The Scary Side of Dog Parenting and What You Can Do About It

Being a dog parent is the absolute best, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t times that can be the complete worst. Typically, those moments include diarrhea and a roomba, a pee-soaked mattress or legitimately really scary circumstances where your pup’s wellbeing may be at stake. 

We know how special your dog is to you and totally get–and have lived–the pure panic and despair that can occur when they’re vulnerable, hurt or in danger. That’s why we’ve listed out some top concerns that any pup parent might experience throughout their dog’s lifetime. And we’ll also share how to best prepare yourself for the worst of the times, so that you can stay as calm as possible and get you and your dog through it and on to better days. 

Top Dog Parent Fears 

1. Vet emergencies.

Whether your puppy ingested 14 pills of your senior dog’s arthritis medicine or your dog is suddenly in some kind of physical distress–vet emergencies are not something any dog parent ever expects or wants to happen. Typically acting fast in these situations is key, but that can be hard to do if you find yourself in a surprise panic. That’s why we suggest setting up a few safeguards before any emergency takes place. 

- Keep a dog first aid kit in your home and car and include aids that help induce vomiting if need be. 

- Save the animal poison control hotline into your phone. Many emergency vet offices may have you call this line even if you bring your dog in person. The number is: 888-426-4435

- Have the location and number of two to three emergency vet offices nearby saved in your phone. Of course you can call and visit your dog’s typical vet, but it is good to have emergency options at the ready in case your vet is closed or not equipped to tackle the issue at hand. 

2. Your dog gets lost or breaks away from their leash. 

Another top fear for dog parents is the possibility of losing their dog. Some dogs are prone to jolting out the door, while others may get lost because of more incidental circumstances. To best prevent your dog from ever becoming lost, consider these recommendations: 

- Ask your vet about microchipping your dog if they are not already microchipped and be sure you keep their microchip information in a safe place.  

- If your dog is a runner by nature, ensure you have screen doors or dog gates set up in doorways that lead outside. This way, if you have to open the door and speak with someone, there is at least one more physical barrier that prevents your pup from slipping through. 

- Keep your dog’s collar with a name tag on them all day, even if they are inside. And consider purchasing a GPS dog collar that can share your dog’s location via an app if they get lost. 

- Introduce your dog and yourself around the neighborhood while on walks. Not only is it nice to meet your neighbors, but if your dog goes missing someone who has met you and your dog before might find them. 

3. You have to leave your dog for a prolonged period of time. 

Whether you are dropping your dog off at daycare for the first time or are planning a trip out of town, the thought of leaving your dog can cause anxiety and fear. Having a dog cam can help for short term check ins, but you’ll want to find a pet sitter you can trust for the longer term getaways. For help easing your worries about daycare, look to other dog parents' recommendations and consider dropping them off for shorter periods of time so you both get comfortable before commiting to a full day. 

4. Your dog bites someone or another dog. 

Even the friendliest of dogs can have an off moment or be caught off guard and snap at a person or another dog. There are also some dogs that are just naturally leash reactive. Know that as your dog’s advocate, there are nice ways to say, “don’t pet my dog” to others so that your pup can enjoy some personal space even if they are in public spaces. And in general, if your dog is in a new place ore around new people or pets, remember to keep your eye on them and hone in to physical cues that show they may be uncomfortable. 

5. Your dog won't eat. 

Perhaps your dog is always very picky or suddenly seems to have less of an appetite, either way, it can be scary when your dog won’t eat. After all, one of the first things your vet will ask when your dog is unwell is if they are “eating and drinking” regularly. 

Your dog may be feeling unwell and that may be the cause behind their food strike, in which case your vet would be best to advise on what you can do. However if your pup is always picky, the ingredients in their food could be the cause. Sundays for Dogs only uses human-grade, all natural ingredients and all of that flavor of those foods is preserved throughout our air drying process. So even picky pups love the taste of real meat, fruit and veggies. 

6. Your vet gives you a terminal diagnosis or your dog passes suddenly. 

The hardest part of having a dog with you through life is knowing there will come a time when they will have to leave you. Preparing for this day can seem impossible and overwhelmingly sad, and it is. While we know nothing can dull the pain that comes along with losing your dog, here are some ways to cope.

No matter how scary dog parenting can become at times, most of these fears will come and go. It’s the good times, the little happy moments every day that make your relationship all that is– and even worth the not so great times.