The Top Reasons Not to Get a Dog. Since graduating from university, Paul has worked as a bookseller, librarian, and educator. He was born in the UK but now lives in Florida.
Though there are plenty of adorable upsides to owning a canine companion, there are also some definite disadvantages that should be considered before taking the plunge. Dogs require regular exercise, which can be time-consuming, and their is difficult and unpleasant to deal with.
They also come with odors, hair, fleas, and chew marks – none of which are desirable. On top of that, veterinary bills can be astronomical if your dog gets injured or falls seriously ill.
To help you make a decision about whether or not owning a dog is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of the most important downsides to consider. Each is discussed in detail in the sections that follow.
The Main Disadvantages of Owning a Dog
When it comes to owning a dog, there are a lot of things you have to take into account that you may not have considered before. Dogs need to be exercised, they need attention and care, and they come with a lot of costs – both unexpected and otherwise.
From food and general maintenance to veterinary bills and pick-up, dog ownership requires a lot of time and effort. And that’s not even considering the things that make dogs unique – like their allergies, digging habits, and barking. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, there are a lot of things you need to take into account before making the commitment.
1. Poop
Dogs defecate regularly, and as a responsible owner, you’ll need to be prepared to clean up after them. According to Vet Babble, “It is normal for a dog to defecate anywhere between 1 and 5 times a day.” This means that you’ll need to be prepared to bag, pick up, and dispose of their on a daily basis.
This means you have to remember to bring doggy bags every time you leave the house (or incur the wrath of your displeased neighbors). Moreover, you’ll likely deal with indoor accidents occasionally.
If your dog gets into something they shouldn’t (this tends to be unavoidable), they may have diarrhea or throw up in your house, and you’ll be the one cleaning up the mess. No matter how well-trained your dog is, accidents happen – so it’s important to be prepared for them!
2. Exercise
Dogs need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy, which means that dog-owners have to make sure their furry friend gets enough activity every day.
This can be a lot to commit to, especially when you have to get up early for work or school in the morning, and then come home to take them out again at the end of the day before bedtime. According to Outdoor Dog Adventures, “The recommended amount of daily exercise for most dogs is 30 minutes to 2 hours, although certain dogs need more.”
This may also mean that you have to miss out on social engagements or other activities, but it’s important to make sure your dog is getting the exercise they need.
3. Attention
Dogs are social creatures that look to their owners for leadership and approval. This means they require plenty of attention and need to be petted and played with on a regular basis. If their owners don’t provide this, dogs will become unhappy and may start behaving destructively, such as chewing up furniture and possessions.
Unlike cats, dogs do not do well on their own and will become depressed if they don’t have enough company and companionship. If you’re not able to provide this for your dog, it’s best not to get one in the first place.
4. Veterinary Costs
Veterinary costs can put a dent in your pocketbook if you’re not careful. Your pet will need some essential procedures, shots, and care in the beginning stages of their life, and while these things won’t break the bank, they’re not exactly cheap. If your dog has an accident, gets sick, or starts to age, the cost of care can go up significantly.
According to Forbes, “Over a 12-year lifespan, adding in various one-time expenses, a large dog can cost upward of $22,000.” If you don’t have a few thousand dollars to spare each year for your pet’s food and care, getting a dog may not be the best financial decision.
