Advantages and Disadvantages of Dogs

Dogs prove they are man's best friend with loyalty and devotion. When a dog's owner is sad, the dog will often sit next to him, lick his face and try to comfort him. If a dog and his owner take a trip to the park, the dog will walk proudly by his side, taking every step the owner does. After a hard day at work, the dog will excitedly greet his owner at the door, wagging his tail. However, dogs are not always easy to take care of. Expenses and annoyances can arise when taking care of your furry friend.

  1. Companionship for the Impaired

    • The companionship of a dog is beneficial to the handicapped. Guide dogs lead the blind throughout everyday activities. These dogs are legally defined by federal law as service dogs. Guide dogs increase independence among blind people and help them participate in social activities. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, guide dogs are allowed in public places with its owner. For people who have hearing problems, there are hearing dogs. They are trained to alert their owners to sounds such as smoke alarms, telephones and a visitor knocking at the door.

    Security

    • Dogs instinctively protect their owners from harm. If a person was to abusively yell at or try to hit a dog's master, the dog may try to bite the invasive person. Dogs are also an asset when protecting your home or business. There are several types of security-based dogs. A watchdog barks instantly if an intruder tries to invade your home. A protection dog has extensive obedience training. This dog will lunge at and threaten an intruder on the owner's command without actually biting him. An attack dog bites and releases the intruder on the owner's command. The deadliest of security dogs is a guard dog, and sometimes they patrol an area on their own. They are trained to attack vital parts of an intruder's body and will not let go until he is maimed or killed.

    Vet Cost

    • Like people, dogs need health care too. Unlike people, dogs are seldom covered by medical plans. A dog needs regular immunizations and preventative measures to keep it safe from such things as rabies and heartworms. According to oes.org, the national average cost to repair a broken bone is $350, and the anesthesia it may need to perform the operation is $56. For a regular adult canine wellness visit, the average cost is $146. Dog owners spent an average amount of $785 on vet bills in 2010, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

    Home and Possessions

    • Dogs are playful and they shed fur. A dog may find its owner's shoes, or even something more valuable, and chew the items into many pieces beyond repair. Whether a laptop cord or the arm of your expensive recliner, a dog does not care how much his new chew toy costs. Remember the phrase, "the dog ate my homework?" With a dog that may not always be a made-up excuse. These inconveniences, along with the cost of cleaning your carpets thoroughly from pet hair and accidents, are costly and annoying.