Puppies are adorable, good companions and a friend for life. However, it is saddening to know that pet abandonment in Singapore has increased by 30% in 2022. So how do you know if you are ready to commit to buying a puppy in Singapore? It takes not only money but also time on your part to ensure that your puppy thrives and gets the love and care it deserves.
Today we have come up with a checklist to help you decide on whether you should buy a puppy in Singapore.
1. You are ready for a lifetime commitment
Buying a puppy is akin to adopting a child – you need to commit to it for the long haul. The average lifespan of a well-cared for puppy can reach up to 20 years! Smaller dogs generally enjoy longer lives than larger dogs. Veterinary records have also shown that dogs less then 9kg tend to have an average lifespan of 11 years while those above 41kg have an average lifespan of about 8 years. Dogs that weigh in between fall around the middle at 11 years as well. So if you are thinking of getting a puppy in Singapore, do bear in mind that you should be in it for the long run.
2. You have enough space for a dog
While you do not need a big yard to own a dog, you need to have enough space for your puppy to get comfortable and roam around when you first bring it home. It is also crucial for your dog to have a dedicated space to relieve themselves, be it at a nearby park or a designated area within your apartment.
3. You have the patience and time
Whether you decide to get a puppy or shelter dog, you will need to devote some time for training. Training a puppy takes a lot of effort and patience as it learns new commands and discipline. It also takes time to puppy proof your house to ensure they don’t come into contact with anything they are not supposed to such as chemicals, medicine or anything dangerous that might injure them.
4. You take the time to choose suitable dog food
With a myriad of options to choose from when it comes to commercial dog food, it is not surprising for dog owners to resort to the most convenient option. However, it is important to know that puppies require a different type of diet compared to adult dogs. Puppy food are higher in calories, specifically in terms of proteins and fats, in order to support their high energy needs. In fact, puppies burn more energy just to keep their bodies warm. This is because their bodies can’t regulate their own body temperature as efficient as adult dogs. An easy way to do this is to buy dog food that are labelled “for all life stages” to ensure your dog gets the nutrition it needs to thrive.
It is also important to note that different sized breeds have different nutritional needs. For example, larger breeds require dog food catered towards providing nutrients to promote musculoskeletal health especially when they are still puppies. This is because they may tend to develop musculoskeletal issues as they grow older as compared to smaller breeds.
5. Everyone is agreeable to get a puppy
If you live with other people, it is crucial to get them on the same page in terms of adding a puppy to the family as a new family member (or housemate). This is because you need to make sure people are first comfortable around your puppy, in order for it to be able to have the chance to be comfortable at home. Being aware of the context at home is also important.
For example, if you already have strained relationships at home, or an unstable one, it might not be healthy to introduce a puppy in case it intrudes into others’ space.
If you find yourself agreeing to the points above, it may suggest you are mentally ready to get a puppy or dog. However, it is important to do the necessary financial and social planning around this introduction as well.