Life With and Without Dogs: What's the Real Difference?
Sarang, a seasoned dog owner from Japan, has spent most of his life alongside dogs. Except for one brief year, he has always shared his days with canine companions. That single year without a beloved dog by his side gave him a profound understanding of how much a dog's presence truly transforms a person's daily rhythm, mood, and even their core values.
Living with dogs isn't just about having a pet; it's about embracing a lifestyle that shapes your time, emotional well-being, and outlook on life. Sarang's experience highlights that the companionship of a dog can deeply influence how we organize our days, how we handle emotions, and how we perceive what matters most.
In essence, the difference between a life with dogs and one without is far more than just physical presence—it's a shift in life's tempo and perspective that only those who have lived both can truly appreciate.
If you are also hesitating about whether to get a dog, you can refer to the four aspects of life he shared for comparison and see what differences there really are between days with a dog and days without one.
1. How Having a Dog Changed My Sleep Routine
Wake-up Time: When I didn't have a dog, weekends were a perfect excuse to sleep in until noon, or sometimes even spend the entire day at home being lazy and binge-watching shows—total freedom.
If I had to mention a downside, it would be that I often stayed up late at night, which made getting up early for work on Monday mornings really painful.
After getting a dog, even on my days off, I have to wake up on time because my dog will come and urge me to go for a walk. There's almost no chance to sleep in anymore.
The great thing is that my daily routine has become super regular. I go to bed early and wake up early every day, and as a result, my energy and overall well-being have improved significantly!
2. How Dog Ownership Changes Your Clothing Style
Once you become a dog owner, your daily routine inevitably changes — and so does your wardrobe. Because you have to take your dog out for walks every day, you start choosing clothes that are less likely to attract pet hair, easy to move in, and durable enough to withstand frequent washing.
One challenge is that your clothing expenses tend to increase. For example, in the summer, you might sweat all over as soon as you step outside, meaning your clothes need to be washed daily. This leads to buying multiple sets of outfits just to have enough clean clothes to wear.
However, this change also has its benefits. You gradually begin to dress differently depending on the occasion, which helps you switch your mood more quickly. For instance, you might have a specific "walking outfit" and a separate "date outfit", making your wardrobe categories clearer and more organized.
On days when you don't have a dog to care for, your freedom to dress up is much greater. You can indulge in fashion by wearing mini skirts, long coats, or glamorous accessories — fully embracing your sense of style.
3. The Impact of Dog Ownership on Activity Levels
Activity Level: Living with a dog means that no matter how lazy you feel, how tired you are, or how terrible the weather is, you still have to go outside to walk your dog. The upside is that it naturally cultivates a habit of regular exercise, helping to keep your weight more stable. Even health checkup results tend to improve significantly.
However, the downside is that sometimes when you're sick or running a fever, you still have to muster the strength to take your dog out for a walk. It's hard to stay home and rest properly.
On the other hand, on days without a dog, although you might occasionally want to exercise, it often remains just a thought. After work, you usually just want to flop down on the couch and do nothing, lacking the motivation to go outside at all.
4. Electricity Costs and Pet Care in Summer
During the summer, to prevent dogs from suffering heatstroke, households with dogs almost always keep the air conditioning running 24 hours a day. It's essential to ensure that they stay in a comfortable environment.
However, this naturally causes the electricity bill to double, and receiving the summer bill often takes your breath away. As a result, people have to find ways to cut expenses in other areas.
If there were no dogs, the air conditioning would definitely be turned off before leaving the house, saving as much electricity as possible.
Life With or Without Dogs: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Life with a dog and life without a dog both come with their own advantages and inconveniences. Sarang openly admits that even though he knows some aspects of having a dog can be challenging, he would still choose to continue living with his canine companion. The happiness and love that dogs bring far outweigh the troubles and hardships.
So, what about you? Would you choose a life accompanied by a dog, or do you prefer to enjoy the freedom of living on your own?
