As a dog owner, it’s hard not to feel guilty about all kinds of things related to your furry friend. From not giving them enough attention to feeding them the wrong foods, all dog owners have moments of doubt and second-guessing. While feelings of guilt over not being able to give your dog undivided attention and unconditional love 24/7 are unavoidable, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in those feelings. A Vetster survey of 2,000 pet owners revealed that a whopping 56 percent of pet owners experienced guilt around caring for their fur babies. We’re unpacking the most common things dog owners feel guilty about — and offering some tips on how to alleviate those feelings.
Leaving dogs alone too long
One of the most common sources of guilt for dog owners is leaving their pups alone for extended periods of time. Whether due to work obligations or a social outing, leaving your dog alone might cause you to worry about their well-being and happiness.
The first step to alleviate this guilt is ensuring that your dog has a comfortable and safe environment while you’re away. This means providing them with adequate food, water, and a few toys to keep them entertained. If you’re using a crate, add a beloved blanket or even a piece of clothing that smells like you to remind your pup that you’ll come back soon.
You should also consider enlisting the help of a dog walker or pet sitter to give your dog some attention and exercise while you’re away. With so many dog-walking and pet-sitting apps available, it’s easier than ever to ensure your dogs get the care and attention they need, even when you’re not there.
If leaving your pup alone so you can go to work every day breaks your heart, talk to your boss about what it might take to make your office pet-friendly.
Insufficient exercise
Another source of guilt for many dog owners is not providing dogs with enough exercise. While every dog’s exercise needs vary, it’s important for dogs to get enough physical activity to keep them healthy and happy.
One way to ensure that your dog is getting enough exercise is to incorporate regular walks into your daily routines. Taking your dog for a stroll in the morning before work and in the evening as soon as you get home can help them burn off excess energy and provide mental stimulation. (Physical activity is great for you, too!)
You can also try incorporating more playtime into your dog’s daily routines. Playing fetch or tug-of-war with your dog can help them burn off energy and strengthen your bond.
Feeding your dog the wrong foods
Feeding your dog the wrong foods can cause various health problems, from obesity to digestive issues. It’s important to nourish your pup with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. A consultation with a pet nutritionist or veterinarian can help ease your anxiety. They can determine your dog’s nutritional needs and recommend an appropriate diet for their age, size, and activity level.
Lack of attention
Dogs are social animals and require attention and interaction from their owners to thrive. When busy with work or other obligations, it’s easy to feel guilty about not giving your dog enough attention.
One way to alleviate this guilt is to make sure that you spend quality time with your dog when you are together. Play with them, walk with them, talk to them, and cuddle with them. You can also try letting your pup accompany you as you run errands or catch up with friends and family in dog-friendly places. (Always secure dogs in the car and avoid car rides with canines in extreme temperatures.) Pups like to socialize and change up their routine just as much as you do!
Poor training
Proper training is essential for a well-behaved and happy dog. However, sometimes in the midst of busy lives, owners let training slide. It’s easy to feel guilty about not properly training your dog. One way to alleviate this kind of guilt is to enlist the help of a professional dog trainer. A trainer can help you identify your dog’s problem areas and develop a training plan tailored to their needs. Once a trainer has laid the groundwork, spend a few minutes a day reinforcing everything your dog has learned.
Relax, dog owners
Chances are, you’re doing a doggone good job raising your fur baby. And if you’re not, rest assured that good enough is good enough. While it’s important to recognize areas where you can improve as a dog owner, and take steps to correct any deficiencies, remember that what your dog needs most is your consistent caring.
This article was written in collaboration with ChatGPT.
