How do you take care of your dog in comparison to yourself?
Boss asked:
Do those of you who feed your dog the highest quality of food or a well balanced home made or raw diet put as much thought into your own diet? Do you eat as well as your dog?
Do those of you who feed your dog the highest quality of food or a well balanced home made or raw diet put as much thought into your own diet? Do you eat as well as your dog?
Do you give yourself the same amount and quality of medical care as do for your dogs?
Or how about this for priorities- if you smoke, do you smoke around your dogs?
Feel free to draw any other comparisons between the care you give yourself and the care you give your dog(s)
Cindy, if you’re a bad pet owner I don’t want to know what you’d consider the half of America who doesn’t even care.
And let me clarify, since you broached the subject, I’m making no claim to what makes a good pet owner. If the dog is safe, happy, healthy and loved, that’s enough for me. I’m just interested in hearing the comparisons between how we care for ourselves and how we care for our dogs.
Joy
February 13th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Tennille
Man, my dogs are treated like ROYALTY! They eat ONLY the best food and treats- they get plenty of exercise- they are rushed to the vet for even the most minor of bumps or symptoms- they are lean and healthy. (I, on the other hand, could stand to lose a few pounds- and eat CRAP!)
My husband created a “doggie air conditioner” to take to our trials this summer when it’s hot- so they don’t get too hot!
If I took care of myself half as good as I take care of them! GEEZ!
February 15th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Juana
I think my dog and I are on the same level.
She’s like my child replacement since I don’t want to add to the human overpopulation.
We both get spoiled as my boyfriend is a meat manager at a grocery store, so we get the best selection of meats.
She gets Canidae, I get a homecooked meal when I can make it (now that I’m done for the semester, I’ve cooked 4 days in a row, woohoo!).
She gets more medical care than I do…I grew up as a hardcore athlete, I’m a fan of “walking it off” and just up my vitamin intake when I start to feel sick.
She goes to the vet everytime she sneezes funny (first time dog owner…paranoid as heck!)
Also, I don’t smoke so that’s not an issue.
We’re both relatively healthy, we go on jogs and walks together, it helps me state motivated and her from getting too fat!
February 17th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Maurice
I feed my dogs the highest quality foods I can afford (currently on Halo and Merrick). My diet is largely organic and free of processed foods (which are never entirely unavoidable).
I go for a physical every year, and my dogs go for their routine check ups as well. If I’m sick, I go to the doctor. If my dogs are sick, they go to the vet. No one in my home, human or animal, is without medical care.
I smoke….but not in my home. I find no need to expose my dogs, or my fiance, to my icky disgusting habit, and I am aware of the hazards of second hand smoke to both humans and animals exposed.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Serina
first i live on alot of junk food (tv dinners etc… i’m a lousy cook and my husbands a truck driver whose gone from sunday to friday). the dogs get CANIDAE.
i smoke, but not around the dogs. strictly outside for nicotine.
i haven’t had a regular check up for probably 4 yrs (and i’m supposed to be tested 2 x a yr for cancer and diabetes). but the dogs have regular check ups every yr (2 x a yr for the seniors).
February 19th, 2010 at 5:21 am
Chery
All of my animals get the best quality that I can give them. I feed my 2 dogs and 3 cats eaglepack holistic brands. my miniature mare gets free range of my back yard and a handful of grain. my two tiels and my african grey eat plenty of fruits, rice and veggies and occasionally seeds. I dont eat very much, but when i do, its always healthy. lots of veggies and meat, little grain and no sugar. 1 24oz pepsi a week. my husband smokes, but i make him smoke out by the barn.
February 19th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Freeman
Mine is spoiled that’s for sure. I feed the best I can given our circumstances and limited dog food brands available, but he is very healthy. Never a bout with vomitting or loose stools, no ear infections and for a GSD that’s a feat. LOL I do not smoke and can’t stand being around anyone who does. My dog gets treated like one of my kids. He’s vaccinated and gets his check ups to maintain a healthy being. I could do a little better for myself, but I get so hung up on doing for everyone else.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:26 am
Johnathon
lol my dog probably gets better care than I do. If I think something is wrong with him he gets rushed to the vet, but I’ll wait and see before I actally head to the doctor. I don’t smoke and I would never smoke around another living being if I did. My dog sleeps in a warm bed at my feet. He gets lots of love and we get lots of exercise together. I don’t eat as will as my dog or my daughter for that matter. My dog has lots of toys and things to do and my daughter to play with. I don’t think he could have went to a better home.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Drew
I am a bad pet owner.
I don’t feed raw. I can’t afford it. For years, I fed iams. I don’t anymore but I guess I should start feeding raw to make up for those years I “abused” my dogs.
I also work for a living so my dogs are suffering at home, on their dog beds in my kitchen.
I even crated my youngest – the one who I used to call a BEAVER – ALL DAY LONG…
I did used to smoke – outside – but I quit almost 5 years ago. I’m sure they smelled some residual smoke on my clothes.
They only get fed twice a day and I only play with them before work and when I get home.
AND you’ll just die when you read this – They aren’t allowed on my new furniture! NOPE. They have to stay on the floor on their dog beds… No labby gunk on my new couch…
Compared to how I treat myself:
I have a massage every day. I have a nutrionist select my meals and my personal chef cooks for me. I have a personal trainer that screams at me to work out.I have a stylist that picks out my wardrobe. I also have a personal shopper that buys me the right clothes so I look hot and trendy.
My hair is done by my own personal hair dresser who comes over every day. I also have a make up artist that does my nails and my face. I look perfect.
Guess what, I even have someone type these answers for me. I sit in my office, in my easy chair and dictate these answers TO my personal assistant to type for me. Get this, not only do I slack at work, my personal assistant is paid to slack for me.
And if you haven’t guessed, I’m dreaming…. except for the part about being a bad pet owner. That’s ALL true… I love abusing my dogs. That’s why I have them… for my amusement.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Teisha
My dog eats only the best.
I am a health freak I would rather have an apple than a bag of crisps (potato chips =D ) I only eat organic and free range so yes I would think for food me and Kye are similar.
If kye had a little bruise he would go to the vets me no. I have been having black outs for months now still not seen the vets.
I only have bad joint pains but for me I don’t have the time but when its comes to Kye I make the time.
Unfortunate I am a passive smoker. My dad smokes so therefor Kye is breathing in the junk as well. He has tried to quite but after 30 years it is very hard.
Over all I think I do not give the same care for myself as I do for my dog. I think it is just one of those things. My mum won’t go to the doctor if she is ill if one of us is she will rush us there.
Also I can look after myself and take myself to the doctor and eat well dogs can’t do this themselves. They can’t find there way down to the vet so because of this we care more for them then ourselves.
Hope I helped!
Add* Cindy… bad pet owner? if you are then god help the rest of the world. There is nothing wrong with not being able to feed the best food you can, at least your dogs get the medical attention needed, are all happy and all very healthy.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Holly
I’m sure I treat my dogs better than treating myself. I feed them Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream formula with one teaspoon of quality canned meat per meal. I buy them organic treats or baby carrots. I exercise them everyday. I only go to the gym once a week (because I spend all the time to exercise my dogs). I never read what’s on the lable of my food but I did an extensive study about dog food. When I’m sick, I don’t really like to go to doctors but definitely I take my dogs to the vet whenever they are sick.
February 25th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Wei
There’s no comparison. I eat whatever is on sale but heaven forbid my dogs get anything lower quality than the best!
I don’t have health insurance and I only go to the doctor if I am sure that I am dying but my dogs have a wonderful health insurance policy and go to the vet for the even the littlest things.
I bought my dogs memory foam mattress pads for their crates and in total I spent more on their 4 mattresses than I did on my own!
Let’s see, I bought my car specifically so they can all fit in there in comfort, my home is furnished all with furniture that they can sit on, you name it!
February 26th, 2010 at 3:49 am
Hiroko
Interesting question- I care for my dogs better than I care for myself. I feed my dogs Blue Buffalo which is much healthier than most of the food I eat. My dogs generally see the vet more than I see the doctor.
However, I don’t smoke and I drink only socially. I am not overweight and neither are my dogs (my elderly dog is just a little overweight, but he has had cancer so we pamper him a little)
My dogs are taken care almost as well as my daughter but better than I take care of myself or my husband. I guess my dogs are almost like my children.
February 27th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Tyrone
I actually do put a lot of thought into what I eat and my health care. I eat very little meat, and when I do, I only purchase free range from the farmer’s market. I eat as much organic products as I can afford. I don’t eat fast food (well, on rare occassion I do.) And I exercise. Luckily, my husband is active duty, so I have full health coverage, and you better believe I put it to use. I stay current on all vaccines (even though I had to argue to get a tetnus shot at my age, lol.) I get regular check ups and see the dentist every 6 months.
I do all of this for myself (and I try to get my husband on board with the half-way vegetarian lifestyle, although he is very good about exercising) and for my dogs. They see the vet regularly and when emergencies arrive. I keep them current on vaccines, provide monthly heartworm, flea, tick, mite prevention, exercise them on a regular basis (hey, that’s how I get in my exercise too,) and feed them what my research indicates is a top quality food.
Now…as far as the smoking goes. We all have our vices. I don’t drink alcohol anymore. I’ve successful beat a drug addiction…but the stoges have got me for the time being (but I will quit!) However, I DO NOT smoke around my dogs. I smoke outside.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Chris
Ha ha ha!
My dogs are at the right weight for their size/breed. I’m 40 pounds overweight.
My dogs are fed high quality kibble and/or home cooked. I find a frozen dinner too much work for myself.
My dogs are UTD on everything and see the vet regularly. I don’t even have a family doctor.
When money gets tight I buy dog food before human food. I’ve lived on peanut butter for days while waiting for my next paycheck.
My dogs are walked every day. If I didn’t have dogs I’d never get my fat @ss off the couch.
The list goes on and on . . .
February 28th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Holli
Honestly, my dogs eat better then me. They are on a raw prey-model [BARF] diet and only eat home-made treats. They have more toys then I did when I was younger and they get WAY more exersize then me. They have as many toys as my son, maybe even more! They also have special shampoo, sprays, etc.
I try to eat healthy, but I’ll admit there are days where I pig out on chips and chocolate. My dogs don’t get the chance to ‘pig out’ on junk food as all of their meals are controlled by us. My dogs are at the perfect weight, and according to my doctor I’m 10-15 pounds underweight.
I’ll also admit that I don’t get the same quality of medical care as them. For myself, I am very hesitant to call a doctor if I’m feeling sick. However, if my dogs seem different I make an appointment ASAP.
I don’t smoke – yuck! My boyfriend smokes but he does it outside because of both the dogs and my son.
March 1st, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Larhonda
In short, my dog gets better care than I do. He doesn’t eat junk food (he doesn’t like dog biscuits or treats like that so doesn’t get them), though he does get pet food from the grocery store, not some gourmet brand. We try to control his weight by cutting down on food and walking him more if he gets to the high end of acceptable weight. I should do the same for myself but don’t…
The dog is far more likely to go to the vet when he is not feeling well or injured than my husband or I are to go to the doctor. And the dog gets annual checkups and his shots are up to date. I only go to the doctor twice a year for a blood pressure check if I am not feeling sick, and she may do routine blood work annually, but that is about it. No one sends me a post card to say I need to get my shots like they do for the dog, and I don’t keep close track for myself.
We have a smoke free house and do not use air fresheners or burn candles which put harmful chemicals in the air.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Lane
Pft my dog is treated better than I treat myself!
* Me- I’m a college student living off ramen noodles.
My dog- She eats TimberWolf Organics (Which happens not to mess with her allergies). I’m so ashamed I do not have the time for a raw food diet though…
* Me- I won’t bother to take myself to the doctor unless someone drags me out of my home half dead. I hate going to the doctor!
My dog- Anything can set me off and have me calling the vet! I swear the vet hears from me roughly once a week, usually tell me “it’ll be ok, do this and all will be fine”
* I smoke outside, in the front yard because I live with my grandmother currently, and even when she says she does not mind my dog’s allergies test said she is mildly allergic to smoke! I rather sit outside in the rain than cause issues for my grandmother and/or dog.
* Your saying it’s raining out and Aleu wants to play ball anyway? Now where did I put that rain poncho thingy?….
* Got the dog’s water bottle! Now where did I put mine?
* Don’t forget a blanket for Aleu! Want her to be comfortable on the trip!
* Me- I sleep on a couch!
My dog- She doesn’t have a doggy bed, oh no, she has a human pillow and blanket (as she did not like the bed I bought for her).
* Humm, I rather want this, but if I spend the $20 on this I can’t get the new toy for Aleu! (and trust me, the dog toy always wins out for some reason).
Hopefully someone gets a giggle out of my post, but I swear it’s all true.
March 4th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Rex
I dont like going to the Dr. But if I dont know what is wrong I will go.
My dogs well they go if they get a scratch or a bump sometimes. (they get better medical care then I do)
They get their teeth cleaned, not me… hate the dentist.
They are up to date on their shots… me I dont remember the last tetnus I got. lol
They eat the best… even get Venison Cooked.
I eat cook for the Family so every one has a balanced meals. Well yeah we have wonderful food here.
Ok well then there is their beds, they have their own beds, and sleep in the house. Theraputic beds(sp)
They have the best shampoo, and the cockers have groomers and our black has a wonderful handler.
I wish I had someone do my hair… lol its been awhile… growing it out so it looks pretty bad. lol
They get purified water.. I am lucky if I remember to drink water.
Oh well so i take better care of them then I do myself.
love them… and my family so they deserve the best..
Oh I forgot their toys… yeah lots. I want some toys… lol
March 5th, 2010 at 5:57 am
Johnie
My dogs have better health care than I do! I don’t hesitate to bring them to the vet……(thank goodness they are taking turns at having health problems right now. My Sibe just had a tumor removed – got him back on track and now the little one is having trouble with her liver. AND, the cat has mouth ulcers and goes in every three weeks for a shot.) I don’t go to the doctor ’cause I’m usually worried about paying off the vet.
They are all on target for their weight. I’m overweight. But I do get my walks with them each day.
I used to smoke, but quit a year and a half ago. I didn’t smoke around the dogs, winter was tough, but I didn’t.
GREAT question! One that really makes us think….
March 8th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Honey
Excellent question– No, my dogs diet was ALWAYS much better than mine… but that just goes to show when you really love something, you being a selfless being for them.
Who CARES what I eat, as long as my children are well fed, and happy.
I have free medical care for myself, so my dogs and I BOTH get excellent medical treatment (since I have extra money to pay for their bills instead of mine!)
I used to smoke cigarettes, and sadly, I did smoke around them. However, now that I have a child (human), I quit smoking, and do not EVER plan on starting up again!!
I ALWAYS buy them new coats, collars, leashes, toys, and treats… I always go without a new pair of shoes, or a new pair of pants, so my little fur babies have the BEST toys and collars possible.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Jaclyn
Guilty.
My dogs definitely eat better than I do. Get more exercise than I do, and no. I don’t smoke around my dogs. My dogs get WAAAAY more nice new things than I do. I never buy anything for myself. I hate clothes shopping…. and I’ve learned restraint when it comes to shoes. No clothes, no point in buying shoes haha
We probably receive the same health care though. Only because I wouldn’t be able to care for them if I didn’t.
When I say they get more exercise… it’s summer, and the waterhose is out again lol.
March 11th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Larhonda
No I think we are pretty even. They get more in some ways and I get more in others. They miss out for me and I miss out for them.
March 14th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Ludivina
1–my dogs get great vet care all the time
2-I will let myself stay sick, till I just go anymore then I go to the doctor, I know shame on me..
3-my dogs get their constant excellent diet every day, without fail.
4-when I come home, the dogs get fed first…..
5- I fix dinner, a good din din for hubby, half the time, I will take a salad or a plate to the den to eat so I can work…
don’t usually sit down for regular meal till Sunday, then we go out to eat alot on Sundays
6-We don’t smoke or drink except on our Anniversary every year, July 1st, then just a sip, so the dogs don’t suffer from smoke fumes or booze fumes either, ha ha
7-Priorities, well here goes, our dogs and horses are always first, first for medical care, first to get fed every day…….
they are our babies and they deserve the best of care.
I draw the line at no point, when it comes to the best for my animals, I have always been very passionate about my animals……
don’t get me wrong, I love my husband and he loves me, but the animals care is first on both our list every single day.
Oh, I almost forgot, I do draw the line at one point, when I get in bed late at night, I draw the line and start fighting for the covers, ha ha between the hubby and the dogs, I kinda get chilly at night sometimes…..but Bo is furry, I just let him snuggle up to my back…and in case you dont know by now, Bo is my 168 lb Newfoundland, so he can be pretty warm..
March 16th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Dylan
LOL I love this question!!
I feed my dogs and myself and my boyfriend the highest quality food I can afford. I’m not rich – I’m a university student for crying out loud, but I think we all do ok for ourselves. My dogs get an all natural, preservative free, additive free (except for vitamins) dry food. They also get a raw substitute about three days a week (liver, kidney, heart, chicken, a bone and egg etc.) As they don’t have the ability tell me what they’d like to eat, I provide them with the best I can. I’ve researched like crazy about what the ideal foods for them are so hopefully they like what I provide!!
I like to eat fairly well too. I hate all the added preservatives and flavourings in packaged food, so I try to make as much as I can myself from fresh ingredients. It always tastes better and I love to cook anyway, so it’s not a big hassle.
We go on a 1hr walk every day so thats my exercise, as well as my dogs. Exercising on my own bores the crap out of me by I could walk for hours with my dogs! I love seeing how excited I get when I grab the leads and we head out the gate! It’s all for them!
I haven’t been to the doctors for years. I would rather up my vitamin intake and rest than be prescribed drugs… However the slightest change in my dogs and I’m on the phone to my vets!!
No one smokes in our household, so my dogs are lucky I guess.
Overall, I think I take care of myself and my dogs fairly equally. Although, I would buy them a new toy over a new pair of shoes for me anyday. They always come first! If I didn’t have dogs I probably wouldn’t go for a walk every day though… They motivate me, so therefore I guess, make me a better person.. I love them ?