adopt an older one.  Your dog will need time to learn your rules and adapt to your way of life. You may even lose a few pair of shoes in the process.

Just like caring for a child, caring for a dog involves an exceptional amount of patience.  However, with enough love, you’ll make it through those tough moments.