Humans love dogs for many reasons, loyalty, affection and an endless source of Instagram-worthy moments are just a few. Yet pet ownership shouldn’t be taken lightly, even the cutest furry companion has their own set of challenges to consider. If you have been deliberating whether adopting a pup might be right for your home and lifestyle then here is a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
The Pros of Owning a Dog
Unconditional Love and Companionship
Dogs possess the uncanny ability to make us feel loved and valued. Whether it’s been an exhausting day at work, or you simply need a bit of company, your pup is there with its waggly tail to cheer you up and bring some happiness into your day. These four-legged companions make excellent cuddle buddies without judgment. Research shows petting one can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin which will put a smile onto your face.
Built-In Personal Trainers
Are you struggling with maintaining an exercise regime and find motivation lacking? Dog ownership could be your ideal accountability partner, particularly high energy breeds. Having a dog naturally incorporate physical activity into their (and your) daily routines through walks, runs or play sessions. Plus having one as your cheerleader when running in the park makes things a lot more fun.
Stress Relief, Science Approved
Interacting with dogs has long been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. From cuddling on the couch or engaging in playful antics, dogs have an incredible power to melt worries away (along with possibly your socks). Studies have even demonstrated how dogs can reduce blood pressure and enhance overall mental wellbeing.
Social Butterflies in Fur Coats
Dogs have an amazing way of uniting people. Take your pup for a walk and observe how effortlessly strangers strike up conversations, perhaps even making new friends at your local dog park. They serve as effective social icebreakers, which may help those who find it challenging to meet new people and make friends faster.
Unparalleled Security
Even small breed dogs can make excellent alarm systems. Their keen senses often alert them of any unusual activity nearby. And barking dogs may serve as deterrents against potential intruders, making you feel safer.
An Opportunity for Responsibility
Owning a dog can serve as an invaluable teaching tool in many families. Caring for one requires responsibility, empathy and discipline from children while feeding schedules, grooming appointments and playtime all require dedication, providing life lessons through fun.
The Cons of Owning a Dog
The (Sometimes Steep) Financial Burden
Dogs make wonderful companions, but their expenses can often be steep. In addition to adoption or purchase fees, you need to budget for food, grooming services, veterinary visits, training costs and unexpected medical costs. And should they develop the habit of chewing your designer shoes, you may incur replacement expenses too.
Time Commitment? More Like Lifestyle Commitment
Dogs are high-maintenance pets. From daily walks and grooming sessions, to vet appointments and attention-seeking glances, their care requires significant time and energy from you. If your schedule is already full, fitting their needs in could prove exhausting. As dogs don’t take vacations themselves, planning trips may involve either bringing them along or making arrangements for someone to watch them during your trips.
We’re Talking About a Literal Mess
There’s no denying it, dogs can be messy. From leaving behind muddy paw prints on freshly cleaned floors to fur-covered furniture and accidents during house training, pet ownership can wreak havoc with your home’s cleanliness. A lint roller may soon become your best ally.
Unpredictable Behavior
Even well-trained dogs can occasionally display unpredictable behavior. Chewing furniture, barking excessively or digging up gardens are among the many ways a canine may test an owner’s patience. Some dogs might also suffer from anxiety issues or possess aggressive tendencies which require professional intervention to manage.
Health Considerations
Dogs bring many pleasures into a home, but they can also bring allergens. Pet dander can be especially problematic for allergy sufferers while health-minded people may worry about potential zoonotic diseases that could spread between pets and humans. Maintaining proper hygiene and getting regular veterinary check-ups are necessary measures for mitigating such risks.
Saying Goodbye
A common sorrow of owning a dog is their short lifespans compared to ours, leaving one’s heart broken when your beloved companion passes on. Some fear this eventual heartbreak enough to prevent owning one altogether.
Understanding Dog Bites
Dog bites can be a serious problem for both the pet owners and the general public. While most dogs are friendly and pose no threat, circumstances such as fear, pain or feeling threatened can lead them to bite in self-defence or aggression. Proper socialization, training and supervision can significantly decrease incidents related to bites by teaching children safe interaction between them and the canines. Also important is for owners to address behavioral issues early with professional trainers and veterinary behaviorists as early interventions could prevent many bites in future incidents. There are also ways on how to handle dog bite injuries and it could possibly involve taking action against the owners, including legal actions.
Is Owning a Dog Right for You?
No doubt dogs bring great pleasure, entertainment, and value into our lives, but owning one comes at the price of time, money, and emotional investment. Before adding one into your home it is important to assess your finances, lifestyle and commitment levels. Can you cope with daily walks, fur-covered furniture and the occasional chewed shoe for unwavering love and companionship in exchange? If so, owning a pup might just be your perfect companion, or consider temporary fostering as an alternative option instead.
Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash
Conclusion
Owning a dog is more than a decision, it’s an experience too. While its rewards are many, the list of certain responsibilities that comes with owning one might not suit everyone. Before making this life-altering choice, it’s important to carefully consider all the potential outcomes before making your final decision. After all, both owners and dogs deserve loving homes where their needs will be taken care of equally well.
Main Image Photo by Stephen Andrews on Unsplash
