They're called fur “babies” for a reason. Dogs aren't genetically our children. However, many dog owners like to believe that their four-legged fur ball is a part of their family, much like any other human. With all the amazing benefits that come from having a dog, there are also a bunch of responsibilities and work that need to be done for them to be taken care of properly.

Helena Lopes/Pexels | When you decide to get a dog, the way you plan your day and everything else changes according to it

Having a pet dog is similar to having a child in a lot of ways.

Here are some of them.

1. You Love To Show Them Off With Pictures

Dogs and children are both loaded with cuteness. There's no denying that they know how to strike some of the most adorable poses in the world, making you eager to take pictures and show off to anyone that might be interested enough to look. Whether your four-legged buddy has the same hair color as you or is extremely furry, whether they know how to do silly poses or even have a straight face all the time, you still show them off to people because you find them to be the cutest thing ever.

Kat Smith/Pexels | You can’t help but smile at this beaming face

2. Budgeting For Them

Having a child is not cheap and neither is having a fur baby! However, it may seem easier to have a dog than to have a baby. Dogs only require money for basic needs that include everyday expenses as well as vet bills. You also need to give them enough time so that their emotional needs are met.

Pixabay/Pexels | Children and dogs both need a lot of attention, playtime, and exercise

3. You See Them As Your Own

Even though there are people in this world that don't exactly believe in the idea of dogs being fur babies, there is still evidence that some see them as their children! Research and studies have revealed for children and dogs have evoked very similar responses in human mothers. A woman was shown a picture of her dog following a picture of her children and it resulted in her having a similar brain activity when she saw both of them. The way we love and bond with our children is a lot similar to the way we love and bond with our human babies.

So is your fur baby literally like your baby?