Less Bark For Your Buck?

Article originally written for Sparta Health.

Since COVID, prices for pets have skyrocketed, especially for dogs. "The price of puppies has more than doubled during lockdown"[1], with the more popular breeds "selling for £3,000 or more"[1]. That's a considerable jump from the £500-£800 average pre-lockdown. Pets4Homes Managing Director, Lee Gibson, says from April to June "visits to the website peaked at 20 million a month - double last year's figure"[1]. Ultimately, the reason for the massive price increase is that "there is now an imbalance between supply and demand for pets"[2]. Sellers are aware that people are "more than willing to pay out large sums to secure a dog"[2], so they are charging it. But £2000+ for a puppy is extortionate, so why are we paying it? 

Physical Benefits

Dogs "encourage exercise and playfulness"[3], and walking them can "improve your cardiovascular health"[3]. Other physical benefits, which stem from regular dog walks, include "lower [fat] and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets"[3]. Physical exercise is imperative, and for those who don't enjoy it, walking a dog is a great way to have fun whilst exercising. 

Mental Health 

Dogs are more than just a warm, fluffy cuddle after a gruelling day at work. Owning a dog can "reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, [and] ease loneliness"[3]. Aside from the health benefits that come hand-in-paw with owning a dog, there is considerable research showing that owning a dog can improve mental health. A survey taken in 2019 asked dog owners their reasons for having a dog. Each person linked their reasonings to improved happiness and companionship, "with 48 percent stating 'because they make me happy'. Whereas 45 percent stated their dogs provided 'love/affection' and 35 percent stated their dogs provided 'companionship'"[4]. Dogs offer a unique type of companionship which eliminates the feeling of isolation or loneliness. Merely stroking a dog can reduce blood pressure and ease stress by releasing oxytocin and serotonin, and due to this, dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression.

Puppy Love

Most children dream of opening a present box to find a tiny puppy with a bow around its neck. But, owning a puppy is tiresome and not for everyone. It seems picturesque, but training a dog to do the simplest things, like not to toilet in the house, is exhausting. And, this, in turn, could negatively impact your mental health. There is a view that now is the best time possible to get a dog; you'll have plenty of time to train it as you aren't going to work every day. However, being home all day every day can lead to separation anxiety in dogs. Separation anxiety is "behaviour that only occurs when the dog is separated from their owner and in many cases, is because they are feeling distressed. Telltale indicators include destructive behaviour, unwanted toileting or reports of howling/barking"[5]. If not prepared or fully invested in raising a dog, this could lead to frustration, anxiety and a feeling of disappointment with an owner. It's essential to evaluate your mental capabilities before committing to raising a puppy; for you, and them. 

Rescue Dogs

You've taken some time to assess your ability to raise a puppy, and don't think that you're ready for the trials and tribulations that come with it. That's okay! If you still want a four-legged companion, consider rescuing. There are hundreds of dogs who need a forever home. Often, from awful backgrounds. Rescues are usually house trained, it's just a case of settling them into their new home, and making them feel loved and secure with you. No doubt after the surge in puppy purchases, there will be even more pups who will be abandoned and will need a loving home. Not only will you be helping them, but by rescuing a dog, you will have a "sense of fulfillment, knowing that you've provided a home to a pet that may otherwise have been euthanized"[3]. 

Bark for Your Buck

Who knows when puppy prices will go back to normal; if they ever do, that is. Whilst people are paying it, £2500 per pup might be standard. You might think that you can afford the upfront cost. Remember the monthly expenses, too: food, poo bags, toys, treats, collars and harnesses (whilst they're growing) and any potential and expected vet bills. Not to mention the initial costs of bowls, a bed, a crate, a playpen, etcetera. After the year we've had, financial stability is not a guarantee. Not being able to afford something because your dog needs more food or a new collar can be stressful. The monetary weight can be highly detrimental to your mental wellbeing. Owning a dog is great, but it's not worth putting yourself into a more dire situation. That wouldn't be fair on you, or your dog.  

Post Lockdown 

You might be working from home at the moment, but what will happen when the pandemic is over? Heading back into your workplace daily might mean you aren't in a position to get a dog. Remember, dogs are for life, not just for lockdown. If you feel you need some pup-therapy, you could offer to dog-sit for friends or family members or start offering your services as a dog walker. Or, you could even download BorryMyDoggy, an app for people to request a dog-sitter for a certain amount of time. 

A dog is a lifelong commitment, and every dog deserves a loving home. It's worth extensive research into the overall cost and which breed would suit you and your lifestyle. Perhaps create a budget so that you know you can comfortably afford the regular expenses. If you seriously want a pet, a dog's impact on mental wellbeing is undeniable; after all, they are (wo)man's best friend for a reason.

References:

[1] Watson C. Puppy prices soar during coronavirus lockdown. BBC News [Internet]. 2020 Sep 18

[2] Green J. How the prices of popular puppy breeds have more than doubled in year [Internet]. Mail Online. 2020 [cited 2020 Dec 21].

[3] Lundgren K, Robinson L, Segal R. Mood-Boosting Power of Pets - HelpGuide.org [Internet]. https://www.helpguide.org. 2018. 

[4] Bedford E. UK: pet ownership 2019 [Internet]. Statista. 2020 [cited 2020 Dec 21].

[5] RSPCA. Separation Anxiety in Dogs: #DogKind | RSPCA [Internet]. Rspca.org.uk. 2017.