5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Second Dog…And 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t!
Adding another dog to your family can be an incredibly exciting opportunity but also a nerve-wracking commitment to make! It’s easy to get lost in the fantasy of doggy siblings playing together and, of course, the adorable family photoshoots! On the other hand, it’s important to make a responsible choice and not simply act on a whim!
As with any decision, there are pros and cons to weigh. In this article, we’ll take a look at both sides of the debate—why you should add a second dog to your family but also why you shouldn’t.
Consider these and how they may or may not apply to your individual situation!
5 Reasons Why You SHOULD Get a Second Dog
1. It’s Not QUITE Double the Money
Don’t get me wrong, getting a second dog is a big financial commitment. Many things will double in price such as food, veterinary care, grooming, etc. However, there are also some savings which can slightly reduce this burden to less than double:
You likely already have a wide selection of toys and supplies from your first dog that they can share.
Buying necessities like food, treats, and other supplies in bulk can shave a percentage off the original price.
Dog sitters, groomers, and even pet insurance companies like Healthy Paws will sometimes give you a multi-pet discount to ensure you’re not paying double for those services.
While you should only be getting another dog if you have the free time to devote to both of them, there are some efficiencies to factor in:
You’re already taking one dog to the groomer or veterinarian. It doesn’t cost you much more time to bring a second.
You’re already going on daily walks with your first dog. Adding a second dog doesn’t tack on additional time, particularly if you have a spouse or another family member who accompanies you.
You already have to pick up poop and keep the house clean. Adding a second dog may slightly increase the time of those tasks, but definitely not by double.
3. They’ll Keep Each Other Entertained, Occupied, and Happy
What’s better than a full-time playmate? We love spending quality time with our dogs, but sometimes we have work, chores, or other obligations we have to attend to. Instead of napping, waiting at the door longingly, or engaging in destructive behaviors, adding a second dog will help keep both of them more entertained and occupied throughout the day.
Dogs are naturally pack animals. While you want to factor in your dog’s individual personality, the majority of dogs would likely be happier with a canine companion.
4. You’re a Seasoned Expert
Like having a second child, you know what you’re doing a little more this time around. That by itself should make the transition a bit easier on everyone.
1. You’re Trying to Solve Your Dog’s Behavioral Issues
It may be tempting to try and solve your dog’s separation anxiety or aggressive behavior by giving them a companion. While there may be a few lucky families who this works for, it’s not a safe bet to make.
The best approach is to work on your first dog’s behavioral issues before adding a second to the mix. Ignoring this advice could lead your second dog to pick up these bad habits or, even worse, put them in danger.
2. You Don’t Have Extra Time & Money
I get it…puppy fever is hard to resist! However, before you add another dog to your family, you want to make sure that you have the resources to provide both animals a good quality of life.
Be honest with yourself and make sure you have a surplus of both additional time and money to dedicate to a second dog. Don’t forget to factor in emergency veterinary expenses—when you have multiple dogs getting pet insurance is more important than ever!
3. You Travel Often
When you only have one dog, it’s a lot easier to convince a friend or family member to look after them! With multiple dogs, this becomes a lot bigger of a favor to ask.
Especially with multiple dogs, having a trusted and reliable dog sitter is worth their weight in gold. If you don’t have one yet, give Rover a try! They do the hard work for you of running background checks and vetting potential sitters so you only get the best of the best for your pup! If you sign up through our link, you’ll get $30 off your first booking!
Do you have the space for multiple dogs? Having a fenced yard and a doggy door are two things that can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping two dogs (and you) happy!
Adding a second dog to the family is a significant life decision and not something to take lightly. It should definitely be something everyone in your family is on the same page about!
