Giving up your dog is a tough, serious decision. I have had to give up lovely pooch due to moving. But regardless of what happens, you must do what is best for you and your dog. Here are a few signs that indicate that it might be time for you to give up your dog.
Terminal and in pain
For a few unfortunate breeds, illness such as cancer, stroke, arthritis and cataracts are inevitable. Dog breeds such as Rottweilers, Bernese mountain dogs, German shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are more likely to get cancer than other breeds. When a dog has a severe illness, the owner has two options: either let the dog fight through it or allow the dog to live as long and as comfortably as possible.
In some cases, the owner may try a procedure post-surgery to help save the dog. If no progress is made, the owner may put the dog to sleep. Read real-life stories here on what other owners went through during this tragic time in their dog’s life. If you have a dog that is terminal and in pain, think about what is best for the dog. Watching your dog suffer while there is nothing you can do is unbearable for both of you.
Safety concern
Bringing your newborn child home is a joyous moment. You expect the home to be warm and inviting, and the dog to be on its best behavior. The family is officially complete. However, the dog may not like the newest addition to the family, and may make sure its opinion is both seen and heard.
Certain breeds are not child-friendly and for good reason. These breeds include the Akita, Brussels Griffon, Chow Chow and Pomeranian. These dogs are either part of the toy or working breeds. Small breed dogs are suited for couples or families with grown teenagers, but little kids can mistake the small dogs for a toy. Working breed dogs are used for protection and safety. They are friendly towards family, but not towards strangers.
I once had an encounter with an Akita. My childhood neighbor had determined to keep their dog aggressive towards strangers, so they did not neuter the dog. On my last visit, I was having dinner with them and decided to sit at the table before anyone else. Only the dog and I were in the room. I knew the dog was aggressive, so I avoided petting it. When I went to pull my chair out from the table, the dog leapt up and bit my arm. It was not enough to draw blood, but it was enough to put my arm in a brace.
Fixing pets is the first step in changing their temperament and hormones, but it does not fully remove the dog’s true nature. For a quick list on which dogs are not kid-friendly, click here. Make the child’s safety a number one priority when choosing a dog. But if the dog is already in the family and causing problems for a child, then it might be time to find a better-suited home for the dog.
Requires too much attention
Owning a bulldog is not as easy as it looks. The crevices between their wrinkles must be cleaned daily, their ears must be cleaned and their fur groomed weekly and their nails must be trimmed every other week. Dogs come with a lot of responsibility no matter the size or breed.
The husky is a prime example; because they are a replica of the wolf, they require a lot of physical exercise and stimulation. If they are not taken on daily walks or runs, their energy levels increase substantially.
This goes for the Border collie, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian, pug, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and even the unfamiliar Schipperke. Not everyone has time on their hands, and in this world, millennials have to work two jobs to pay off student loans and other bills. Without another person taking care of the dog, it is hard to juggle two jobs, bills and a dog. If it comes to the point where it is too much to handle, then it is time to find a new home for the dog.
Moving
Whether it is a job promotion, family dynamic change or change of scenery, there comes a time in a person’s life when it is time to move. But not everything can be taken along on a move. I recently moved and was unable to take my golden retriever. He is a lovable, smart, friendly dog. But we already have two Shih Tzu’s and our new home only allows two pets. So we found him a new home that suits him best for the situation.
This is a common dilemma for people who are downsizing. It is a tough choice, but if the new living arrangements do not suit the dog, then it is necessary to find the dog a new home that will care for them and love them.
Too expensive and too little cash
Owning a dog is a lot of work and money. Dogs come with expenses, and they are not cheap. Veterinary bills can be equivalent to a co-pay at the doctor’s office. Getting a fecal test done plus receiving the results can cost around $150-200.
Depending on the breed size, healthy dog food brands can cost between $7 to $40. Owning little dogs and buying the larger size bags of food can go a long way. But,bigger dogs eat more, and can go through one bag of food in only three weeks.
On average, people spend about $1,000 a year per dog; this includes food, toys, cages and carrier cases, veterinary check-ups, medication (preventives), cleaning supplies and bedding. Dogs are a financial responsibility, and if your current finances cannot support what the dog needs, then it might be time to find someone who can.