A leading veterinary surgeon gives practical advice to would-be dog owners who are thinking of taking on a puppy of rescue dog this Christmas.
The UK is reported to be a nation of dog lovers. There are approximately 13.5 million pet dogs in the UK as of 2024, with 36% of households owning at least one dog. This makes dogs the most popular pet in the UK. Christmas is a time when people consider buying puppies as presents for family members but sadly this often results with many of these dogs ending up in rescue centres after the festive season is over or simply abandoned. Every year rescue centres have to prepare for the influx of abandoned dogs which as the Blue Cross reports is often due to their care requirements not aligning with the new owner’s lifestyle as many of these dogs result from impulse buying.
Dr Veneta Kozhuharova DVM, MRCVS, Cert.CFHVNut. who is Director of Associated Veterinary Services and also a top pet nutritionist based in Rainham in Kent, takes a look at the things people should consider before taking the plunge to become a dog owner.
Type of dog and living environment
The first thing you need to consider is what sort of dog is suitable for your living environment and how much exercise are they going to need? Larger breeds may need more space to move around, while small breeds can be content in apartments.A fenced garden or nearby parks make it easier to exercise the dog. Apartment dwellers may need to walk the dog frequently so you need to consider if this fits your lifestyle. You also need to consider if your living space is safe and equipped for a dog by removing any hazards and making sure there are plenty of chew toys to distract your dog to avoid destructive behaviours.
Choosing the right breed of dog is important. Dogs require time and commitment from regular exercise, to training and socialisation especially at the puppy stage. They also require companionship. Many dogs do not like being left at home alone and this can result in destructive behaviour if they are not getting attention. Each breed has its own characteristics so it is important to do your research first to see what sort of dog would suit you or your family. The Kennel Club can be an important source of information for this and there are now downloadable aps available which ask a series of questions from which you can chose from a number of suitable breeds that match your requirements. The aps will look to match your lifestyle, energy level and size of dog, living environment and your working and family needs.Remember taking on a rescue dog may add on other pressures. They may need more emotional help to adapt and could take a little longer to bond. Make sure as well to buy a puppy/dog from a reputable breeder or rescue centre.
Financial Costs
The most important thing to consider is the financial costs of taking on a dog. These can include adoption fees, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and initial supplies (bed, leash, toys, etc.). Ongoing costs will include food, grooming, dental care, vet check-ups, flea/tick prevention, and pet insurance and then are the unexpected costs such as emergency medical care, behavioural training and boarding during travel. Dogs are a long–term commitment and can live 10-15 years so you need to consider how your lifestyle may change over the decade. Make sure you have the time to commit to the emotional needs of being a dog owner and that you are able to meet the legal and social responsibilities that come with owning a dog.
Getting the right nutrition
One way that you can prevent costly veterinary bills is to get the right nutrition for your dog at an early stage. Look for life stage foods that adapt to the different growing needs such as puppy, adult and senior foods. These cater for the differing physical and energy levels of dogs as they age. Choose a dog food with real, named animal protein (like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish) as the first ingredient. Dogs thrive on high-quality animal proteins that help build and maintain muscle mass. Avoid generic “meat by-products” or unnamed meat sources, which are often lower quality and can,lead to digestive issues or allergies.
Make sure that the food you are feeding your dog is balanced and labelled "complete” and contains the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial for skin, coat health, and reducing inflammation. Calcium and phosphorus are important for bone health.
Look for foods that have whole natural ingredients containing dog friendly vegetables and fruits which are grain and gluten free to avoid and allergies and intolerances and avoid any foods that contain artificial colourings or preservatives.
Choosing a premium food as opposed to a cheaper diet
We are all experiencing a cost of living crisis at the moment and most dog owners are probably looking to count the pennies when it comes to feeding their dogs but choosing a cheaper food may not be the right thing to do and in the long term, could lead to ongoing health issues. If you chose a cheaper dry kibble for example, you may be required to feed your dog more due to the reduced protein level in the food and some of these foods contain low quality ingredients which can lead to food allergies and intolerances. This can lead to costly vet fees.
There are many types of diets out there, raw, dry, air dried, freeze dried, wet and dehydrated but most agree that the best way to keep a dog fit and healthily is to feed them a diet that mimics what they would have eaten in the wild. I have spent most of my career helping to gain export certificates for animal feeds which led to my decision to create my own dog food, Dr Veneta.”
Dr Veneta Freeze-dried food is the latest phenomenon in the pet food market. It marries the convenience of a traditional kibble with the nutritional value of a raw diet. The intricate freeze-drying process safeguards both the nutritional structure and shelf life of the products to create a far-reaching range that supports the ongoing health and wellbeing of your dogs whilst providing them with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is also convenient and easy to use, highly digestible, grain free, is a complete meal, uses human-grade natural ingredients such as raw meat and vegetables and is high in protein. The food is suitable for all sizes and breeds of dogs from 6 months of age. The kibbles themselves also make excellent dog training treats and can be used as a topper to improve the nutritional value of other foods.
The food does not just support the wellbeing of dogs, but also their microbiome which is responsible for so many physiological functions that happen in dogs’ bodies and where 84% of the all-important immune system resides. Each recipe has been designed to tackle ailments seen in an everyday veterinary practice – elderly dogs, anxiety, joint problems, poor digestion and skin irritations. In addition to herbs and superfoods, a “hero” ingredient, Nutritional Yeast which is fermented and gluten free and very palatable to dogs has been added to support and feed a dog’s microbiome. All meat proteins, vegetables and fruits are British and locally sourced supporting local communities.
Dr Veneta is available in four varieties: STAY MOBILE (Chicken Swede & Blueberry) STAY CALM (Turkey, Pear & Apple) STAY SHINY (Turkey, Salmon, Carrot & Blueberry) STAY WELL (Chicken & Rabbit, Apple & Pumpkin) & STAY YOUNG (Pork, Pumpkin & Pear).
The food is great for controlling the weight of your dog as you do not need to feed as much. You will find that you can feed your dog a much better whilst helping to prevent the common health issues that lead to costly vet bills.
So to conclude, before you make the plunge and buy a dog weigh up all the factors involved and make sure that you choose a dog that matches your environment, lifestyle and more importantly, your pocket. That way you will make a friend for life.
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