3 Lifestyle Changes to Expect When You Get a Dog

If you’re thinking about expanding your family by one furry member, it’s necessary to consider all that will change after the new pup crosses his adorable little paws over your threshold. There will be another mouth to feed, more bath times, more exercise—but there will also be a whole lotta love!

Like with anything, making the decision to adopt a puppy is a significant one; dogs, much like children, demand excellent care if they’re to thrive. After bringing your little one home and getting him situated with vet appointments and adorning him with his personalized and oh-so-cute dog ID tags, you’ll see that there’s more to raising a pup than what’s shown through Instagram filters.

Here are three lifestyle changes you can expect when you bring a new dog into your household.

You will never be able to eat a meal in peace again.

When you sit down to a meal, be it at the dining room table or on the couch, your dog will look at you in such a way that screams: “Help me! I’m suffering from starvation!” It doesn’t matter that they were fed before you and just swallowed up an after-dinner treat. They will attempt to make eye contact with you using their sad puppy dog eyes, but whatever you do, don’t make eye contact back! A force greater than yourself will move your hand to take the food from your plate and feed it to the pup; the pup who is not starving but rather well-fed.

Also, something to note, people food is not generally good for dogs. Food stuffs like grapes, almonds and ice cream will harm your pup and could lead to pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening disease. No matter how much your dog begs, remain vigilant; you’re doing it for their health!

Spontaneous weekend trips are off the table.

Waking up on a Saturday morning to find perfect for a weekend road trip won’t allow you to get and go anymore; now you’ll have a dog to worry about. Will the place you’re going allow dogs? Does your pup do well in the car? Do you have a friend you can call at the last minute and ask to puppy sit? If the answer to any of the above is no, then you’ll need to start planning your weekend jaunts.

Exercise is not an option, it’s mandatory.

The benefits humans get from exercise, like physical wellness and emotional health (you know, the good stuff!) is what dogs need too if they are to have happy, long lives. Dog walking provides physical and mental stimulation to your pup and helps them to better socialize with other humans and dogs.

PetMD reports that regularly walking your dog “can help reduce or eliminate any of your pet’s destructive chewing, digging or scratching. Pets are like children: If you are not giving them something constructive to do, you may not like what they choose to do.” Not only will regularly walking your dog aid them in their physical and mental health, it’ll do the same for you too. It’s a win-win!

Despite what you may have to “give-up” for a pup, their companionship, love and loyalty are well worth it. To shower your pup with appreciation, take them for walks, feed them right and buy them their own unique dog ID tag with Hot Dog Collars!