There is a lot of joy surrounding pets, especially the ones we find on social media. Research shows that people with dogs post their furry loved ones on different online platforms. If you have one yourself, you know how loving and lively the home atmosphere is when you have a pet in your home. You might even be posting photos of your dog on social media yourself. What pet parents do not want anyone else to know, however, is that it can also be challenging.
As loving as it might be to have a pet at home, being a pet parent comes with responsibilities. Your efforts to take care of your dog could affect the other family members and guests you usually expect. Beautiful social media-worthy photos and videos are secondary to maintaining a healthy and lively creature.
Here are some problems and difficulties pet parents must face that might not be present on social media:
Health Issues are Terrifying
Dogs are naturally active and loving. It is something one expects when taking in a pet at home. They will interact with family members all the time, making it alarming when there are days when dogs just lay down looking gloomy. Like every living creature, pets will suffer from health issues. Unfortunately, they really can’t say what’s bothering them. It can be terrifying to find your dog in a painful state without knowing what to do.
When you notice your dog feels unwell, a visit to the veterinarian will be the top priority. People studied for years to perform medical treatment and procedures on animals, learning their bodies and organs to ensure pet owners don’t have to worry. As a pet parent, your job is to find a reliable vet clinic near your home in case of emergencies. Pet health issues will put you under a lot of stress, something you’ll have to live with when you have dogs at home.
Damages at Home are Inevitable
You’ll be sharing space with one of the most active creatures on the planet. Playing is natural for dogs, and it means lots of moving and running around the property. The activity becomes more chaotic when pet parents join in the fun. Unfortunately, the happy moment could result in damages to household items, turning them into frustrating situations. It is also inconvenient to notice scratch and bite marks on furniture, especially on sofas and tables. Unfortunately, those are things you have to live with as a pet parent.
Dogs often claw and gnaw at those household items as they grow. Unfortunately, you might not be present every time to stop it. Damages at home will be inevitable when you have pets, making it necessary to pet-proof those areas. Keeping fragile household items out of reach will be the top priority. Adding safety covers on furniture should also be part of your plans. Those things can make your indoor life with pets better, especially in a financial aspect.
Social Behavior is a Hit or Miss
It can be challenging to teach someone to behave correctly, especially when they don’t have rational thinking. Pet parents will experience those problems with their dogs. While it might be okay indoors, it can be challenging when guests come over. The strangers outside might also be in danger when pets end up barking and biting every time they come across someone they don’t know. Pet owners must be responsible for their dogs, making it necessary to train them. Fortunately, puppy training programs are available to help you out.
The program can also help people with potty training their pets, ensuring they don’t make a mess out of everything at home. It might take a while before they can learn the rules you set. You might not even know if it is possible. If your patience is running thin, dog training goes a long way.
Fitness is a Necessity
Pet parents know that going home is the best feeling in the world. Knowing that your pets are waiting for you at the front door will automatically take the stress away. However, it also means they waited hours for you to get home. Pets stuck at home might end up living a less healthy life. Like humans, they require fitness. Even if it is just short walks and playtime, you might have to insert physical activities for your dog daily. Thirty minutes is all you need to ensure that your pet receives the fitness he needs.
Pet parents will only remember the happy moments, but it doesn’t mean the frustrations and difficulties would go away. Fortunately, the benefits will always outweigh the disadvantages. It might be a lot of work to be a pet parent, but it will all be worth it.
Meta title: The Problems and Frustrations Associated with Being a Pet Parent
meta desc: It can be fun to have pets, but there might be moments of frustration. Read on to learn a few things to consider as a pet parent.