Most people picture dogs as a member of a family, a companion to play with when you are lonely, and a furry little creature to bring joy into your life. Sure, dogs have their perks and spending time with it can relieve some stress, but have you ever thought about how a dog can add to personal stress? If you are looking to buy or rescue a dog take these warnings seriously because the last thing you want is for your pet to be unhappy.
The average first-year cost of a dog is approximately 1,270 dollars, this price can vary greatly with the breed of dog. A Rottweiler can cost 4,000 dollars just for the puppy alone, not accounting for vet visits. A person with 4,000 dollars can buy many things, from many slices of pizza to a family vacation. The average American earns around 800 dollars a week, with a week of working you can not even afford a dog for year. Working extra can cause stress, but it is necessary if you want a dog. If you do not want to pay that much for a dog you might consider adopting a dog. There are also many downsides to adopting a dog. One example is that not every breed will be available if you are looking for a certain type of dog.
Another reason not to get a dog is due to how close you will become with it. This dog will quickly become a member of your family and will require your total attention. Dogs are social animals and are driven crazy if you are not there with them for a majority of the day. If you spend too much time away from the house this would be unfair for the dog, it would be like leaving your son or baby home alone for countless hours every day. This means people can’t have too much free time unless they take the dog with them. Taking the dog on an overnight trip means finding a dog friendly hotel, or leaving them with an overpriced dog sitter. An average dog lives 11 years and will likely pass away in the time you are alive. When a member of your family passes away, nothing feels the same.
If you feel like you are a responsible person, if you feel like you have enough time to stay home and take care of your dog, if you think you will not be too emotionally torn when your dog passes away, and if you have enough money to adopt or buy a dog, then I think you have everything a responsible dog owner needs. If you do not mind what type of dog you get I would recommend adopting a dog, because it is cheaper and you are saving a life.