What are the pros and cons of having a dog? This is a common question among people planning to get dogs as their pets. If you’re among this set of people, don’t feel overwhelmed, as this article will guide you in knowing the necessary things before getting a dog. We’ll examine the pros and cons of having a dog, and by the end of this post, you’ll have decided!
Pros and Cons of Having a Dog (PROS)
1. Companionship
Dogs are loyal and famous for forming strong bonds with their family. They provide meaningful and loving companionship and are always there to welcome you back home. When they’re happy to see you, you’ll mostly see them wagging their tails with their faces beaming with joy.
Dogs can sense when you’re sad or lonely and are always ready to cuddle up. Also, if you train them well, they can guide blind people, help you walk, and detect seizures. All these things contribute to the great companionship that dogs provide.
2. Exercise
If you love exercising but feel lazy, a dog can motivate you. Most dog breeds need exercise to stay healthy, and walking them daily is a chance to exercise your body too. Aside from your cardiovascular benefits, exercise with your dog can reduce stress and anxiety. Thus, it improves your mental health.
Further, walking with your dog can allow you to interact with others. It could be with other dog owners or people who came out to enjoy the air. So, if you need a motivator to lead a healthy lifestyle, get a dog.
3. Protection
One of the pros, among the pros and cons of having a dog, is the protection they provide. Every dog loves to protect their owners; it’s more like a way of showing loyalty. They have strong senses of hearing and smell, which allows them to detect possible threats. When they detect these threats, they then alert their owners by barking.
While it’s in every dog’s DNA to protect, some breeds are specially trained for protection alone. Thus, you’ll find that some breeds are more protective than others.
Aside from physical protection, dogs can offer emotional security to their owners. With them, you feel more secure that you have at least one loved one in your home. Don’t miss this opportunity for these protections, and get a dog today!
4. Socialization
As I said earlier, dogs are wonderful social companions that help their owners build relationships. When you take a dog for a walk, it’s only normal to meet other dog owners at the park. And with time, you become friends with some of them.
Even when discussing with people at the park feels awkward, dogs can break the ice and provide a common interest to bond over. Also, if you have children, dogs can help them learn social skills as they learn to care for them.
You can take them for training sessions to increase your socialization with your dog’s help. This way, you can meet other people and even learn new things you never knew you could teach your dog. That’s another wonderful pro among the pros and cons of having a dog!
5. Mental Health Benefits
While we’ve discussed a little about the mental health benefits of dogs in point 2, we’ll like to buttress our point here. When you spend quality time with your dog, your body releases more oxytocin hormones. In turn, your stress and anxiety reduce.
Dogs can give you a new purpose in life, which can be particularly helpful if you suffer from depression and other issues. Also, caring for a dog can give you a routine and a new sense of responsibility that doesn’t even give you a chance to brood. In addition, dogs are always there to help you fight isolation and loneliness.
Pros and Cons of Having a Dog (CONS)
Now that we’ve discussed the pros among the pros and cons of having a dog, let’s discuss the cons. Read on!
1. Cost
While dogs have several benefits, they can be very expensive. The initial cost of buying can be higher, depending on the breeds you choose, as some breeds are more costly than others. That’s not all! What about the ongoing costs of food, care, toys, and grooming?
You can’t care for your dog alone when it falls sick, as you’re not a vet. Yet, veterinary care can be costly, and dogs need regular checkups and vaccination. Also, there are extra costs that come with training and boarding sessions.
However, if you believe the benefits you’ll get from having a dog are worth spending a fortune on. Then why not? Get one for yourself!
2. Health Concerns
Another con among the pros and cons of having a dog is their health concerns. Dogs suffer from many health issues, including rabies, Lyme disease, and salmonella. These diseases are not limited to them alone, as they can also trigger allergies in some people. Some of these allergies include sneezing, itching, and breathing difficulty.
While some breeds suffer minor health issues like ear infections and skin allergies, others suffer major ones like heart diseases and cancer. However, they can all be costly to treat and affect your dog’s lifespan.
Further, if not properly trained, your dog can pose a safety risk, as they can unpredictably bite and attack your visitors.
3. Noise
Some dog breeds bark too much, disrupting neighbors and leading to complaints. Also, various stimuli can trigger dogs to bark, including other dogs barking or loud noises. Apart from the fact that your neighbors might not find it funny, it can’t be fun for you too.
Further, some breeds love to howl, disrupting your sleep at night and making you less productive during the day. But if you can train them to bark properly, you can overlook this con and get a dog for yourself!
Conclusion
Dogs offer several benefits, including protection, exercise, and mental health benefits. However, they also have potential downsides, including health concerns, noise, and cost. So, consider the pros and cons of having a dog before buying or adopting one.