Does your dog get a little lonely during the day? Are you looking to get him or her a companion? There are many reasons that’s a great idea, but there are also some unexpected downsides you may not have seen coming.

We have compiled a list of 5 pros and 5 cons of getting a second dog—we made sure to cover everything!

Pro: Companionship

If your dog does get lonely, then buying a fellow dog can be a wonderful choice! Not only does a fellow dog reduce separation anxiety by providing company, but they also can encourage the other dog to play, promoting better health.

There are plenty of issues dogs can have because of loneliness, but having a fellow dog helps mitigate these problems! By improving socialization skills with other dogs and providing comfort in stressful situations, your dog will feel much better off with a friend!

Con: Behavioral Issues

Even though a companion might improve a dog’s social skills, it is always possible for this to have the opposite effect! There is a risk of the dogs not liking each other or having jealousy issues if you’re more affectionate with one than the other. Furthermore, if your dog has a bad habit, it could be very easily copied by the other dog.

These issues will also cause more problems for you. The dogs might even have dominance disputes that you’ll have to intervene in! You’ll have to equally love both dogs and train them both simultaneously. But if you love taking care of dogs, this shouldn’t be a problem for you!

Pro: Better Security System

Two dogs are better than one, and this is especially true for home intruders! The dogs can deter people trying to enter your house or trespass on your property. They can look out for each other and alert you in the case of a suspicious event.

Walking two dogs at once can also give you a sense of safety when walking them together. The dogs can help out in emergencies and work together to keep you safe.

Con: Higher Costs

Having a better security system comes with a hefty cost, and in this case, it’s the money required to keep both dogs healthy. You’ll have to pay double the expenses for food, accessories, grooming, and visits to the vet.

There are unexpected costs that might arise too, such as higher pet insurance or extra costs for behavioral classes if they don’t get along.  Consider that prices will increase when hiring a pet sitter to take care of two dogs at once.

Pro: Be More Social

Getting your dog a companion doesn’t just benefit him or her, it also indirectly benefits you! Having a second dog encourages you to go for more walks with them and spend time outdoors.

Additionally, you might be spending more time in parks or pet events, leading to meeting new people and engaging in new communities. Plus, your dogs can make new friends too!

Con: More Illnesses

If one of your dogs becomes sick, there’s a higher risk of spreading it to the other dog. You will have to closely look for signs of distress in both dogs to make sure they are always healthy.

Ensuring both dogs get proper medication and have a good diet is a must. Visits to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations will become more frequent.

But there is a pro to this con: dogs are good at picking up signs of distress. They might be able to alert you if the other dog is sick!

Pro: Less Work on Your End

It might seem counterintuitive, but having two dogs might end up halving the work you put into keeping your dogs healthy. The dogs can play with each other and tire themselves out, keeping them from demanding too much attention at once. Your dogs might even teach each other tricks!

If you have an older dog, a younger playmate might even help him or her stay more active and healthier!

Con: Travel Complication

If you’re going on a trip, finding pet-sitters for two dogs won’t be easy. Tying in with Higher Costs, this will almost certainly increase your bill.

If you decide to travel with your dogs, accommodations will have to be made. You will need more space for the two dogs and plan ahead to make pit stops. It’s also possible for one of the dogs to get motion sick.

Pro: Helping a Dog in Need

Adopting a dog from a shelter is always a great choice! If you decide to adopt both dogs at once, shelters often provide discounts.

By adopting a dog, you are providing a home to an animal in need, reducing the number of dogs in shelters. Also, two dogs adopted from the same shelter can have a very strong bond!

Con: Being Equally Affectionate

If both dogs don’t feel equally treated, they might feel jealous or neglected. Both dogs must be receiving equal attention, which can be exhausting at times.

Whether you want a playmate for your current dog or just like taking care of them, getting a second dog is almost always a great choice! However, make sure to do your research on what breeds you’re adopting to ensure they don’t get into fights.