We don’t get to choose our biological family but choosing a pet is our own decision. Thinking about how to choose the right pet is very important so that things do not get messier later on. Randomly picking up any pet is the biggest mistake you can make. Pets are not non-living objects that you can put in your house for show-off. These beings deserve as much love and attention as humans which is why you should fully assess your compatibility with pets in ways that are discussed further.
How to Choose the Best Pet for You?
Choosing the best pet is not always easy and may take more time than you think. The factors that are mentioned below can help you find the right pet for you.
Energy Level of Your Pet
Just like every individual, the energy level of every pet is also different from one another. Some are very active while some are laid-back. Active pets may require regular exercise and a strict training regime. If you are an individual who is slightly laid back then bringing such active beings into your household may not be a very wise choice. Dogs or cats with lower energy levels can be great to ensure a harmonious relationship with laid-back individuals but active people will have a great bonding with active dogs or cats.
How Much Time You Can Commit to Your Pet
Some pets require more time and attention than others. Dogs in general need more attention from their family members than cats. Dog toys and other accessories are important to engage the dog but cats can lie around or be happy on their own. Some dog breeds even suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a very long time. If you can’t commit much time to your pet then it will be great to bring breeds that are comfortable if left alone for quite some time.
Space Available in Your House or Apartment
How much space you have in your house or apartment is also an important factor you should consider before bringing in a pet. Dog breeds like German Shepherds and Great Danes are not suitable to live in a small apartment where their movements can be confined, they require a large area to freely move around. French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, and Chihuahua are some of the best dog breeds for apartments.
Watch Out for Allergies
It may not be a good idea to add a furry being in your family if any of the family members is allergic to pet dander or is very sensitive towards fur and feathers. Dog breeds like Bichon Frise, Poodle, Maltese, or Yorkshire Terrier are good choices if someone in the family is allergic to dog fur. Bichon Frise is also the best pet for a beginner as it is a low-maintenance dog. You can also think about alternative options like fish and reptiles.
Financial Requirements of a Pet
Different pets have different financial requirements. You need to think about regular veterinary care, food, dog chews and treats, grooming, and other expenses if you are bringing a pet home. Some dogs are low maintenance with minimal requirements but some of the pets are maintained at a very high cost. Choosing a pet also depends on how much you can expand on the maintenance of your furry friend.
Lifespan of Your Pet
The average lifespan of a pet is another factor one needs to consider. Smaller breeds of dogs can be around for 15 to 18 years, a medium-sized dog can live for 10 to 12 years and the lifespan of large dog breeds is even less. You need to mentally prepare yourself for the responsibility of your furry friend through its different life stages. Young pups and adult dogs need different kinds of care, be ready to provide it to them.
Living Arrangements
How you live is another factor that comes into account when you think about choosing a pet. Whether you have a family or live with roommates, whether you have children or not, everything needs to be assessed to know what kind of pet can be suitable for you. The size, breed, and energy level of your pet should be according to your living arrangements.
Personal Space
People may not realize but some pets need personal space more than others. If you can provide the space for pets like a Cavalier King Spaniel, then it can prove to be the best pet for a beginner. You can also have a Golden Retriever or Labrador if you have children at home because such pets are very friendly with children and have minimal requirements for personal space.
Going through above mentioned factors thoroughly can make you realize how to choose the right pet for you. Pet owners also need to assess what kind of pet supplies they are going to need as different dog breeds have different needs.
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