Owning a Dog as a Student: What to Expect

Imagine a hectic day in which you attend back-to-back classes, your teacher complains about your performance, and you are stressed about an unfinished project. But when you come home to your apartment and open the door, your dog charges toward you, thrilled and greeting you with barks and kisses.

You will forget all the problems in the world!

Owning a dog can make your life exciting and more colorful. But it won’t always be smiles and snuggles. Having a dog is a lot like having a baby. They need constant care and attention.

Hence adding pet ownership to an already chaotic college routine is a decision you must make carefully. Even though you can seek help with your assignments from a professional do my homework service for students, there is still a lot of responsibility for you to manage.

This article will help you make the best decision and give you essential tips for caring for your furry friend while in college.

Why Get a Dog?

Excellent Companions

Dogs are amiable and amazing companions. We all have watched with teary eyes those videos of how loving and caring dogs are. When you have a dog, you can be assured you will never be bored because your pet is always there to play.

Dogs are the friendliest of all pets and they shower you with unconditional love. Whether you take your dog on car rides or hang out at the local park, your furry friend will keep you occupied and smiling. Besides, your dog will always listen to your rants about life, and being with them will vaporize all your worries.

Improved Social Life

Meeting new people can be challenging when you don’t know what to talk about. Since dogs are a great conversation topic and people love talking about pets, you can easily break the ice with others.

You may connect with other dog owners on campus, discuss your pets, and get to know each other. Having pets makes you similar to them, so you are more likely to make several new friends. Having dogs also encourages you to go out of your room, explore your neighborhood, and meet new people.

Motivation to Exercise

Students may not have enough time or desire to engage in sports. But your new dog will need daily walks for its well-being. So, you will have to go outside with your pet friend and do some exercise regularly — a mutually beneficial activity.

Since it is necessary, your dog will push you to walk even when you are tired and don’t feel like going out. It helps you be active and stay in shape.

Enhanced Mental Health

Nothing will make you happier than coming home after a long and tiring day and seeing your dog who is excited you are back.

Numerous studies have proven that dogs help you reduce stress and fight anxiety. They make you smile, improve your mood, and help you relax. And when your dog makes funny faces, chases leaves, or asks for your attention, you may laugh your heart out.

All of these ultimately strengthen your mental health and improve your academic performance.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Expenses

All the above benefits come at a price because owning a dog can put a dent in your savings.

The initial expense includes buying a bed, collar, leash, and litter box (if necessary), whereas recurring costs involve food, toys, grooming, vet charges, and other dog supplies.

According to the ASPCA, a medium-sized dog, like a German Shepherd, may cost around $670 USD per year. Depending on your dog’s size and breed, the average lifetime cost of owning a dog can vary between $15,000 to $50,000 USD.

Since you also have to consider your monthly expenses and tuition fees, you must analyze your financial situation before deciding to get a dog.

Required Care and Attention

Keeping a dog requires a huge time commitment. From taking it on walks, feeding, and training for good behavior to making vet appointments, you will have to care for your dog like a baby.

If your days are packed with classes, homework, assignments, exams, and projects, you may struggle to find time for your dog.

Since the average life of a dog is 10-13 years, owning a dog means signing up for a commitment to care for them for at least the next ten years.

Limits

Since having a dog is a great time commitment, you won’t have much time for yourself. And you can’t leave it alone for long periods because it also needs a lot of care.

This restricts your freedom. You can’t go out all night, have long travel breaks, or always spend time with friends after class because your dog is waiting for you at home.

How to Keep a Dog in College?

If you have a favorable financial situation, have enough time to care for your pet, and are willing to compromise your social life a little, you are ready to own a dog. It will be your best friend and make your life memorable. So here are some tips to help you care for a dog in college:

1. Buy all the necessary things, like food, a leash, toys, a grooming kit, and everything your furry friend needs. Also, ensure your roommate, if you have one, is dog-friendly and your apartment allows keeping pets.

2. Develop a routine that accommodates you and your dog. You need to set aside time for playing, grooming, feeding, and walking your dog.

3. Dogs need regular activity to be physically and mentally healthy. Try to walk your dog for 15-45 minutes every day.

4. Ask a friend or pet sitter to take care of your dog when you attend classes or leave for an extended period.

5. Be attentive to the dog’s needs and find reliable medical help to take good care of it. Make vet appointments every year to have regular checks.

6. If you occasionally forget to feed your dog, you can purchase an automated pet food dispenser to ensure your puppy is fed properly.

7. Be good friends with your dog. You can free up at least 15 minutes every day for playtime.

To Sum Up

Getting a dog will probably be the best decision of your life. But it can also wreak havoc on your schedule and grades if you fail to manage things properly. Hence, you should consider the above points before making this important decision.