Man's best friend or a furry "burden"? The results of this recent study may change your opinion on dogs

The most common belief about dogs is that they are man's best friend. And most owners will confirm this, saying that getting a dog was one of the best decisions they ever made.

However, the results of a recent study conducted by veterinarians showed that a dog can be more of a hindrance, a burden for some owners. And not all dogs may have the power to make people happier, writes MailOnline.

Vet bills, travel restrictions, and the inevitability of outliving your pet were named as some of the biggest problems. The study also talks about the constant anxiety, sadness, and guilt associated with dog ownership, which can even lead to long-term illnesses such as chronic stress or depression in the long run.

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary have found that the burden of dog ownership is much higher than previously thought. In addition to the positive emotions of having a dog, there are many serious drawbacks to consider.

"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," says Laura Gillet, lead author of the study.

The study involved a group of 246 dog owners who completed a questionnaire consisting of 33 neutrally worded statements about owning a four-legged friend. Each participant then rated these statements on a scale from minus three (a major disadvantage) to plus three (a major advantage).

Researchers grouped aspects of dog ownership into three main components. The first covered the emotional, social, and physical benefits of a dog, such as going for walks and meeting new people. The second dealt with the negative emotions and challenges associated with owning a dog, and included issues such as the stress of vet visits and worrying about your dog's health. Finally, the third aspect of dog ownership is the commitment and responsibilities associated with keeping your dog happy and healthy.

In general, dog owners tended to rate positive qualities as an advantage and problems as disadvantages. On average, positive statements received a score of plus 2.06, while negative statements received only 0.66. According to the researchers, this tips the scales in favor of dog ownership.

However, Ms. Gillet says it is difficult for scientists to determine whether dogs truly make people happy because what they bring to people's lives is not always easily measurable.

"For example, in our study, some dog owners reported that their dogs contributed to their self-growth and gave them purpose in life, which can be hard to put in numbers," explains the scientist, adding that the owners also listed serious drawbacks that even the most avid dog lovers had to admit, "The emotional toll of outliving our pet was the biggest problem associated with getting a dog," the article states.

Another major negative aspect of owning a dog was its maintenance. 95 percent of those surveyed said that the cost of caring for a dog, including feeding, vet bills, and other expenses, was a significant disadvantage. In addition, dog owners also negatively assessed the fact that having a dog can make it difficult to find a suitable place to live or go on vacation.

The researchers do not claim that having a dog is always a bad thing, but emphasize the need to properly weigh the pros and cons before taking the plunge.

"For the good of both dogs and people, I'd say that having a pet suitable for anyone who feels able to take on the responsibilities of dog ownership," Laura summarized the research results.

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