Numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of spending time with a dog: for instance, reduced blood pressure, improved blood lipid levels, greater ease of maintaining a healthy weight, and increased chances of survival after a heart attack.
While owners, often known as “fur parents”, derive many benefits from the presence of these canine companions, the costs associated with form of “parenthood” should not be underestimated.
Every dog parent has a unique relationship with his or her dog, some more complex than others. To explore this diversity of perceptions, researchers from the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary conducted a study involving 246 fur parents.
They were asked to rate 33 statements about their four-legged companions, ranging from “dogs can be messy” to “dogs keep children company.” Each statement was rated on a scale from -3 (great disadvantage) to +3 (great advantage).
In their study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the experts said the idea that dogs enrich the lives of their owners gets the strongest endorsement among respondents (2.78 on average), while their short life expectancy is seen as the main drawback to canine parenthood (-1.67).
In analysing the responses, three main themes emerged. The first covers the emotional, physical and social benefits of living with a dog, while the second highlights the negative emotions and practical challenges associated with their presence, such as health concerns or behavioral problems.
Finally, the third axis concerns long-term responsibilities, such as the time and energy devoted to caring for and educating the animal. This last point is divisive: it is perceived positively by some, but as a constraint by others.
The spontaneous answers from participants to an open-ended question highlight some revealing trends. For 60% of owners, the main benefit of having a dog is the deep bond they have with the animal, describing their pet as a loyal, loving and sincere companion.
Others cite lifestyle benefits, such as the motivation to exercise and spend more time outdoors (31%), while 15% especially appreciate the opportunity to get closer to the animal world.
Conversely, financial costs, particularly those associated with veterinary care, food and accessories, are almost unanimously seen as the main drawback, cited by 95% of study participants. In comparison, emotional and practical constraints only concern a minority, accounting for 4-5% of responses.
In short, this study reveals the richness of the “dog parenting” experience, made up of intense joys and daily challenges. Preparing future fur parents for the realities, both positive and complex, of this relationship could help build more thoughtful and harmonious bonds and help avoid abandonments, for the wellbeing of both humans and their faithful companions.