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What are the pros and cons of having a dog?
The Pros
Unconditional love. Devoted companionship. Constant entertainment. Most of us dog lovers know that life is better with a dog. But is that knowledge based on a feeling, or is there something else at work? There is — science.
Spending time with dogs does wonders for your well-being. Recent research shows that owning a dog is good for you physically and emotionally. Dogs make us happier and healthier. They can help us cope with a crisis and can even help you get a date. Read on for 10 science-backed benefits of having a dog.
1. Dogs Make Us Feel Less Alone
Dogs can be there for you even when people can’t. They offer unconditional love, emotional support, and constant cuddles that help stave off social isolation. A small Australian study discovered that dog ownership can reduce loneliness.
A national survey of pet owners and non-pet owners by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 85% of respondents believe that interaction with pets reduces loneliness. Most agree that human-pet interactions can help address social isolation.
2. Dogs Are Good for Your Heart
Owning a dog can help you live longer. A comprehensive review of studies published between 1950 and 2019 found that dog owners had a lower risk of death. Studies suggest that dog owners have lower blood pressure levels and improved responses to stress. Research has concluded that the bond between humans and dogs reduces stress, which is a major cause of cardiovascular problems.
3. Dogs Help You Stop Stressing Out
Your canine companion can offer comfort and ease your worries. Multiple studies show that dogs and therapy dogs help relieve stress and anxiety.
Even just petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure and heart rate, slows breathing, and relaxes tense muscles. Scientists at Washington State University discovered that petting a dog for just 10 minutes can have a significant impact. Study participants had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.
4. Dogs Can Help Us Cope in Times of Crisis
Dogs can help us recover psychologically from a crisis. Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine discovered that military veterans with PTSD can do better both physiologically and psychologically when they have a service dog. Veterans with a service dog had significantly fewer symptoms of PTSD and showed improved coping skills.
5. Dogs Encourage You to Move
Those long treks along sidewalks, trails, and paths add up. A 2019 British study discovered that dog owners are nearly four times more likely than non-dog owners to meet daily physical activity guidelines.
Dog owners spend nearly 300 minutes every week walking with their dogs. That’s 200 more minutes of walking than people without a dog of their own.
The cons of having a dog
They require a LOT of time and attention.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog in college, be prepared to commit tons of time and attention to them. Training sessions will be vitally important in ensuring that your dog is potty-trained, can behave on a leash, and can be trusted around other dogs. You’ll also have to make time for vet appointments, play time, and letting them out on a consistent basis. it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.
They can be expensive
Dogs can be extremely expensive. Between vet bills, food, toys, and general dog supplies, the costs can quickly add up. Assessing your financial situation beforehand and determining whether or not now is the right time for you to get a dog, is absolutely essential.
They can cut into your social life
Like it or not, having a dog will cut into your social time with your friends. Staying out until 4 am on the weekends or being away from your house for 12 hours at a time is no longer feasible when your pet is waiting for you at home. Plan to make arrangements to fit your dog’s needs, which may mean missing out on social activities from time to time.
Getting a dog while in college means taking on a substantial commitment and a host of new responsibilities, alongside the ones you already have. However, it can be extremely rewarding in the fact that you’re gaining a best friend who will be by your side for years to come. If you’re considering getting a dog, make sure you are prepared to take on the financial obligations that come with it, and have the time in your schedule to develop a close bond with your pet.
The pros and cons of having a cat
Benefits of Having a Cat
They’re cute, they’re quirky, they’re fun to watch and play with, and they’re just a joy to have around. Having a feline friend can do wonders for your well being, so if you’ve ever thought about adding a cat to your family, there’s no time like the present. Check out some of the reasons why owning a cat can be a life-changing experience!
Having a cat can improve your physical health
If you’re someone who’s not very big on being active, a cat might be great for getting you off the couch and moving in a manageable way. They love chasing things and climbing, love to have simulated hunting and pouncing opportunities, so they’ll really appreciate you playing with them.It also seems that spending time engaging with cats can reduce your stress levels and boost your immunity! This in turn may significantly minimize the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Psychological benefits of having cats
Cats can be amazing companions and provide lots of emotional support. When you’re feeling down or lonely, your cat can be there to help overcome it. You’ve probably noticed feeling better emotionally around your cat – it’s not a coincidence! It appears that, in general, having a cat translates to a better overall psychological state score for the individual. Having someone waiting at home for you who is pleased to see you (even if they may pretend otherwise!), and relies on you, can give you a sense of responsibility and routine – as well as company and companionship - that can reduce loneliness and depression.
A cat can also help you unwind and relax. Some studies show that petting a cat could be associated with a greater release of Oxycontin and serotonin in individuals. While the results are slightly inconclusive, we’re prepared to believe it. Other studies have indicated that the sound of a cat’s purr has therapeutic and stress-relieving effects – and may even have healing properties.
Owning a cat comes with lifestyle perks
Compared to other pets, cats are pretty low maintenance. No walks required, no training classes – just let them do their thing and remember to play with them to give them an outlet for their predatory behaviors. Also give them an interesting environment complete with different heights and places to sleep, so they can watch the world go by and supervise from.
And they’re super affordable too. Perfect for anyone on a budget or living in a small space like an apartment or a studio. Cats don’t need lots of space; they will be happy with pretty much anything. Remember, for cats, the quality of the space is more important than quantity. Your efforts should be directed towards providing good environmental enrichment (both structural and social) and spending quality time with them.
Vacations are also easier with cats. They have no problem staying at home by themselves for longer periods of time. However, they will need to be checked up on daily, so it would be a good idea to have a cat sitter if you are going on holiday or likely to be away for longer.
Cats are great for growing your social circle
Making more friends is one of the best benefits of having a cat. The furry felines just have a way of bringing people together, whether it’s through their adorable looks or their playful personalities. There are probably more social media groups and local forums for cat lovers than anything else!
Having a cat can also be great for finding people with shared interests. Many cat owners are passionate about animal welfare and enjoy getting involved in their local communities, so this will make it easier to meet like minded people.
The Negatives of Having a Pet Cat
1. Aloofness
Yes, they can sometimes be affectionate but it's always on their own terms, and they mainly see you as a servant. A dog, on the other hand, is almost always pleased to see you and may even look up to you.
While cats may have dogs beat in terms of coolness and style, their loyalty levels don't compare. If you're looking for a guaranteed companion animal that will cherish your presence through thick and thin, a cat might be a risky bet.
2. Litter-Box Issues
Cat poop and pee are disgusting. The worst part is that most cats do their business inside your home, hence the need for a litter box. In my opinion, changing the litter box is one of the most stomach-turning chores ever. While picking up after a dog on a walk isn't ideal, I'd take it over litter-box duty any day.
3. Fleas
All a cat needs to contract fleas is contact with another animal. Once fleas are confirmed, it's not just the feline that you have to treat—your house and all of its contents can harbor fleas and their eggs as well.
Flea eradication is time-consuming and expensive, and it doesn't always work. This is a major problem that many cat parents have to deal with more than once over the course of their pets' lives.
4. Clawed and Hairy Furniture
Cats will shred your furniture. Your expensive couch is just a scratching post to them, and it will end up in tatters. When your cat isn't abusing your furniture, you can bet they're at least shedding all over it.
Get ready for cat hair to become a constant and pervasive nuisance in your home. Lint rollers aren't so cheap when you have to buy a new one every week!
5. Hefty Vet Fees
Veterinary bills can cost you a small fortune if your feline falls ill. If nothing is particularly wrong with your cat, expect the cost of your annual vet care to hover around a few hundred dollars. However, as soon as an unanticipated medical issue pops up, don't be surprised if you see that number more than triple in a single visit.
If you don't have plenty of extra income after basic necessities like food, rent, and transportation are covered, adding a cat to your household could be a risky move financially. Consider both upfront and future costs when adopting an animal.Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
6. Traveling Difficulties
Cats are poor travelers. They are fine on their own for a weekend, but spend any more time away from home, and you will need to pay for a cat sitter.
If you do elect to take your feline friend with you on a trip of some kind, anticipate complications. Cats do not take kindly to being confined in new areas, and most do not react well to being on-leash. Even a trip to the local vet can be fraught and difficult.Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.
7.Training Woes
Cats are self-willed and can be virtually impossible to train. Unlike dogs, felines will not obey orders or even bother to acknowledge them most of the time. That does not mean, however, that they won't give orders. Some cats are more vocal than others, but you can expect to hear from them periodically any time they desire something you can provide (e.g. food, going out, coming in).
8. Disrupted Sleep
Cats sleep most of the day, but they hate the idea of their owner getting any rest. They will walk all over you in bed, knead your chest, purr in your face, and tickle your nose with their whiskers and tail—usually to demand feeding or attention. It's quite annoying, and in many cases, quite unavoidable.
Cats themselves usually sleep somewhere between 16 and 20 hours a day depending on their age. Unlike humans, however, they remain alert during their resting periods and are fully operational almost instantaneously if awoken.
9. Scratches
In addition to scratching up all your furniture, your cat will likely scratch you up, too. Often, it is accidental, such as when they jump onto or off your lap. Other times, they may suddenly get annoyed because you are stroking their belly wrong or something surprises them. They're even more likely to turn on your guests or other folks they don't know as well. Those little claws are sharp!
10. Cat Hair
Cats shed a lot of hair, and it gets everywhere. Before you know it, there will be hair on your clothes, furniture, floor, and just about every other surface. Yes, you can comb your cat, but the impact on the problem will be sadly limited. If you add a cat to your household, get used to vacuuming regularly!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.