Ветеринар назвал четыре критических шага, которые необходимо предпринять перед усыновлением собаки

Vet urges people to do 4 crucial checks before adopting a dog A vet has urged anyone looking to adopt a dog to consider four points before making a decision, arguing it's the 'most impactful thing' you'll do for the pup. It's no secret that getting a pet is a big decision, and a responsibility that should include plenty of research and consideration, not only for you, but also to guarantee you can give the animal the life that they deserve. While dogs are the most common pet in the UK, they do require a lot of work and attention - especially if you're getting a puppy or adopting from a shelter. And the different breeds available also have different needs that also need to be considered. To help people make the best decision for them and their potential future dog, one veterinarian named Alex, who is known on social media as 'Alex the vet' where he often shares tips and tricks for pet owners, has shared four crucial things he urges everyone to consider before getting a dog. "The single most impactful thing you can do for your future dog happens before you ever bring them home," Alex said. "And it's not training, it's not insurance, it's not the vet that you choose. It's researching the breed properly before you buy them." He went on to explain that, as a vet, most of the health, welfare, and quality of life issues that he comes across come back to owners not fully realising what they were getting into when getting their dog. "So here's what actually matters to research before you commit to a breed," he said, before sharing his advice. 1. Health issues common to breeds "Number one is the health issues common to that breed, because almost every breed has predispositions," Alex said. Different dog breeds face unique genetic health risks. Short-nosed dogs often struggle with breathing, long-backed dogs risk spinal damage, and large dogs commonly get joint dysplasia. Knowing these risks helps owners catch early warning signs, while also helping future dog owners predict any future vet costs. "Doing this beforehand doesn't mean don't get that dog, but it gives you a heads up as to what to plan for both emotionally and financially," Alex said. 2. Exercise and mental stimulation needs For the second point, Alex urged people to research the exercise and mental stimulation needs of each dog breeds, saying: "Border collies and Frenchies are wildly different animals." Different dog breeds have very unique physical and mental needs. High-energy working dogs need hours of intense activity and brain games, while low-energy companion dogs need only short walks and simple play time every day. "And if you work full time and live in a flat and then buy a working line breed, both you and your dog are gonna be miserable," Alex said. 3. The cost of the dog He went on to say: "Number three is the honest lifetime cost of the dog. Not just the price of the puppy, but the food, insurance, vet bills, grooming, training over the next 12 to 15 years at least." This once again comes back to the varying health issues with different breeds, but also if you need to pay for more advanced training sessions with your pup, or going to get them groomed professionally. "Some breeds are two to three times more expensive to keep than others, mostly because of vet bills," Alex explained. 4. What the breed was bred to do For his final tip, Alex urged people to research what the breed they're interested in was actually bred to do, arguing that a companion breed with a working ancestry often can't switch off. "And that mismatch is where a lot of behaviour problems come from," he explained. "Now, this doesn't mean don't get the dog you want," Alex said. "There are some breeds that I would strongly advise against for ethical reasons. But always choose a dog after doing your research." "Look them up online, watch videos or even talk to people you know that have that breed and adopt if you can," he added.