There are many factors to consider when choosing a pet. Having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) weighs heavily in the decision making process.  As a animal lover and owner of many dogs over the years, temperment, breed and animal size are very important issues to consider before making a commitment that will last many years.

Max

The first step in finding the right dog for you is research.  Go to the local library and read some books about the type of dog you may be interested in adopting. Research online; the American Kennel Club (AKC) and DogBreedInfo.com both have good sites with plenty of information to help you choose the dog that is right for you.  If you are interested in a shelter or rescue dog go to your local shelter and ask a lot of questions. Spend some time with the type of dog that you may be interested in before making the committment.

Daisy

Some of the factor that you may want to consider are:

• Size: I am speaking from experience here. I have a large golden retriever(Max) and a small silky terrier (Daisy). They are both good dogs and very loveable, but Max can’t help his size and when he gets excited he has been known to hurt me inadvertently.  I can’t count how many times his 80 pound self has stepped on my inflamed feet, or he has come bounding by and run right into a sore ankle. My golden retriever is loyal and kind but he can’t help his size and that is a factor with my rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  The little silky terrier is easier when negotiating small spaces and even though she has also stepped on my sore feet she is so small it didn’t hurt at all.
• Space: How much space does your potential pet need and how much space are you able to provide for it is another important factor.  Max takes up a lot of space and he frequently wants to be near me.  This means that on many occasions just trying to navigate around him can be a challenge. When I am flaring every extra step I have to take can be painful and the extra ones need to avoid the sleeping giant can be hard.
• Energy: Some dogs have boundless energy, others like to lay at your feet.  My silky terrier Daisy is a bundle of energy.  She runs all day long, she always has something to investigate.  At the end of the day she rests (usually just collapses from exhaustion).  It is important to factor in that this type of dog needs a lot of exercise and that may mean walking this dog plenty.  (As a side note, we have an ample yard and an invisible fence so that my dogs can run at will and walking them is a luxury when I am up to it.)
• Cost: Dog ownership is an added financial burden that you need to consider.  Veterinary costs can be expensive and regular feeding and mantenance costs can add up.
• Puppy vs. Dog: Puppies are cute and cuddly but they are baby dogs and require much more attention that full grown dogs.  The benefit to a puppy is that they haven’t learned any bad habits yet, but house training them can be a challenge when you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because a quick dash to get the puppy out may not be an option if you are in the middle of a flare.

Dog ownership has many important benefits. Dogs can lift your mood, decrease your blood pressure and reduce stress.  They are always happy to see you and give unconditional love.  They can be trained to be a great help as well although mine are just really good at giving love.