My First Blog Post
The Pros and Cons of Getting a Dog
Have you considered getting a dog? Lots of people are not sure if getting a dog is something that is good for their family or the dog, based on their home or job. Are you a perfect candidate to get a dog?
There are many dogs that desperately need a home and family. There are pros of getting a dog and cons. They make great pets for lots of people, but there are some downsides. However, the downsides are not a big deal to some people, but for others they are.
Pro: Dogs are good for your heart
It is scientifically proven that dogs can help you live longer, This is because dogs help reduce stress because of the bond between a human and a dog. The Harvard Department of Health states,“ dog owner’s heart rate and blood pressure go up less and return to normal more quickly, dampening the effects of stress on the body.” That department proved this in a study from 1950 - 2019 where dog owners had lower blood pressure, and a better response to stress, and anxiety.
Con: Owners may not have enough free time
If you are at work all day and most of the night and don't have anyone home, it would not be the best idea to get a dog, unless you bring them into work with you. Dogs need a lot of attention, they need to be fed, washed, go on walks, and time to relax. Experts at PetPlace state, “ You should plan on at least three walks a day, each lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. Every 6 months, you should take your dog to the veterinarian for a routine checkup.” If you don’t have enough time to do all these things, and still get a dog, your dog won't be happy, and will be begging for attention.
Pro: Dogs make you more social
If you are not very good at making friends, or talking to people, then getting a dog is a great idea! Researchers found that 40 percent of people with dogs make friends much easier. A study at Tufts University found that “people who have a strong relationship with a dog, feel more connected to people than people who don't.'' Another study at Harvard Health said, “A new study shows they can also help create human-to-human friendships and social support.” Many people who have dogs take them on walks and stop to let people pet their dog, which is another way dogs help you become more social.
Con: Money
It costs money to maintain a dog, if you get a small dog they will be a little less expensive to care for, but many people prefer larger dogs. Here are the things that make dogs so expensive to take care of. You need to buy them a collar, leash, toys, treats, bones,a food bowl,a water bowl, and food. Then there are the vet bills. Some brands of dog food cost up to $60 each purchase!
So should you get a dog or not?
I liked how you balanced out the amount of pros and the amount of cons, while still making it interesting, and professional. When you talked about how dogs are good for your heart, that reminded me of some research I once did on dogs that can alert people, when their owner is having a seizure in their sleep. Not a lot of people know much about how dogs can help with a person's physical well-being, so I loved how you explained how dogs can help your heart. My one question, is are there any other health benefits that dogs give to their owner?
ReplyDeleteThank you, and yes there are health benefits that dogs give to their owners, for example if you owned a dog within 3 months of living, then dogs can boost your immune system, which helps fight off diseases.
DeleteRight off the top I liked the fact that it was about dogs. I liked the amount of information and pros and cons. I love dogs and had 3, but now I have 1. I'm just wondering, on an estimate amount, how much money do people spend on dogs each year?
ReplyDeleteThank you, on average people spend about $1,280 per year on their dogs.
DeleteGreat job on your blog! I didn't know that dogs could make you more social. I liked your blog because you did a good job balancing the pros and cons of having a dog. Dogs must be very happy now because many people are home all the time and their dogs would get a lot of attention.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my dogs are very happy that we are always home, and i'm glad you learned more about dogs.
DeleteWow, that hooked me! I have a dog and there are lots of pros and cons about taking care of my dog. I had no clue that a dog could give you a longer life. Although, I did know that dogs make us very happy on the inside and outside. How much longer can you live with a dog, because what if you have a very bad disease instead of just being sad? Good job!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, by owning a dog you can live up to 12 years longer than if you did not own a dog, and dogs don't only help with loneliness, they also can help prevent heart disease.
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