why do people think they can own a dog?

Question

and then ask some question and say "but i cant take them to the vet, help".

i mean, if you had a child, you wouldnt come on here and say, whats wrong with my kid, but i cant take them to the dr?

and to genny g... i'm sorry you're too poor to care for an animal, but thats not my fault. i'm a college student with 2 part time jobs and i can still pay for my dog. i wouldnt have gotten her if i couldnt. and next time your kids fall and break their arm, tell them "i'm sorry, but mommy's too poor to take care of you"

i think its animal cruelty. i've seen people on here who've stated "my dog just got hit by a car" or there was one there here today where someone said their dog just had a seizure. there was also someone who said their dog had parvo! those things NEED to be addressed by a vet, not by people on the internet.

i know people come on here to get some quick ideas and answers, but there is a big difference between finding out why your dog didnt poop and it bleeding from the ears!

i'm not rich, i'm no where NEAR that. technically i live below the poverty line, but i wouldnt make an animal suffer

Answer 1

Having a pet is a commitment financially, that people should be prepared for when they decide to get one. Many first time pet owners don't bother to research what the costs involve, and seem to think food and toys is all they need. Then they are shocked at the cost of medical care annually at the very least.

If someone has a dog that is seriously ill, they should be calling to ask the vet, not asking here. The funny thing is that a phone call to the vet is completely free. People may find out that it's nothing to worry about in some cases. People on limited incomes should at least think about what their options are if an emergency arises with their pet. Will the vet work out a payment plan? Can they pay with a credit card? Is there a local place, such as a shelter, that will offer lower cost medical care and altering for those on limited incomes? There are resources out there and I just wish people would at least check it out before taking on a pet to ensure the best possible care they can provide.

Answer 2

This is actually a very good question, and deserves an answer.
IMHO it is a disservice to tell people to "take the dog to the vet" when it is not necessary to do so. Many on here answer every question with the same answer regardless of what the question is, and that does more harm than good.
Taking the dog to the vet because it ate one chocolate cookie is absolutely ridiculous. The end result being that the answer "take your dog to the vet" has absolutely no creditability on here.

Answer 3

I know what you mean. So many people dont realize what it entails to have a pet. They need shots, food, shelter, toys, and medicines when sick. I actually knew some one who was getting a Great Pyrenes puppy and asked "do you think he will get very big?" I just looked at her like you are kidding me right, sadly she wasnt. I have seen so many people who dont know enough about dogs in general to be owning one. However I do respect the people who dont have a lot of money but will spend what little they have to help their pet. At our clinic we had special funds set aside for people who were down on their luck and needed major medical attention for their pet, so vets do understand and will try to help out the best the can (contrary to popular belief). I know that I wouldnt have as many pets as I do if I knew I couldnt afford them. And i have had my share of medical emergencies. My cat got into some stuff and I ended up shelling out about 200 dollars that at the time I didnt have, but I did it for my cat because he is like a kid to me and he deserves the best. I know not every one can do that and I understand but if you are going to get a pet make sure you have the means to take care of it and at least know what kind of dog you are getting so you know if it is going to be a big dog or not.

Answer 4

Because when people think of costs for a dog they just think of food and toys and things. They don't take into acount that dogs get sick or injured. And that is why i don't have a dog right now. I have wanted one for 21 years, but i just don't have the money for it. And then there are some people who think that animals don't feel, and that they will be fine with that huge cut on their leg. They don't think that just like in humans that cut hurts, and it can get infected. It would be nice if people had to be licensed to own a dog or have kids..

Answer 5

I'm not sure you're really looking for an answer here, but having done dog rescue for many years, I can safely tell you that the biggest problem I run into is ignorance: many people bring a pet into their home without any consideration for what's involved in caring for them. I'm not excusing their behavior -- but I'm also not sitting in judgment of them. If they've never owned a pet -- or they learned bad pet owner behaviors from role models in their lives -- they're not well-equipped to understand the level of commitment that's required to own a pet. Education is the best tool here -- not criticism.

Answer 6

I think the people who own dogs and can't afford to take them to the vet and ask for some ideas on here as to what's wrong with their dog well I believe they are wanting answers before they take them to the Vet and find out that it wasn't very serouis and waste money they don't have. My husband and i own a dog and three cats and we couldn't afford to take them to the Vet unless we had to but we can afford to feed them and take care of them. In an answer to your question. People want to find out if anyone else has had this prolbem and if it's serouis enough to take to the vet before they do.

Answer 7

i completely feel you!! i dont know why? i mean my lil puppy got spayed a few weeks ago and she was licking her stitches and had gotten an infection and i knew that she had to get to the vet asap and i knew that i couldnt get the my regular vet and the only option was to go to the er vet! and of course it ended up costing me $172.00! and it was $70 just for them to see her! i gotta tell you tho that she was much better after we came from the vet they gave me amoxicillin and some anti-inflammatory spay and a bigger cone for her! i know that i could have probably waited to take her the next day but she really is my baby and if she was a child i would have taken her to the er room! so really i dont know why people post that they dont know what is wrong and then say but i cant take it to the vet! poor dogs!

Answer 8

Believe it or not, if you take a look at the parenting section. there are quite a few parents looking for medical advise instead of going to the doctor.

People usually don't think ahead when it comes to owning a dog.

Answer 9

that is why I have pet insurance yes it is rather costly but it helps to have it in the long run . and maybe cause sometimes people just dont know but maybe they can get some idea on here . I m sorry I feel for people in this sittuation . good luck .

Answer 10

I am glad you all are rich and have never been in a situation where somebody you know is sick and not having money to take that person to the doctor!
Please get in contact with the hard part of the reality! many people live that situation everyday! :S