Vets say owning a dog can be a BURDEN - and warn pooches may not have the power to make humans happier after all
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If you ask a dog owner, they'll often tell you that getting their pet was one of the best decisions they ever made. But a new study has warned that 'man's best friend' might be more of a hindrance than a help for some owners. Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary found that the burden of owning a dog is much higher than previously suggested.
![[Researchers surveyed dog owners to see how they rated different aspects of owning a dog. The expenses associated with pet bills and general care were ranked as one of the most significant burdens (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/10/94339669-14307773-Researchers_surveyed_dog_owners_to_see_how_they_rated_different_-a-13_1737454290930.jpg)
While the study found that dogs were generally seen as positive, there are also serious drawbacks that need to be considered. Vet bills, restrictions on travel, and the inevitability of outliving their pet were all listed as some of the biggest problems.
![[When asked for the 'biggest benefit of dog ownership' owners gave a variety of answers (illustrated), but the most common response given by 60 per cent of people was the 'meaningful and valued relationship']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/09/94339661-14307773-When_asked_what_for_the_biggest_benefit_of_dog_ownership_owners_-a-10_1737453498182.jpg)
The worry, sadness, and guilt associated with dog ownership can even lead to long-term medical conditions like chronic stress or depression in the long run. Lead author, Laura Gillet, told MailOnline: 'One of the most important things people should think about is how having a dog will affect their daily lives in regard to their personal circumstances, personality and expectations.
![[When asked about the biggest drawback of owning a dog, 95 per cent of participants mentioned the financial costs]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/10/94339663-14307773-When_asked_about_the_biggest_drawback_of_owning_a_dog_95_per_cen-a-11_1737454227957.jpg)
'Not everyone finds the same aspects of dog ownership costly, especially the ones related to the long-term commitment that comes with it.'. While dog owners might be positive about their pets, a new study suggests that keeping a pooch could be more of a burden than many expect. Just like in Marley and Me (pictured), dog owners say that outliving their pet was the biggest drawback.
Around the world, the population of pet dogs has been steadily growing after jumping sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, estimates suggest that there are 65.1 million households in the US that own at least one dog and around 104 million in Europe.
