A Dog is For Life, Not Just For...

It is almost certain that you were able to complete the last word in the title of this article. Though it was first formulated and published many years ago, the phrase ‘A Dog is For Life, Not Just For Christmas’ is still known by pretty much everyone. This is good to know, as the simple message is extremely important; literally a matter of life or death.

What ISN’T good to know is that there are still lots of people to whom the message just isn’t getting through, and the sad results of this are something experienced at vets and rescue centres all over the country in the period immediately after Christmas.

If you are thinking of welcoming a new friend into your home this year, particularly if you have not owned an animal before, then we urge you to consider every possible aspect before you commit to the idea. Though the ‘Dog is For Life’ slogan focuses purely on our canine companions, the same consideration should be given to the potential acquisition of ANY animal as a pet and many of the points in the following guide apply to all animals.

Things to consider:

• Space. Infant puppies grow up to be adult dogs and you should take into account the typical size and strength, of the breed when fully grown. Dogs need a lot of space and feeling cramped will impair its development and temperament.

• Time. Dogs are extremely social creatures and one of the worst torments they can endure is to be left alone for extended periods of time. As well as time spent with them indoors, trips to the park will have to become a regular occurrence as dogs that are not exercised can suffer all sorts of issues that will also be problematic to you. Protest peeing, cushion chewing, blaring barking, tail tracking,..bad dog? No, bad owner.

• Money. Paying for the dog is just the start of it. Like most Christmas presents, a puppy arrives ‘batteries not included’ and it’s you that will be footing the bill when it comes to puppy power i.e. pet food, which is a recurring bill that will last the dog’s lifetime. Litter tray and litter when training, lead and collar, toys, pet insurance… the list of expenses goes on and so acquiring a dog is a financial commitment that should be closely considered.

We don’t want to sound like the Grinch, throwing cold water on your puppy-plans. In fact, we are of course all in favour of suitable owners finding suitable dogs, creating lasting friendships that nourish and enchant owner and pet alike. As a veterinary surgery, we have seen at first hand, many times over, dogs that have been the star of the show until December is over and then simply cast aside like so many festive novelties.

For this reason, it falls to us and other professionals working with abandoned and/or abused/injured animals to repeat and reinforce the statement,  ‘A Dog is For Life, Not Just For Christmas’. If you have carefully considered the responsibility and believe you can provide everything required, then we wish you many happy years with your new friend.

Check out our puppy starter pack, a comprehensive bundle at a rock-bottom price including full medical and vaccination course, weight check, nail trim, worming and flea treatment, advice pack, a month’s FREE Petplan insurance, tasty puppy food, poo bags and a development check with one of our expert veterinary surgeons.

As well as all of the above and perhaps most importantly, the Puppy Starter Pack from Daisy Street Vets includes the supply and painless placement of a microchip and registration on a central database, to help reunite you and your pet in the worst-case scenario of a separation. Microchipping a pet dog in this way is now a LEGAL REQUIREMENT.

Look our Puppy Best Start Vaccination Offer!