Animals are wonderful creatures. Dogs, cats, gerbils, hamsters, and even a few reptiles, they bring joy and wonder into many homes around the world. Their energy sparks up any room.

You come home to hugs, excited puppies, warm kisses, and a lot of fun. They can also be a great comfort when you’re not doing your absolute best or having a bad day. A simple snuggle session is enough to calm you down.

However, it’s not always rainbows and sunshine when it comes to pet ownership. There will be days where you might get frustrated, deal with pee/poop accidents, misbehavior, trips to the vet, and even some missing shoes or socks.

It’s understandable that weighing the downsides of owning a pet is a downer. But you need to be aware of the good, the bad, and ugly. It will help you make an informed decision. You are taking on a big responsibility so it helps to be prepared for whatever may come.

Let’s get real about some difficult stuff about pet ownership that no one talks about.

The Expenses

It’s expected that you will have some additional expenses when you bring a dog to your home. Dog food, toys, leashes, grooming essentials, pee pads, crates, etc. can ring up quite a long bill. On top of the shopping trip, there is an initial adoption fee to cover as well.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the average cost of caring for a medium-size dog is more than $700 a year. This doesn’t cover additional expenses, such as training classes, medical needs, pet-sitting costs, etc.

This accumulates over the dog’s entire lifespan. Be mindful of that.

They are Needy

Dogs are typically very needy. They need a lot of attention and time to get friendly and comfortable with new people. Unlike cats, they depend on you to do everything; from feeding, exercising, entertainment, showering and even going to the bathroom. 

Whether you’re in the middle of an intense movie, taking a nap or catching up with work, they don’t care. If they need something, they will show it. They will pace around you, bark, whine, and make that adorable puppy face.

Basically, your routine will be completely disrupted.

Training is Tough

Training dogs is no easy task. It’s time-consuming and can easily frustrate you. Whether you’re teaching basic commands or other tricks, it requires a lot of commitment. 

It’s much more than just giving a treat and telling them to “sit”. From house-breaking a young pup to making sure they don’t run rampant in the house or chew on furniture, there may be some moments where you want to give up.

Your Life will be Disrupted

Pets are a big responsibility. Adopting a dog can be similar to having a newborn in the house. Your life will start revolving around your puppy. Expect your routine to change completely.

You will need to wake up early to take the dog out for a walk and so that they can go to the bathroom. Also, planning a vacation will not be easy. You will have to plan every trip around your dog.

When traveling locally, you will need to check in with hotels or motels if they are pet-friendly. For international trips, you have to find dog sitters.

Saying Goodbye

This is a very sensitive subject. Everybody knows it but tends to avoid it as it is quite sad. When you’re bringing a pet into your home, you don’t want to think about saying goodbye. However, it is something you need to consider. 

You will be distraught and sad for some time. Eventually, you’ll be able to get over it.

Even though owning a dog is a lot of work and not so easy, it is well worth it. They become your best friend, giving you hugs and love when you might not feel the best.

If you need help finding more information to prepare for this joyous moment, talk to us over at the Cliffdale Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, NC. We will help you get ready for your new family member.