Should You Get A Dog?

So the time has come and you are thinking of buying a new pet. http://www.petmillions.com is the leading pet contest online supporting pet charities across the globe. Dogs and cats remain the most popular household pet, with 39% of US households owning at least 1 dog and 6.1 million in the UK. However every year close to 20% of animals find their way into animal shelters.

It's true what they say - dogs are mans best friend. They have qualities that cats simply don't. Dogs are intelligent, faithful and fun, unlike cats they will take up a lot more time and energy. Depending on the size of your dog you may also find they take up more space are quite expensive to look after.

So is a dog right for you? Here is the http://www.petmillions.com checklist...

Q) Are you out most of the day?
Q) Are you buying this dog for teenage children?
Q) Are you elderly and buying a puppy?
Q) Do you live in a flat or small house with no garden?
Q) Do you live in a city or area with little green/outdoor spaces?
Q) Do you have a limited income?
Q) Do you move around a lot?

If you answered yes to most of these questions you need to rethink having a dog.

So what do dogs need? http://www.petmillions.com offers some key things you need to remember if taking a dog as a pet.

Companionship - to be with other dogs or people and not to be left alone for too long.

A balanced and nutritious diet, and the occasional bone from the butcher or left over from sunday lunch to gnaw on

A constant supply of fresh, clean water, which is easily accessible to the dog

A bed, blanket and toys such as ball, dog rope and chew bones. Visit http://www.petmillions.com for loads of pet retailers and offers.

A strong fenced garden to play and exercise in, the bigger the dog the bigger the garden. the key is if they can't run and have to pant the garden is probably not big enough.

Short and Long hair dogs need to be brushed and groomed, at least once a day.

Like humans dogs need to see the vet dentist.

Regular walks and a lead for walking near traffic or farm animals.

Dog mess is pretty awful, but you MUST pick it up with a pooper-scooper.

Never leave a dog in an enclosed space like a car or small room, even with the window open.

A collar with identity tag Plus vet microchip.

To be properly trained.

To be neutered,if you want a puppy remember you won't get just one with your dog and pregnancy will be costly!

To be taken to a vet if they are ill.

Regular and necessary injections to prevent serious diseases.

Worming and regular flea treatments.

To be looked after when you are on holiday by a professional career or someone who can give your dog the time and attention it needs.

So if you think you have what it takes to look after a dog, then go for it and remember an animal shelter is a good place to start. Please vote for Coco in th epetmillions contest - http://www.petmillions.com/vote.asp?vote=1033 you will be supporting charities and animal shelters across the globe PLUS you can get a chance to win up to a $1,000,000 in cash!