Don’t get a dog

[Manyandyoucanwalkover]

Dogs are really hard work. They don’t come house trained, so expect to have wee and poo all over your floors. They will eat stuff they shouldn’t and then they vomit. They can be very noisy, they bark and they whine. Some keep you awake half the night. The vet’s bills are horrendous. £75 for a consultation, then medication on top of that. They need regular medication for worms, ticks and fleas. Many dogs need trips to the dog groomer, factor in about £50 every six weeks. This is for 10 years or more. Then they break your heart. 🐾💔

Please don’t get a dog, unless you have thought about all the above.

Sorry but this isn’t me. I’ve had cats in the past. Then I got a dog. I far, far prefer dogs.

Agreed. Especially if it turns out they have issues related to their breed (resource guarding/aggression) and you have to then spend the next 10 years (so far) trying to manage the behaviour

We love our dog but this will be it pet-wise. We currently have 2 cats, they are the last cats i ever want to own, when Guinea Pig dies, thats it.

So much work and expense and extra things to consider day to day. I would not change our beautiful British Bully for the world- the love, peace and feeling of family he brings is amazing. BUT, yea, he's the last pet through our doors.

A dog is a huge financial and practical commitment for 15 years. Puppies are horrible with the chewing and the biting but once that’s over: oh lord, the love and the joy they bring, especially to the lonely and troubled (including teenagers). Even the pain of losing them is worth it, it’s the price of love.

Cost-wise, dont get a dog that requires professional grooming or fancy food. Get a Labrador!

Oh, and yes, obviously they need walking, but not all breeds are the same. If you’re going to get a husky bred for marathon treks across Alaska, you absolutely need to be prepared to go for long walks every day. My little boy needs 30-60 minutes according to the Kennel Club, and although he loves his runs, he’s also very happy with some gentle pottering around sniffing the world and weeing on all the weeds. Two 15 minute walks is manageable for me, even on days when I am feeling crap.

I'm with you there. Rescue cat, first four years he was lovely, last four years became really clingy, damaging furniture etc, kept changing food, wouldn't use a litter tray and various other personality changes.

He put me off so much, I've vowed to never have another pet after having them for decades with no problems.

Shame though, I've seen a rescue cat on local FB who is being fostered and needs a home, would love it to be me but just not worth the risk or the massive expense.

Not sure you know what a horrendous vet bill looks like, we spent £25,000 in one year once just on vet bills. There was a sharp intake of breath in the waiting room whenever our bills were announced, usually £700+ a time. And this was with a local independent vet that was cheaper than the rest.

Getting a puppy was sooo much harder than I anticipated while working from home. But she is a huge part of our lives and I wouldn’t be without her. Our groom is cheaper than yours. But yes vets bills aren’t funny. Seeing her grow up with my pre teens is great. She is another play mate to them. She is my best friend and no 1 entertainer. She causes more mess than the kids but every cloud. Seeing people moan about puppies and giving up breaks my heart because it is worth it in the end. I definitely wouldn’t recommend getting a puppy with young children either. And those people that have more than 1 dog at a time are a whole lot braver than me!

@Flufferblub we do borrow my doggie and have 2 regulars, a lovely make cock a poo and a female spaniel- love them both but I agree with your post.That's why we don't have one of our own

Totally agree. Dogs are hard work, adore my dog and he’s brought so much joy to our family but he costs me a fortune and has had so many illnesses, currently going blind with glaucoma. We absolutely adore him, like anything worth having you have to work hard in the first year and the reward is a gorgeous family pet. I wouldn’t change him for the world, but it winds me up when people don’t consider their circumstances and then just hand them back like discarded furniture. Please think about all this before commuting, a dogs for life (or should be, they deserve that)

We had a pedigree Burmese house cat and and a Dachshund dog. Got kitten when he was 10. Guess who was the boss? Cat would peep round the corner of the settee and await the old dog, then jump out on him. Or on top of the settee and jump down on his back then dash off and up high so the daft dog couldn't find him. He led that dog a merry dance but it was funny.

The only reason I would never got a dog after owning one?

Having to PTS at 16 years old. There is old age, illness and death. But when it's your call to make. Very hard.

Great post, OP. I wish more people would think. It breaks my heart when dogs are neglected or abandoned.

I have three, and my oldest, who is now 13, is the love of my life. I have never known a love like it. I have learned to be a better person because of him and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I got him when he was ten weeks old, and he imprinted on me like a little duckling and has followed me ever since. I wish I could be as pure and as selfless and as wonderful as he is.

A bond with a dog is one of the best experiences you can have in life. But take the responsibility seriously.

Yup! Never say never but I really don’t think I will ever get a dog.

I really like dogs.

I never really wanted to own one though.

Stbxh and dd really wanted one and wore me down. Then we added another companion for the first dog. Then a little dog because stbxh grew up with little dogs. Then a stray dog we found on the beach in Italy.

So now I am left with four dogs. And I'm really pissed off about it. I don't hate them but I do resent the restrictions. They are a burden to me. Expensive. I have to get up at 5am to walk them before work. I can't afford to put them in kennels so. I can't go away on trips. I'm lumbered with them. I can't get rid of them because my dcs would be so upset even they do feck all for the dogs.

Stbxh however, goes and does whatever he wants, when he wants, unrestricted by dogs and their needs.

Pisses me off.

This is our dog's number one hobby.

YANBU.

DP and DS want a dog. I've said absolutely not so I'm the bad guy.

But it will be me who would have to look after it and fund it too. It's not happening, I think it would tip me over the edge tbh.

Last month my dog cost £300 dog walks (some extra - usually around £250) when I’m in the office. Food I buy in bulk but I’d say around £40 a month, he is on the same food due to some serious health issues when he was a pup. He had his flea / tick treatment, every 3 months around £30 I think (could be more). Drops cost me £60 (for glaucoma) but I can claim them back) and £40 for insurance. He’s got a groom next week, £45 every 7wks.

So yeah, you do need to be able to afford a dog if your lifestyle means you aren’t home all the time. When I travel with work I have to ensure someone can put his drops in 3 times a day. It’s not easy, but love him to bits. I won’t be getting another dog, not for a long time (maybe when retired) as my kids are growing up and I want to be able to travel one day.

I'd love a dog or cat but I recognise I'm far too touched out by my two small children. I knew someone who would get animals, get overwhelmed, give it up then get another. Same cycle for years. Awful.

Problem is too many people don't realise how much having a dog impacts on your life and finances. Some only want a puppy for the SM photos then realise it is not easy so dump them in rescue centres or pass them on like a used toy.

YES. People getting rescue dogs need to understand also that the dog will probably need a LOT of time, patience and love in order to settle successfully. We support a small rescue charity (we currently have had our second dog adopted from them and she's been with us 2 years now) and it's heartbreaking to see people return a dog -often after less than a month. Most recently it was a beautiful, 3 legged lurcher.

Our dog is now so different from how she was after a year with us but she came with issues - she is still very afraid of strangers. She is, however, THE most loving, affectionate dog we've ever known.

Yesterday evening I sat on the floor at the vets, holding my DMs large, very old girl - cuddled her, kissed her face and told her how loved she was, while the vet eased her passing. It all happened very suddenly yesterday, likely brain tumour. My poor DM is broken - the dog was her baby and a link to DF who died some years back. DM is in palliative care for cancer and I honestly believe this will finish her off. So terribly sad, even the vet was upset but so kind. Teen DC distraught - I’m holding my own hound very tight today. Give all of your precious dogs a squeeze - 13 years is nowhere near long enough.

Totally agree op. Breaks my heart when I read yet another story on here about how haaaard having a dog is, and basically looking for validation to rehome the poor dog who has done nothing wrong but just be a dog. (I have rescue dogs, and rescue cats myself, I do know what it’s like - the time and money required is insane sometimes - but you don’t take on an animal only to throw it away because it’s needs are greater than you first thought!)

Im so sorry … just heartbreaking to lose your precious girl. Sending you hugs x

My 3 dogs are a lot less of a pain in the neck than my 2 cats ( both 15yo and looking healthier every damn bloody day). The litter trays are gross ( let's be honest) and the whinging to be fed, and the jumpin on your bed and the pooping in your vegie garden , and the presents of half eaten birds, and the poor mouse that's still alive that they bat from paw to paw whilst you scream for help. I'm never getting another one. Could not live without a dog though! ( I posted a pic of one of mine upthread and he is not a small boy but even he is terrified of one of my cats - walks around the edge of the room to avoid her). Cats are quite evil really 😆Dogs are lovely. 😍