Having a pet is an incredible experience. There are proven health benefits of pet ownership, especially in terms of mental health. Having a dog can help ease anxiety and depression and also give you a wonderful excuse to go outside for a walk.
But dogs and cats aren't for everyone. Some people jump into pet ownership before fully realizing what they're in for. Just like people, all pets are different. While you might be able to get a good idea on temperament and personality based on the type of breed, you'll never really know until the dog or cat enters your home and makes it their own.
Here are seven struggles that all pet parents can relate to. (And if you think these are all OK, maybe it's time for you to go to a shelter and adopt your next best friend!)
1. You never know what may be destroyed.
Many dogs and cats aren't destructive. But plenty are. It's up to your dog to know whether or not those shoes are really a chew toy. Some behavioral training will help them, but it's still a bummer when it happens.
The same goes for houseplants. If you're a plant enthusiast, you need to know whether or not the greenery you bring indoors is harmful or poisonous. Some animals will stay away, but others may munch and cost you an emergency vet visit.
2. Going on vacations might be tough.
Every pet parent eventually figures it out, but for some time, scheduling vacations may be hard. You might have a dog who just doesn't like the kennel, or a pet who suffers from intense separation anxiety. Maybe your dog doesn't like being anywhere but in their own home and gets anxious while at a friend's house. Or perhaps you want to bring your dog, but that cuts down the number of hotels and resorts you can stay at. Pets are a responsibility, and sometimes they can put a small damper on plans.
3. Even the friendliest dogs can bite.
Dogs are animals. And some animals can cause a lot of problems if something sets them off. As their parent, you're responsible for them just like you would be a human child. Even if you think you know your dog well enough, sometimes things change.
For example, The Spruce notes that sometimes gentle and sweet dogs act out of character if they're ill. Since they can't tell you that something is wrong, they may become suddenly aggressive. In cases like this, they can't help it — they're animals and communicate differently. That said, it never feels good if your dog acts inappropriately in front of others. You never want your dog to scare people away.
4. You might worry your dog is a nuisance.
Do you have a yappy dog? Dogs bark — it's just what they do. But it's scary to think that your neighbors may be gossiping because your dog happens to disturb the peace in the neighborhood.
Surprising as it may be, not everyone is a dog person. And many people who don't like dogs have a reason why. Perhaps they had a bad incident in the past that traumatized them. That said, those are the people who may get more fed up with constant barking.
Of course, if your dog is constantly barking outside, you need to do your part to bring them in at a reasonable time. Even if you have a fenced yard, a dog shouldn't be out there for hours, especially if they're reactive.
5. It's often hard to tell when to take your pet to the vet.
Besides for scheduled checkups, it can be hard to figure out when to send your dog or cat to the vet for an emergency. A pet throwing up may be nothing to worry about, or it could be a case of something serious. And what happens if your dog starts walking with a limp? Is it a pulled muscle, or something much worse?
Since dogs and cats can't talk to us, it's hard to tell when their behavior may be an overreaction versus something serious. Typically, a number of symptoms happening at once is the real sign to take your pet to the vet. Or if the symptom is serious, like a breathing issue. It's always better to be safe than sorry. That said, pet parent panic attacks are quite real.
6. There are also the mysterious lumps and bumps.
On the topic of vet care, there are also the numerous lumps and bumps that pets get. Most of the time, they're not serious. Many times, it can be a cyst or minor irritation. That said, it's still always good to get a vet to check it out.
Dogs often get benign tumors, which can cause quite a scare. "Fewer than half of lumps and bumps you find on a dog are malignant, or cancerous. Still, they can look the same from the outside, so it's hard to tell," writes WebMD. Pet parents may know this already, as they've nervously Googled a ton of pet bump comparison shots.
7. Pets shed — a lot.
Not all pets, but many do. If you own a cat or dog, you're more than used to the hairballs and the dog fur. While most people won't mind seeing a little dog fur stuck to your jacket, it can be a little awkward if your dog decided to nap on the coat that you need to take with you on an interview or to a professional meeting. Dog hair can get everywhere. Pet owners are mostly accepting of this but worried about the impression it can make on others.
