Owning a dog is such a wonderful thing, but there’s no denying that it’s a huge commitment. That’s why so many people are on the fence about getting one. It’s good to give this careful consideration because those who rush into adopting, rescuing, or buying a dog without considering the practical side of dog ownership are more likely to do a bad job of looking after their new companion. That’s why so many dogs end up in rescue homes. But if you think you’d be able to look after one and you’re simply deciding whether you want a dog, then this article should give you the motivation that you need. Here are 8 reasons to get a dog.
They will shower you with unconditional love.
This reason should be enough to convince most people to get a dog. Many animals are emotionally independent. A cat might occasionally brush up against your leg, but many of them are content to explore the world on their own, and you’d probably be content to leave them to their own devices (for fear of provoking them). A dog, on the other hand, is a loving creature, as has been explained on this site before. They only need a little bit of attention from a person to shower them with unconditional love in return. If you give your dog a biscuit, then they’ll trust you for life. Okay, that might be a little over the top, but it’s only a slight exaggeration.
You should definitely consider getting a dog if you’re looking for a friendly and bubbly companion in your life. You and your family would have to be prepared for the demands of looking after such a pet, obviously. They require a lot more emotional attention than most other types of pet, but the effort is worth it for what you get in return. That’s why so many people get dogs. In much the same way as a baby, the hard work is rewarded with moments of fun and pure joy. You’ll invest a lot into your dog, and they’ll invest a lot into you. It’ll be worth it.
Supporting them will support you.
Here’s another great reason to get a dog. Supporting them will support you. As was briefly mentioned in the previous point, you’ll be supported by a fluffy friend who showers you with unconditional love. But the act of looking after a dog will, in itself, support you. They might have specific health conditions or dietary needs, but the sense of responsibility will drive you forwards.
You might want to check out https://diabeticdogfood.org if you were to get a dog with diabetes. That could give you assistance regarding the appropriate food for diabetic dogs. Whatever the health condition, caring for another creature will strengthen your bond with them. That will make you a happier person. You’ll gain a sense of purpose because you’ll have to be responsible for something else. Obviously, if you have a family, then you already know about responsibility. Whilst looking after a pet might be different, it’s a responsibility that will still help you to focus on a daily basis. The differences are worth noting, of course, and one of them is mentioned in the following point…
You’ll get in shape.
Looking after kids doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get in shape, but looking after a dog definitely does. If you care about your health, then getting a dog would be a great move for you. You’ll have to take them out for regular walks. It’s not up for debate, as it often is with people. Dogs and humans need exercise, but dogs are restless if they don’t get it. That’s why owning one would be good for your physical health. You’d be forced to get outside and go for a walk, and that would massively benefit your wellbeing.
Of course, the breed of dog is an important factor in this decision. This will determine how much physical exercise you get. Larger dogs like German Shorthaired Pointer and Labradors need more exercise, so getting a bigger dog would be smart if you want to get in shape. If you don’t want to be chasing a huge animal around your local park, however, then you might want to get a smaller dog. That would be a way to make sure you get exercise without over-exerting yourself. Either way, a canine companion would help you to get in shape. That should be yet another valuable reason for you to get one. It would be beneficial for both your physical and mental health to exercise more often. Still need convincing? Okay. Here are more reasons to get a dog.
You’ll meet other like-minded people.
If it’s not enough of an incentive that walking your dog would get you in shape (considering that most people don’t like exercising), then think about all of the new people that you’d be able to meet on walks. As a dog lover, you’d be able to meet like-minded people by bumping into fellow dog-walkers on your street or in your local park. Dogs are wonderful animals because they help us to bond with other people. A dog walk isn’t just a social event for your canine companion. So, if you’ve been on the fence with regards to getting a fluffy buddy of your own, then you should think about the fact that you’re going to meet new people. You might want to check out some of the dog-walking groups in your area. On Facebook, you might be able to find local dog-lovers who are happy to meet up with like-minded people.
You’ll make a new friend.
This is another beautiful part of owning a dog. People make connections with all manner of
A dog can provide physical and emotional support.
As mentioned at https://www.helpguide.org, a dog can provide emotional support by boosting your mood. Rested Paws has a nice guide that goes in depth on this. This will be discussed in the final point of this article, but let’s start by focusing on more than the mental health benefits of owning a dog. Let’s focus on the connection you share, as briefly mentioned earlier in this article. Your dog would be able to sense your emotions and provide support to cheer you up. Dogs can provide physical support to people, too. They can sense health problems that humans might not be able to visibly detect. There have been cases of dogs detecting health conditions in their owners before they develop into major problems. So, if you’re looking for emotional and physical support, then you’d be able to get that from a dog.
They help with the health and development of children.
Dogs help with the health and development of children, as well. If you’ve been worried about the effect of dogs on young kids, then you should think again. Dogs can help the growth of children in many ways. Firstly, owning a dog could boost your kid’s immune system. Having one in the house whilst your children get older would help them to develop strong and healthy bodies. They could support the emotional development of your children, as well. It would teach your kids responsibility. They’d have to look after their new pet, and that would help them to develop into mature young people.
Your mental state will improve.
In this article, the effects that your dog can have on your health and the health of your family have been discussed. But you might not know that owning a dog can improve your mental health, too. That’s right. They don’t just keep you in good physical shape with long walks, and they don’t just teach you responsibility. Dogs can have a direct emotional effect on your wellbeing. They can reduce your anxiety, as discussed at https://www.workingmother.com. You might want to do some research on the mental benefits of owning a dog. Interacting with dogs releases a hormone called oxytocin, and that helps to alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety.
If you’re still on the fence about owning a dog, then give it some thought. Do some research. Mull over the 8 fantastic reasons given in this post. You really should consider it if you love dogs and have the right financial situation. There are so many rescue dogs in need of happy homes. The feeling of providing such a home is incredibly rewarding. So, you should definitely consider getting a dog if you have both the means and the desire to do so. And if you were being held back by arbitrary worries about your ability to look after a dog, this article should have set you straight.
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