Pros and Cons of Having a Dog

 

Having a dog is like having a furry companion who we can trust, play with, and after a long tiring day cuddle with. Dogs are loyal and protective and they love us so much but having a dog as a pet comes with many responsibilities and challenges which are often overlooked before having a dog.

Globally, 57% of the people have pets of which 33% have dogs which shows that they are the most popular pet in the world. They are often called a “man’s best friend” and they totally do justice to this title with their amiable and loyal behavior. With proper training, they even listen to commands like sit, stand, and fetch. But everything has a positive and negative side so let's discuss the pros and cons of having a dog.

Here are some reasons why dogs are the best pets on earth.

Pros

• Having a dog makes us physically active and fit. Like humans, dogs also require proper exercise for their body, hence, the owner has the responsibility to take his/her dog on a walk or to a park at least 2 times a day. This is not only beneficial for the dog but for the owner as well.

• Spending time with your dog can make you feel calm and relaxed. It also increases the level of dopamine and serotonin in our brain which gives a feeling of pleasure. After a long day just grabs a toy and play with your pup, it will surely put a smile on your face.

• Owning a dog makes you more social and gives you an opportunity to make new friends who have pets. There will be a common topic to discuss and your dog can also make new dog friends as it is important for dogs to have a social life as well. Many of your fellow friends and relatives who can’t have a dog for whatsoever the reason may come to your place more often just to play with your furry pet.

• Dog owners recover quickly from illness as compared to non-dog owners. Truth be told, people with dogs who experience ill effects of heart failures are twice as likely to completely recover from those without a dog.

• According to a study, out of 700 surveyed people, 85% think that individuals look more approachable when they are with a dog and make you more attractive to potential love matches.

• Dogs love us unconditionally. They are always ready to shower us with their kisses and even sense our emotions through licking. They always cheer us up when we are in a bad mood and make us happy with their cute and funny acts.

Here is a list of best dogs for families.

Cons

• The responsibility of a dog is not easy. It is just like a newborn baby and it requires a lot of care. If a person is willing to take all the responsibilities and accept the challenges only then he/she should buy a dog.

• Time constraints play a very important role in the cons of having a dog. We all are busy with our hectic schedules and having a dog means that you have to at least take out 4 hours per day for your dog which includes playing with them, feeding them, and taking them out for a walk, or else the dog will feel lonely and may even go into depression.

• Travelling is also bounded when you have a dog. You can’t take your dog everywhere you travel as it will be difficult for the dog to adjust and not all places are pet-friendly. If you are thinking about going on a vacation for a week you have to first think about a decent place for your dog to stay and even then it won’t guarantee that your dog will be okay without you.

• Owning a dog is very expensive. They also have the same requirements as humans like having good quality food and treats and regular check-ups at the vet. Before buying a dog, one should be financially stable and be sure if he/she can provide all the necessary things to the dog. Not being able to take good care of the dog will make the dog’s life difficult and stressful and can lead to many diseases which will also lead to a lot of expenses for the treatment.

• The most difficult part of having a dog is obviously saying goodbye. Our furry companions do not have a long life span like ours. The average age of dogs is 10-12 years and many die even before this time span due to diseases that do not have proper treatment.

Learn more about the disadvantages of having a dog.

Conclusion

Before buying a dog or any pet, one should be aware of all the pros and cons and make a practical decision. One should not treat dogs like a toy they can bring home and play with. Dogs are emotional and get easily attached to their owners. One should not abandon or ignore them and should treat them as their own child.

Our furry pets are very friendly, loving, and loyal and they expect the same from us. Their life also matters and one should take proper care and responsibility once they become a dog parent.

Get a glimpse of the personality differences of dog vs cat vs bird lovers.

Written By - Aarushi Jain

Edited By - Khaled