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In life, one of the best things you can ever get is a pet. They quickly become part of your family and can enhance every bit of your life. They are someone you can confide in when you are feeling down (and know that you will never be judged), help to get you out of the house and exercise and brighten up your day. There are so many different breeds of dogs out there, it is down to you to consider exactly what you want from them, what sort of pet you want and what your family and home life situation is. If you have young children you are going to want a dog that is smaller and less boisterous for example. You might need a dog that doesn’t require too much walking, or you might want one that enjoys going on long walks so you can get your own sufficient exercise in. You might also want a dog that doesn’t require too much grooming, or perhaps you want one with a beautiful fluffy coat – the choice is yours! There are so many reasons to get a dog and we have put together just a few below that could help you with your decision.
What to consider before getting a dog
Before you get a dog, there are a few vital things that you need to think about. You need to consider how they will fit into your lifestyle for starters. Dogs are a big responsibility and it is vital you consider this. You can’t leave them alone all day and will need to walk them at least twice a day, every single day. If you are feeling tired you can’t just leave them to fend for themselves – they need the exercise. You also need to think about when you go on holiday what you will do with them and also the financial costs involved. It is more expensive to get a dog from a breeder for example, whereas if you get a rescue dog it is much cheaper. There are still costs involved, however, such as insurance, food, grooming and more.
They can be a real friend
One of the main reasons to get a dog is that it can be a real friend to you. Dogs are known for being one of the most loyal animals and for good reason. You can quickly build a bond with your dog and this will only continue to strengthen over time. They will be there for you all day every day, miss you when you aren’t there and love to spend time with you when they aren’t. They can help to combat loneliness and be there to greet you whenever you get home.
They ensure you remain fit and healthy
Another great reason to get a dog is that they can help you to be fitter and healthier in your everyday life. One of the main reasons for this is that when you have a dog you need to take them out for regular walks. With other exercises, you can talk yourself out of it (such as going to the gym) but with a dog, they need to get walked every single day. This forces you to get out of the house, into the fresh air and get your body moving. Fresh air is almost as beneficial as the exercise itself and you will find that your overall physical and mental wellbeing will improve when you have got a dog. Some dogs are also trained to look out for certain medical conditions, while others will try and help you in an emergency. If you have just lost a loved one in your family you could find that you suffer from depression. Perhaps you played a big part once they passed, such as choosing their grave markers in bronze or helping to plan their funeral. They might have also lived with you causing there to be a big hole in your life. A dog can help to fill that gap, making your home feel more alive again and giving you a sense of security.
They can help to reduce anxiety
Studies have found that getting a dog and having one in your life can help to reduce anxiety. We currently live in a time where our mental health has never been so important so this is a great factor to help when deciding whether or not to get a dog. Playing with a dog has been found to elevate levels of dopamine and serotonin in your body making you feel happier and more relaxed. It has also been shown that pet owners have better levels of cholesterol and lower blood pressure than those without dogs. This means that you can be at less risk of illnesses such as heart disease.
They can help your children to become more responsible
When you have children you always want them to be as responsible as possible. This means that they will perform better in areas of their life and also help out more around the house. Teaching your children to be responsible is one of the most important skills for their development so any way you can help teach them this is a bonus. Having a dog means that your children will learn plenty of skills and will teach them how to take care of something. You could get a rota with who will help take the dog for a walk, or who will feed the dog and give them their water in the evening and morning.
These are just a few reasons to get a dog. Once you have introduced a dog to your family you will wonder just what you ever used to do without them. They will be there for you through thick and thin, there to give a hug to if you have had a bad day and to help guard the house when you are sleeping. Do you have a dog? Or are you considering getting one in the future? If so, what are some of the top reasons you are considering when it comes to getting a dog? Let us know in the comments below.