Have you decided to adopt a dog? This is definitely a great time to bring a pup into your home. Many people are staying home a lot this year. That makes this the perfect time for training and bonding with a new pet. Of course, picking the right pup isn’t always easy. There are a lot of adorable pups out there in need of a home. A Downey, CA vet offers a few tips on this below.

Size is important for many reasons. Larger dogs are wonderful, but they cost more to feed, and need bigger toys and beds. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you are renting or planning on renting. Many landlords will only take smaller dogs. This can be a bit tricky to sort out if you’re getting a puppy. You can usually get an idea of how big Fido will get by his breed and the size of his paws, but you won’t know for sure until he’s grown.

Another thing you want to consider is how active your canine buddy is. If you love to go running, hiking, and camping, a small dog or couch potato may not be the best match for you. On the other hand, if you are more of an indoor type, you may do best with a calm, low-energy pooch, such as a Pug or Boxer.

Some dogs just don’t do well with other pets, especially cats. If you have other pets, make sure to choose a pup that will get along with his roommate. If you have a dog, introduce Fido and Spot before finalizing the adoption, and see how they do.

Breed isn’t the only thing that will shape Fido’s personality. However, it definitely plays a role. Do some research before deciding.

Needless to say, there’s no way to be sure how long Fido will live. However, small dogs tend to live longer than large pooches. If you don’t want a decades-long commitment, a senior dog may be a good fit for you.

Don’t overlook the dogs that aren’t as adoptable, such as senior pups or special needs dogs. These often make the most loving pets!

Please reach out to us, your Downey, CA vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!