Do you really need pet insurance if you are a responsible pet-owner? We love our furry friends, even those without any fur, but the costs of having a pet are mounting and there is a lot of pressure on pet-owners to have the “best” of everything. The simple truth of pet-owning reality is a lot of what we do spend on our pets is simply unwarranted for their benefit – what we spend really is about making ourselves feel better.

If you’re thinking about adopting a canine, you’re likely planning on a puppy. Most people instinctively think of bringing a puppy home rather than an adult dog. But there are several reasons to consider the latter. We’ll present seven of them below.

Few canines can resist the lure of food. If they see it, they’ll usually try to acquire it. This includes leftovers on the dinner table, scraps that have fallen to the ground, and items that are left sitting on the kitchen counter. A plate of food on the lap of an owner who has fallen asleep on the couch is likely to be eaten before he awakes.

Bringing a new dog home, and introducing him to your other pets, can be challenging. If your current pet has lived alone with you for years, he may dislike the idea of now being forced to share “his” space with another animal. On the other hand, if you have recently brought home a young pup, he may look forward to having the company of another canine. Every case is unique, and should be approached accordingly.

If you have ever taken a look at your dog’s paws, you’ll realize they are the toughest part of his exterior. There is good reason; they have several jobs to perform. They do more than merely protect his feet. They function as padding that protects his joints when he walks or runs. They also insulate the bottoms of his feet, which is invaluable when the ground is cold or hot. There is also soft tissue beneath your canine’s pads that is protected from injury.

Owners have grown accustomed to their canines lifting their legs to mark trees and bushes during routine walks. The behavior is motivated by more than a mere need to urinate (and in some cases, defecate). It is a way to communicate territorial ownership. If it is only done outside, few owners would complain. The problem is that many dogs mark inside the home.