Returning from a pet-free vacation, I felt strangely relaxed, a stark contrast to my usual life amidst five dogs and five cats. It made me realize a crucial aspect often overlooked in the rosy picture of pet ownership: pets won’t need it – a day off for you, that is. While holidays from my veterinary practice are possible, the constant demands of my ten furry companions are not something I can simply take leave from. Let’s delve into the less glamorous side of sharing your life with multiple animals, because despite the unconditional love, there’s a continuous stream of responsibilities.
My recent trip to Australia, to support my Dad in hospital, became an unexpected respite. My husband held down the fort at home, managing our “zoo.” The quiet of my parents’ pet-free house was noticeable. While I cherish the affection of my animals, the absence of daily pet chores was undeniably peaceful. Crosswords and early nights replaced dog walks, poop scooping, feeding schedules, medication routines, litter box cleaning, constant vacuuming, fur removal, and interrupted sleep. It was a glimpse into a life where pet care wasn’t a constant factor.
Back to Reality: The Pet Care Never Stops
Upon returning to my fur-filled home, the contrast was immediate. My ten pets were overjoyed, and so was my husband, who had been managing the increased workload in my absence. Working from home means the majority of pet care usually falls to me, so even a few weeks away highlighted the ever-present nature of these responsibilities. The brief holiday, intended for rest, ironically amplified the realization: with pets, there are no real days off. This constant aspect of pet ownership is something I felt compelled to share.
I’ve previously shared glimpses into the fun side – Ned and Fred’s antics, Kodah’s water obsession, Bailey’s recovery, and Poppy’s pampering. You might have seen Clutch and the vacuum cleaner, Alex’s plastic licking, and Cyril’s demanding nature. It’s easy to assume a large pet family means more work, but the sheer relentlessness of it can be surprising.
Two phrases often come to mind when discussing pet ownership, applicable to children too:
- A spotless house or pets: choose one.
- If you never feel a bit mean, you’ll regret it later. (Especially true for puppy training!)
While my dogs are wonderful companions, particularly with my chronic fatigue, the daily grind of pet care remains. There’s simply no such thing as a day off when you have dogs, and it starts with the basics:
Toilet Breaks: A Constant Cycle
Small dogs equal small bladders and less control. House training the Chihuahuas, especially Fred, was a lesson in vigilance. Fred is still a work in progress. Miss his subtle cues, and you might find an accident. Ned signals his 4 am toilet needs with a gentle leg tap. While Poppy, Bailey, and Kodah can hold on for eight hours, the Chihuahuas need outdoor access every 4-6 hours, minimum. This constant cycle of toilet breaks is just one facet of the daily pet care that never pauses.
Poor Kodah loses his lunch to Ned again.
A chihuahua named Ned steals food from a larger dog, Kodah, during mealtime, highlighting the challenges of managing feeding times for multiple pets.
Mealtime Mayhem: More Than Just Food
Twice daily, I prepare five dog bowls with specific foods and portions, some with medications, and for Kodah, a touch of ketchup or mayo to mask pills. Meal times are monitored to ensure each dog eats from their designated bowl and to prevent food theft – yes, the tiny 4 lb Chihuahua, Ned, will steal from the 80 lb German Malinois, Kodah! It’s a carefully orchestrated routine, far beyond simply putting food in a bowl.
Deactivating the Doggy Alarm System
Doorbell rings, passersby, a swaying tree branch – anything can trigger the Kodah-Ned-Fred alarm system. Why have a doorbell? Sometimes the barking subsides, but often, manual intervention is needed. This might involve checking the “threat” or taking the overexcited alarm system outside before… well, before excitement becomes an accident. This constant reactivity is another layer of vigilance that pet owners understand all too well.
Constant Vigilance: It’s a Lifestyle
Beyond the scheduled tasks, there are dog walks, grooming, Kodah’s training and playtime, alongside the ongoing vacuuming, washing, and damage control inherent in a multi-pet household. While our cats and dogs mostly coexist peacefully, occasional disagreements and overly enthusiastic chases happen. It’s wise to be paranoid rather than complacent. 99% of the time, squabbles are minor, but it’s that 1% requiring intervention that keeps us constantly attentive to their interactions.
Having a dog, let alone five, means no days off. You can’t call in sick for them, order takeout for them, or expect them to postpone toilet needs. On the bright side, dogs are equally relentless in showering you with affection – that’s a constant, unwavering positive.
While cats are often perceived as low-maintenance compared to dogs, the reality of cat care and its own set of demands is a topic for another time – perhaps in “Pets Won’t Need It Part 2.”
This article is part of Dr. Karyn’s series about life with her five dogs, offering a realistic glimpse into the daily commitments involved in pet ownership.
