SHOULD YOU GIFT YOUR FAMILY A DOG?

WED, 09 DEC 2015 BY LINDA ROSADO

Gift giving is on everyone’s mind during this time of year, and picking out that perfect present for your loved ones can be a daunting task. So when you pass by a window with puppies with adorably glistening eyes, the temptation to add a furry friend to your family is unbearable. During the holiday season, the idea of a cute, new addition to your festivities is enticing, but you should carefully consider if your family is ready for one. Here are some things to keep in mind before you ask how much that doggie in the window is this holiday season.

A DOG FOR THE HOLIDAYS STAYS YEAR-ROUND

Many parents get in the holiday spirit by giving their children a furry new friend during the holidays. Unfortunately, because of this sometimes impulsive decision, this results in pet mistreatment. The post-holiday blues can trickle in after the initial unwrapping; what was once exciting might have been a mistake. Before you bring home a pet, think of it as bringing in a newborn baby. Babies need special attention, to be well taken cared of and to be put on a regular schedule. Make sure everyone in your family is on board to tend to your new pet year-round and can give it the love and attention it needs.

MAKE A CHECKLIST BEFORE PUTTING A DOG ON YOUR GIFT LIST

Study up on the type of breed you were considering before you make the next step to purchase that pup for your family. Knowing what personality traits would work for your lifestyle and family members will help you gauge what’s best for you. Does a certain breed have a more outgoing personality or is it more introverted? Do you need a dog that needs minimal attention to do its business by a pet station or a lot of time for play? Whether you purchase your pet from a store or adopt from a shelter, you should keep these questions in the back of your head before you choose. Also, take the time to contemplate if a new pet would live in harmony with your existing pets, if you have any.

A WELCOME ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR NEW PET

If you haven’t already thought about it, a pet friendly community, with dog-friendly parks and other areas, is important to have to make the transition to new pet owner easier. Nearby veterinarians are also good to have in case of emergencies and to ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. If your community park doesn’t already have pet waste stations available, look into how DOGIPOT® pet stations can be installed and made accessible to every dog owner. After holiday festivities, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily stresses of life and neglect the new responsibility that joined your family. Making it easier to fulfill the needs of your new dog will fill your life with that same initial joy you got when you accepted your furry friend.

If taking the surprise out of gift-giving means telling everyone in the family about their new responsibility, so be it. All members of the pet’s newfound family should welcome it and understand what goes into taking care of it. A new dog is a great addition to any family, regardless of the time of year. But if you are planning it around the holiday season, you should take a moment to make sure you’re not getting caught up in the seasonal craze.