Of course, when we say ‘pet hate,’ we aren’t saying that you hate your dog! We are talking in the proverbial sense; those sort of pet hates which are another way of referring to those minor annoyances as a dog owner that we are sure you will be able to relate to. We put up with these irritations because we love our four-legged friends dearly, but let’s be honest, there are times when even the most patient of us can be severely tested. Still, there are ways to overcome some of them.
How many of these pet hates can you relate to?
Pet Hate #1: Being faced with smelly dog breath
Waking up in the morning, probably with bad breath of your own, the last thing you need is the odorous whiff of your dog’s bad breath when he leaps onto your bed to greet you. Usually followed by a sloppy kiss and a paw on your face, you have no alternative but to get out of bed and give your dog some attention.
Tip: There are all kinds of reasons for dog bad breath, so check out the linked article for some handy advice. While you will never get rid of those terrible odours permanently, you can still reduce the problem by caring for your dog’s diet and by looking after their gums and teeth. And hey, when it comes to your morning bad breath, you might consider looking after yourself in similar ways!
Pet Hate #2: Never having a clean house
It can be hard to keep a clean house with a dog roaming around. Trying to keep your living room, kitchen, and bathroom spotlessly clean can be tough when you have dog drool, muddy footprints, and dog hairs invading your living space. You could either give up entirely – what’s the point in trying if your dog is only going to sabotage your best efforts? – or you could take steps to make your life easier.
Tip: Despite living with a dog, there are a number of ways to maintain a reasonably clean house so consider some of the ideas here. From changing some of your furniture fabrics to doing the sensible thing, and keeping your dog as clean as possible, you can alleviate the indignity of an unclean home. You never need to be afraid of letting your
Pet Hate #3: Losing yet another pair of slippers
It’s no secret that dogs love to chew on things. From rolled up newspapers to yes, your favourite pair of slippers; they will get their mouth around anything they can get their paws on. Of course, you could do the sensible thing and move any chewable objects out of your dog’s reach, or you could consider why they love to chew things in the first place.
Tip: On a simple level, dogs love to chew because its fun. It’s also nature’s way of strengthening your dog’s jaws and cleaning their teeth. However, your dog can also chew on something when bored or anxious. If they don’t have enough toys to play with, they will naturally migrate to other things, such as your slippers. And when they are anxious, perhaps when you are away from home for a long period of time, your dog will chew your slippers as a way to a) reduce stress, and b) to be close to your smell. You can alleviate any problems by buying your dog chewable toys, and by reducing their anxiety when you’re out by asking a friend or neighbor to pop in to give your dog company.
Pet Hate #4: The constant walks
First thing in the morning when you’re trying to get ready for work. Last thing at night when you’re just about ready for bed. And when it’s cold and wet, you will need to take your dog for a walk. He will let you know when he’s ready, and if you don’t… well, that’s another fine mess you will find yourself stepping into! Dogs need exercise for both fun and health reasons, so unless you have one of these low-energy dog breeds, you will need to get your shoes on at regular intervals.
Tip: You could hire a dog walker to take your dog for a stroll, but think about your exercise needs too. A walk will do you good, so instead of complaining every time your dog lets you know he wants to go out again, remember the benefits for you. But if you do find it a chore, try to up the fun factor; change the routes you take, play with your dog in the park, and take time to enjoy the scenery around you. Both you and your dog will benefit from the experience.
What are your pet hates? How have you overcome them? Let us know, for the sake of ourselves, and our beloved canine friends.
Thanks for reading!