A new survey has lifted the lid on what pet owners in Ireland wish they had known before bringing a new puppy or kitten into their life.
Getting a cat or dog is a big decision and commitment that will last years, with even seasoned owners knowing that there is always something new to learn when bringing home kittens or puppies.
The research, commissioned by Pet Health Club, has revealed the top 10 things dog and cat owners wish they had known prior to taking home their furry friend.
A OnePoll survey of 1,000 pet owners in Ireland found that 76 per cent of those with a dog described the first few months of ownership as a crash course in canine chaos. However, the survey also outlines the paws-itives to owning a cat or dog from mental health boosts to companionship.
The number one thing puppy owners wish they knew was the fact that ‘‘walkies’ means going out in any weather, come rain, wind or snow, while how furniture becomes fair game for scratching, no matter how many scratching posts you buy, took the top spot for kitten and cat owners.
They also quickly discovered owning a pet is a hairy business, as dogs were found to shed enough fur to “knit a whole new dog” while cats shed more than owners would ever expect – and fur seems to get everywhere.
Many said they quickly learned that they’d need to carry emergency poo bags in every pocket (30 per cent) – and that their spot on the sofa would be taken the moment they got up (29 per cent).
Other surprises for dog mums and dads included the fact they need plenty of training, attention, and mental stimulation (28 per cent), how they expect to get a treat simply for being cute (25 per cent) – and discovering they’d get 5am wake up calls for no apparent reason (23 per cent).
For cat owners, 36 per cent said they were surprised to find they demand attention when you’re busy, but ignore you when you want them, according to the research commissioned by Pet Health Club, which is available from more than 50 veterinary practices across Ireland.
And while cat owners may have splashed out on a fancy bed, their cat preferred the cardboard box it came in (35 per cent) while others noted their pet’s uncanny ability to suddenly become incredibly active when mum and dad are trying to sleep (32 per cent).
The research however also shows how many benefits come from owning a pet, from better mental wellbeing to being more active, with 58 per cent of those surveyed saying the most rewarding part of having a pet is the unconditional love and companionship.
Despite the unexpected quirks, almost half of dog owners (44 per cent) said having a pet has improved their physical health, while it gives a mood boost to 62 per cent.
Among cat owners, 60 per cent said their mental health had improved since bringing their pet home.
Pet Health Club has developed an online quiz to help potential pet owners decide if they’re ready for the responsibility, or whether they need to do more research first.
Dr Patrick Keating, clinical director at Raheny Vets, part of the Pet Health Club network, said: “Every pet comes with their own quirks – and while many of these become the things owners grow to love most, they can take a bit of getting used to at first.
“Whether you’re a seasoned dog or cat owner, or bringing home your very first pet, there’s always something new to learn. Some behaviours might be funny or unexpected, while others are linked to their health – from needing tailored parasite treatments to staying on top of their dental hygiene.
“It’s easy to underestimate just how much care pets need behind the scenes. In reality, every day is a learning curve, and it’s completely normal for owners to feel a bit out of their depth at the start.”
