On a cold winter day, few things sound better than cozying up with your dog.
On a hot summer day, few things sound better than spending time with your pup by the water.
There are just tons of situations where just having a furry friend improves whatever the situation may be. However, those precious moments come with a price and a hefty responsibility – important factors for every college student to consider.
Here are some pros and cons to having a dog in college.
Pros
The most obvious pro to having a dog in college is companionship. With a recent study showing that dogs can be a valid substitute for human interaction, it may seem convenient to go out and purchase a pup.
During late night study sessions or online classes where focus is of the essence, having a dog by your side can replace a human element that otherwise wouldn’t be there. Most people wouldn’t sit by your side as you study late at night or watch a lecture on your computer; a dog, however, will most likely never leave your side.
In the same vein, having a dog may lead to making more human friends. Whether you’re taking your furry companion to a dog park or walking it down the street, you’re bound to run into either someone else who has a dog or finds yours cute. Moments like that can spark a connection with a person you might otherwise not have talked to. Similarly, building a friend circle around those who have dogs will not only make you a better owner, but also give your own dog some friends of their own.
Physical health is another great benefit of dog ownership. A New York Times article reported that dog owners are likely to have better cardiovascular health than nonowners. The report states that dog owners reported having more physical activity and a better diet overall.
Lastly, combining these benefits could result in a longer life, TIME Magazine reported. The publication published an article detailing the science behind dog owners having a higher longevity. The report argued that, as outlined above, owning a dog leads to better cardiovascular, emotional and social health.
Cons
Owning a dog can have many downsides, however. For starters, there’s the price – some dog breeds run well into the thousands of dollars. On a college budget, it can be prohibitive in cost to purchase a pup.
Assuming you can clear the financial hurdle of purchasing the animal, maintaining its wellbeing is expensive, too. At the bare minimum, you’ll need to have a constant supply of dog food and medicine to keep the pet in healthy condition. For college students who are used to skipping meals, eating out and ingesting junk food – having to a monitor another set of eating may prove both costly and difficult.
There’s also the threat of allergies.
Allergies to dogs and cats affect 10%-20% of the population. And while it’s easy to forget if you don’t suffer from them, it may ward off others from visiting your home or apartment.
And with shedding and allergies comes cleaning, too. Dogs require bathing, and can also get into the trash or furniture, causing you to incur more costs that will hurt your wallet. If you want to get the dog trained to prevent these issues, that’ll cost you, too.
Above all is responsibility. Having tons of money to spend on a dog doesn’t mean jack if you ignore its basic needs. Forgetting to feed, walk or properly tend to the pet’s social and physical needs is abusive and neglectful whether accident or intentional.
If you can balance your pet’s needs with yours, can afford the costs that come with it and get your roommates on board (if you have any) then a dog may be for you. Otherwise, strongly think through and research your decision before making one.