THE
owners
HOW TO PLAN A LONG LIFE FOR YOUR FUR BABIES
HANDBOOK
Owning a dog is a rewarding experience but comes with many responsibilities. From
providing proper healthcare to ensuring they get enough exercise, there are many
things to consider when becoming a dog parent. In this ebook, we’ll highlight some
of the obvious things you need to consider and some things you may not have even
thought about.
©2023 Workaletta Inc. | All Rights Reserved | Written by AI and Humans
DOG
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OWNER BASICS
YOUR FUR BABY IS A HUGE LONG TERM RESPONSIBILITY
Dog ownership is a long-term commitment, and it’s important to be prepared for all the changes that come with it that impact you and your pet.
As you and your dog grow older, your life will change. You might work more, have children, want to travel, etc. Your dog will have new needs as
well. They will need more frequent vet visits or special care as their health changes with age. You’ll need to adjust their diet or exercise routine as
they age. It’s important to consider how all changes in your life will affect your dog and how changes in your pet will affect you. Being aware of
these early on can help you prepare to make sure that you and your dog have a long and happy life together.
Dogs eat and poop A LOT. And the bigger the
dog, the bigger the poop, but don’t kid yourself.
Some of those minis also pack a punch. Dogs
are also known for their love of eating anything
and everything. Unfortunately, you’ll also be
dealing with vomit and other smelly accidents,
which you’ll have to clean up.
Shmoopy shmoo, poopy poopy cutie cutie
shoppy woopy moopi doopy, hmoo, poopy
poopy cutie cutie shoppy woopy moopi
doopyhmoo, poopy poopy cutie cutie shoppy
woopy moopi doopy.
Dogs are super cute and instinctively know how
to ‘work’ their human. They rely entirely on us and
learn quickly how to get what they want even if
you don’t know you’ve given it to them. With one
look from them, you might cancel your Friday night
plans or rush home from your day out because of
the guilt you feel leaving your pooch at home.
Want a dog? Get ready to...
10-15
15+
8-12
$1,500-$9,000
UNLIMITED
YEAR LIFE
EXPECTANCY FOR
SMALL DOGS
MINIMUM HOURS
OF DEDICATED
TIME PER WEEK
OUTINGS PER
DAY (AVERAGE)
INCREASES WITH
AGE OF DOG
YEAR LIFE
EXPECTANCY FOR
LARGE DOGS
IS THE AVERAGE
COST RANGE/YR.
TO HAVE A DOG
UNCONDITIONAL
LOVE AND
COMPANIONSHIP
PICK UP LOTS OF POOP AND PUKE
FEEL GUILT, LOSE YOUR SOCIAL LIFE
START TALKING DOGGY TALK
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THE “MUST KNOW” LIST
FOOD
BEFORE YOU DECIDE LIST
ONCE YOUR DOG IS HOME LIST
TIME
TYPE/AGE
MIND
SPACE
VETERINARIANS
TRAINING
FINANCES
LIFESTYLE
Will you have the time to walk your dog at least three
times a day? Will you remember to exercise them
regularly, on a schedule that your dog requires? If the
answer is no, you should stop here and consider a fish
or other low-demand animal companion.
It’s time to change your mindset now that you’ve
brought your dog home. Your day will be filled with
walks, playtime, and snuggles with your new furry
friend, but it won’t always be easy. Your routine will
change drastically, so stay strong as you shift gears to
accommodate the latest member of your family. Getting
nervous is normal. The good news is that you might
spend more time outdoors, as your dog encourages
you to get out and explore - which is always a good
thing.
Dogs like having their own space; if you have a puppy,
they will need their own dedicated area in case of
accidents. In addition to making room for their bed and
crate, a good practice is to doggy-proof your home by
removing any potential hazards like loose wires, toxic
plants, cleaning supplies, etc.
What you start feeding your dog when you first bring
them home may differ from what you’ll feed them
in 12 months. Dogs, like humans, have preferences.
They might also have unique diet needs as their bodies
change. Make sure you plan for this.
A veterinarian can be an excellent source of information
to help you choose the best pet to suit your lifestyle
and needs. Not all vets are the same; you want a
veterinarian that best matches your needs. Do your
research. Read online reviews of the vets in your
community, ask groomers in your area who they
recommend, and make interview appointments with
them. This will be a lifelong relationship, so the choice is
essential.
To maintain a happy home, try to get into a training
mindset from the get-go, especially if you have a puppy.
Training is as much for the owner as it is for the
puppy or dog. Take a course that teaches you all the
basics and allows your dog to socialize with other dogs
while they learn.
Different jurisdictions have their own dog ownership
laws. Some may require all dogs to be licensed and
vaccinated, and others might have leash laws or breed
restrictions. Familiarize yourself with the rules and
ordinances to ensure you follow them correctly.
Selecting a dog based on how popular or cute it is, is
one of the worst decisions you can ever make. There are
thousands of examples of dogs who have been
unceremoniously dropped off at an animal shelter
when they show themselves too high energy, needy,
intolerant … the list is endless. Make sure your
decision is based on reality, not emotion or a trend.
Dogs cost money. Outside of the initial cost, you should
make a list to add up all costs to ensure you can afford
your pet. Food, insurance, grooming, and healthcare. You’ll
be surprised how much properly caring for your pet costs.
LOCAL LAWS
Understand the breed you’re interested in and be open
to changing your mind if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Ask
many questions about the dog and the breed before
making any final decisions. You can’t change breed
characteristics. Also, strongly consider adopting a dog
in need of a new home. They are full of love and, in
many ways, better than getting a puppy.
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Most people might not know this, but the history of dog food is
more complex than you might think. In fact, the most popular and
affordable form of dog food (kibble) wasn’t even a thing until short-
ages in everything from meats to metals during world war two re-
sulted in necessity once again becoming the mother of invention. All
available meat and metal were reserved for the war effort. The met-
al used to make cans for dog food was no longer available.
Companies continued to innovate to keep up with demand by using
by-products from cereal manufacturers. They’d create a shelf-sta-
ble food that could be sold in bags, known as kibble. This dry, cheap
food had a very high-profit margin and, not surprisingly, has become
a multi-billion dollar industry. Back in the 1950s, the initial push was
to convince people that dry kibble was a healthy option for a pet,
and it took 45 years for pet food companies to persuade people
that pet food should be the only food your pet should eat, but is it
really? Well, it depends on how and where it is made.
There is a lot of research on dog food, and a simple Google search
might help you make the right decision. Search terms like “high heat
kibble dog food, the truth behind dog food” to help you decide
which direction is right for you. From a practical standpoint, making
food for your dog using known healthy ingredients eliminates the un-
known and allows you to control what your pet eats.
HISTORY OF DOG FOOD
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TECHNOLOGY
ADOPTION
Dogs are loyal companions, but like humans, they can experience health problems. Here are ten of the most common health issues that dogs
face and the associated costs with treating them:
Ear infections: Symptoms include scratching and shaking the head. Treatment can cost up to $500 per ear.
Skin allergies: Symptoms include itching, redness, and rashes. Treatment can cost up to $1,000 per year.
Urinary tract infections: Symptoms include frequent urination and accidents in the house. Treatment can cost up to $500 per infection.
Arthritis: Symptoms include limping, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Treatment can cost up to $3,000 per year.
Dental disease: Symptoms include bad breath, yellow teeth, and gum inflammation. Treatment can cost up to $1,000 per year.
Diabetes: Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and fatigue. Treatment can cost up to $3,000 per year.
Eye problems: Symptoms include redness, discharge, and cloudiness. Treatment can cost up to $2,000 per eye.
Digestive problems: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Treatment can cost up to $1,500 per year.
Heart disease: Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Treatment can cost up to $5,000 per year.
Cancer: Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer. Treatment can range from $1,000 to $20,000 or more.
Injuries, spine, skeletal: You’ll know when your dog is not acting like themselves, these injuries could last years cost $1000s per year.
With the high costs associated with dog health issues, pet insurance can be a wise investment for pet owners. Insurance plans cover a portion of
veterinary costs for accidents and illnesses, including many of the issues listed above. Some plans also cover routine care such as vaccinations and
check-ups. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind knowing that unexpected expenses can be covered. Depending on the plan, premiums can
be affordable, and deductibles can be tailored to fit different budgets. Additionally, pet insurance can help owners avoid making difficult decisions
about their pet’s health due to financial constraints.
IT’S NOT ALL FUN AND GAMES - DOGS GET OLD, AND SICK TOO
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FOOD
HEALTH
TECHNOLOGY
ADOPTION
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If you’re a dog owner, you’ll be tempted to buy the latest gadget fo your pet but the truth is,
dogs don’t understand the concept of price or how trending something is so you might want
to save those hard earned dollars on the really important things like pet insurance and food.
That said there are two categories of gadgets that might be worth you looking into, and the
investment because of how particularly useful they might be for dog owners, and their pets:
GPS trackers: These devices can help you locate your dog if they ever get lost. GPS trackers
come in different forms, such as collars or tags, and connect to your phone via an app. They
typically use GPS, cellular networks, or both to pinpoint your dog’s location. Some GPS track-
ers also offer features such as activity monitoring and virtual fences that alert you if your dog
leaves a designated area.
Interactive toys: Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Interactive
toys, such as puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing balls, can keep your dog engaged and enter-
tained while also promoting problem-solving skills and reducing boredom. Some toys can be
controlled via an app, allowing you to interact with your dog even when you’re not at home.
If you’re the type of person that just has to have the latest for your furry friend, at least with
thes picks you have peace of mind knowing that you can always find your dog and keep them
happy and stimulated.
FUN AND GAMES
NOT TAUGHT IN SCHOOL
TECHNOLOGY
ADOPTION
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HEALTH
Are abandoned or given up to shelters and only 10% of those dogs find final homes. That’s a sobering statistic. There are so many reasons to
adopt a dog versus getting a puppy. First and foremost you a saving a life. Aside from that there are tremendous benefits to getting a dog from
a shelter.
It can be one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. Not only are you providing a loving home for a dog in need, but you are
also gaining a loyal and faithful companion who will show you how much they appreciate what you did from the day you bring them home.
Many adoptable dogs have already been house-trained and may have received basic obedience training too plus you’ll get a glimpse of their per-
sonality too - but don’t be fooled, a shy timid dog over time, will show you his or her zany characteristics once they feel at home. Be patient,
it’s worth the effort as adopting a dog can bring joy, love, and fulfillment to both the dog and their owner.
If you’re really stuck on the idea of a specific breed check out this link:
https://petsguidemagazine.com/breed-specific-rescue-groups/
So you can find the breed of your choice and still help a furry friend in need.
MORE THAN 4 MILLION DOGS PER YEAR...
NOT TAUGHT IN SCHOOL
HEALTH
ADOPTION
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BARKIMONIALS
Chevy
Trixy
Ru
Jinx
SENIOR RESCUE
LOST AND FOUND
YOU BETTA BE SURE SHE WAS
BACK TO WORK!
PURCHASED AS A PUPPY
My new family made sure to under-
stand all my needs before bringing
me home. I don’t like kids or cats. I
want to be the center of attention
and that’s what I get every day! I love
my new family.
I’m not the most obedient dog which
is why my family purchased a GPS
tracker as recommended in this
ebook. I’m so thankful they did as
they were able to find me after I had
wondered off chasing a bird.
I’m a working dog and got hurt.
Thank goodness my parents got me
the right care so that I could get back
to what I love doing in record time.
I was what was considered a super
easy dog right from the get go. I’m
smart, I listen, I didn’t have many
health issues but now, my parents
are thankful they got me insurance
as healthcare needs as I get older.
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