Many dog owners want a companion playmate for their four-legged friend and are therefore considering getting a second dog. Perhaps you too are currently faced with this decision and are wondering whether it makes sense to keep a second dog and whether your four-legged friend can benefit from it. In this article we will therefore deal with the advantages and disadvantages of a second dog and explain which points you should consider.
Key facts at a glance
- A second dog can be a great playmate for the existing four-legged friend.
- Keeping a second dog causes additional costs and takes more time.
- When choosing a breed, the characteristics of the first dog and the experience of the owner should be taken into account.
- A neutral place outdoors is best suited for bringing the animals together.
- We recommend taking out dog health insurance for both dogs in one of our high-performance tariffs.
A second dog is a great playmate
Getting a second dog can make sense. After all, the wild relatives of dogs also live in packs and most four-legged friends are happy about the company of a conspecific.
Especially when you have to work all day, your dog is no longer alone thanks to the addition to the family and has a friend with whom he can occupy himself.
Disadvantages of owning a second dog
Of course, the thought of two happily romping dogs is nice. Nevertheless, you should not make the decision lightly, but carefully weigh the pros and cons. After all, dogs are comparatively demanding pets that usually live well over 10 years.
Before you decide to keep a second dog, you should therefore also give some thought to the disadvantages. After all, you want both four-legged friends to be fine and that neither the first nor the second dog is missing anything.
A second dog means double the costs
Cost is an important factor that many prospective owners fail to consider when purchasing their first dog. Because the purchase price for the four-legged friend and a few euros a month for dog food are far from enough.
In addition, you have to reckon with veterinary costs, dog tax and expenses for accessories such as dog beds and toys, among other things. Keeping a second dog doubles these expenses from one day to the next.
If your household budget is already overstretched, a second dog is definitely a bad idea.
Do you have enough time for both dogs?
The time available is another point that you should definitely include in your considerations. It’s a fact that dogs take time. This is especially true for puppies, some of whom have to be looked after almost around the clock in the early days.
Of course, even adult dogs cannot simply be left to their own devices. Daily walks and needs-based activities are part of life.
The moment a second dog moves in with you, you have to reckon with the fact that keeping and caring for your pets will take significantly more time in the future.
While the time investment may not double compared to the cost, you should not underestimate the additional burden of the second dog.
Which breed is suitable as a second dog?
Once you have decided to keep a second dog, the next thing to think about is the breed. Theoretically there are no restrictions.
However, you should pay a little attention to the size when choosing. It can certainly work to keep a very small dog with a very large one. However, this is not ideal.
In addition, you should also take into account how much experience you have as a dog owner in your considerations. Because there are some breeds whose upbringing requires a certain amount of expertise and are therefore only suitable for beginners to a limited extent.
It is therefore best to decide on a second dog of the same breed or an animal of a similar size with a comparable urge to move and temperament.
Time for a first acquaintance
If, despite all the challenges, you have decided to keep a second dog, it is time for the two four-legged friends to get to know each other.
It makes sense to have the first encounter at a neutral location. Otherwise it can happen that your first dog wants to defend its territory and has a negative attitude towards the addition to the family right from the start.
It is best to keep the meeting short and allow a few more encounters to follow. Should a dispute arise, separate the quarrelsome immediately. Fortunately, it usually doesn’t take long for the two dogs to become friends.
Think about health insurance for your second dog
Treating illnesses and injuries in dogs is often associated with significant costs. Purchasing a second dog greatly increases the likelihood of high vet bills.
So protect yourself in good time and take out dog health insurance for your second dog as well. With you are choosing an experienced partner you can rely on.