Pros & cons of getting a dog? Been thinking about it for so long, but I’m worried about vet costs etc.
Pros & cons of getting a dog? Been thinking about it for so long, but I’m worried about vet costs etc.
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The pros and cons vary depending on your living situation. What kind of place do you live in? How old are your kids? Do you go on holidays a lot? Etc etc. I love my 2 dogs and pros are that they are funny, protective, part of our family, they are perfect to have around when you're sick or depressed its like they can tell and match your mood. Ours are amazing to watch because they are also working dogs, so they go with my partner every day to work. Its also important to match the right breed to your family and living situation, energetic breeds go well with families that are active and are able to take them with you on adventures.
Initial costs with desexing and shots are all you really have vet wise. Food is much more expensive. Go a smaller dog. One that doesn't bark a lot unless you want to invite cranky neighbours into your life
Cats are heaps better! They smell a lot nicer and aren't as needy, after having both I'd stick with cats.
Every dog owner I know has had to fork out a fortune for veterinary care at some point.
Some for emergencies, eg, my uncle's dog ate something dodgy, same dog busted his hip joint jumping off the couch, a friend's dog was attacked on a walk by an out of control off leash dog.
Others I know are for genetic issues some dogs are predisposed to or simply due to an aging dog, eg my aunts dog had heaps of dental issues, my workmate has a pug so he has heaps of breathing issues. My mum and her partner's dog had arthritis and they spent thousands making sure he had good quality of life during his senior years...
I think you need to be willing to commit to the basic upfront costs (desexing, microchiping and vaccinations) and onging regular vet check ups. In addition to that, you need understand that unexpected expenses can crop up and be able to manage those as they arise for the duration of 10-15 years!
Far too many people have pets they can't really afford, so my personal belief is that the financial aspect really needs a lot more consideration than most people give.
Just to add to this, a dog is also a very big time commitment.
It's important that you have the time to train the dog, walk the dog, play with the dog, feed the dog, clean up after the dog and just generally give it enough attention.
A lot of us are time poor these days and also spend a lot of time out of the house (at work/school etc), so that's something else a lot of people don't give enough thought.
Dogs are good for people who have anxiety, depression, ptsd. They bring comfort, diversion and something positive to focus on.
They are great for kids, they learn responsibility, empathy, how to respect animals.
They are especially great for kids who have anxiety.
They are good at filling a void, whether it be depression, loneliness, grief, wanting a child.
They can cost a lot. Look into breeds carefully, short nose dogs have so many issues and are probably the worst of them all, they're also not very smart so they will have behaviour issues. So do a lot of pure bred dogs. A vet told me once that cross breeds have less issues because they have a bigger gene pool, and after 40 years of having cross breed dogs I think its true, I have never had a dog with genetic illnesses or problems like arthritis, cancer and digestive problems. I have spent very little on vet bills, I don't take my dogs for checkups if they're healthy. I have had dogs that have never been to the vet besides the normal puppy things.
It is hard trying to organise them if you go on holidays frequently.
They need training for the first 1-2 years. The puppy stage can be hectic. If they aren't trained properly they can end up being a pain for the rest of their life.
I will always want a dog. Dogs are great for companionship and teaching kids the responsibility of looking after something. However, growing up I felt like my dog could understand what I was going through when noone else could. I just used to sit with him and pat him and then things would not seem as hard and I did not have to say a word. I now have two dogs and have to pay for vaccinations but unless anything major happens, we stay away from vets. We have to clean up after them and buy them food and toys but they are the funniest goof balls. Sometimes when you are having a bad day, they just make you laugh. I do not have any regrets about having dogs. The second one we rescued. The first two years they tend to go through the chewy, diggy stage so if you rescue go about the two year mark ;)
Get a cat instead 😊 they're cheaper and easier to look after than dogs.