Should You Get a Second Dog? 5 Things to Think About

Are you longing to bring a second dog into your family? If so, have you taken the time to think things through? Welcoming another four-legged friend is always an exciting prospect and can be a rewarding experience for everyone so long as it’s the right time in your life to do so. 

Before you let your eagerness get the better of you, have a read through this list of 5 things to think about before getting a second dog.

1. Two Dogs Means Twice The Work

Before committing to a second pup consider the extra workload that comes with owning another pet. Sure you love your dog and are more than happy to clean up their waste, walk them every day, play with them, and shower them with affection, but think about having to do all those things for two dogs. 

Caring for a dog is a lot of work and adding a second furry companion could make things too hectic. If you work long hours or have a busy schedule you may find yourself overwhelmed having to take care of more than one.

Dogs are loving animals that require constant care and support. Be sure that you can fully commit yourself to giving the same amount of emotion and attention to a second dog before you bring him or her home. 

2. Can you afford a second dog?

While we all wish that we had the time and resources to bring home as many dogs as we would like, the truth is that most of us don’t. Dog owners know all too well how expensive pet care is which is why you need to take the time to budget before you invest in a second pet. 

You want to be sure that you can buy twice the dog food and pay for any other expenses like vet bills or grooming costs. These things are essentials and sometimes you just aren’t able to afford them at this point in your life. 

When you think about the financial side of things, be sure that you’re realistic about how much money you can afford for pet care. Don’t be rash just because you would love to have a second pooch. It’s more important that you’re able to provide the best care possible and you can’t do this without the financial means. For more information on affording a second dog check here – cost of owning a dog – the ultimate guide.

3. Do you have enough space?

Depending on the breed, you need to think about how much room you have at home. If you live in an apartment it might get crowded having two dogs. This won’t be enjoyable and could even trigger behavioral problems in both of the animals. 

Of course, if you live in a large enough home then space won’t be a deciding factor. Just be sure that you enough room for both animals so neither ends up feeling like they have no territory to call their own. 

4. How will your dog feel?

One of the most important things to consider is how a new addition will make your first dog feel. They are a member of your family and it’s only fair to consider their emotions too. 

Think about how well your dog gets along with other animals. Are they social or more withdrawn? Do they enjoy playing with other k9’s at the park, or do they like to soak up your attention despite having potential playmates all around? 

These are all ways to assess how sociable your companion is and whether, or not another addition would make them happy. It’s important that you don’t just assume your dog would relish at the thought of another four-legged family member. Some animals prefer a home without other pets and it could potentially disrupt them. 

5. Can you commit for the long haul?

Owning an animal is a big responsibility, one that you can’t simply abandon once they’ve past their puppy years. Of course, your intentions now are to love the new addition forever and always, but where will your life be in a few years? 

Are you planning to have children? Downsize your home? Moving anytime soon? These are all things that you should carefully consider before you think about bringing home a second dog. 

The dynamic of your household may change and you could find yourself without the time or resources to properly care for two pets. Abandoning an animal is something that you never want to do, it will be traumatic for both yourself and your dog. 

Just be sure that you will always be able to offer the same loving and nurturing environment in the future and don’t just consider your present situation when making this kind of decision. 

Hopefully, after taking the time to think about these things you’re still just as excited to welcome a second dog into your pack. Only now you can be absolutely sure that it’s the best thing for everyone involved. 

If you’re not 100% on any of these points then now may not be the right time. That’s not to say that things won’t change in the future! But, it’s better to wait until you know for certain that it’s going to be a positive experience.

DAVID GRAY
DOG BLOGGER AND FOUNDER

W: dogdesires.co.uk
E: david@dogdesires.co.uk

T: +447722086492