5 types of people who should never own a dog (Image: Getty)
A pet expert has revealed that not everyone is suited to own a dog, no matter how much they love the idea of having one. Dogs require structure, time, and long-term commitment, not just good intentions. When owners fail to meet a dog’s needs, the consequences often show up as behaviour issues or neglect.
Having previous experience in dog kennels and daycares, Kari from Pethelpful said, « Since anyone can get a dog, many people who should not own dogs end up acquiring them through various means. [Most of these types of people] buy them without a clue about what a dog needs. » Here are the five types of people who should never own a dog.
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Some people are simply unfit as owners (Image: Getty)
1. Smokers
One type of people whom the expert highlighted are pet owners who smoke, especially indoors or around their dogs. Secondhand smoke doesn’t just disappear; it lingers in the air and clings to furniture while exposing dogs to toxins they can’t escape.
Kari added: « A dog is made up of some of the same stuff we are. They have teeth that need to be cared for. They have a stomach, heart, and brain, and they have lungs. I used to smoke, but I knew enough to keep it to myself and spare my dogs the toxins that I knew were bad for them and me. »
According to the Royal Veterinary College, studies have shown that dogs living with smokers have significantly higher levels of cotinine in their blood, proving they absorb nicotine from second-hand smoke, which dramatically increases their risk of developing cancers of the nose, sinuses, and lungs.
The risk rises with the amount smoked, with long-snouted dogs more prone to nasal and sinus cancer, while short- and medium-snouted dogs are more than twice as likely to develop lung cancer due to toxins reaching their lungs directly.
2. Travellers
There’s nothing wrong with taking a trip or two without your pooch; however, if you’re a consistent traveller, it may not be best to own a dog. Kari shared: « Because dogs are not apt to stay at home by themselves, they have to be babysat by someone trusted or go to a kennel.
Owners who love to travel may be unfit (Image: Getty)
« If a kennel is the only option, then this can be a terrifying and lonely experience for the dog. Dogs can suffer a great amount of stress at a kennel. They are loud and chaotic.
« The people looking after the dogs usually cannot devote special attention to a single dog, which adds to the stress of dogs that need some attention. Often, dogs urinate and defecate in their kennels because their schedule is thrown off, and then they have to live in that kennel until it is cleaned. »
3. Lazy people
Dogs need daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. Owners who skip walks, ignore playtime, or neglect routines risk creating frustrated, bored, or destructive pets.
Kari added: « Some dogs can get their exercise from playing with another dog or running around the backyard; however, if a household has no other pets and no backyard, and the owner does not enjoy playing with their dog or taking him or her for walks, then the owner should not own a dog. »
There are six signs your dog is not getting enough exercise, according to Pet MD. This includes weight gain, destroying the house, withdrawn behaviour, hyperactivity, excessive barking or whining, and stiffness.
Smokers should not own a dog (Image: Getty)
4. Careless feeders
Another type of owner the expert warns against is those who feed their dogs anything without thought or structure. Dogs require a balanced diet to stay healthy, and giving them scraps or inconsistent meals can lead to obesity, digestive problems, and long-term health issues.
Kari shared: « Some people think that dogs can eat anything and thrive on it, and these people should not own dogs. Cheap dog food is often made up of ingredients that dogs do not need, like grain, corn, and additives. Not only are these ingredients (fillers) not nutritious for dogs, but they often make up the bulk of cheap dog food.
« Dogs are carnivores, which means they need a diet full of meat. However, not all dogs are the same, and their diet needs can vary depending on their age, health, and activity level. »
5. Thoughtless owners
The expert suggested that regardless of whether an owner has a large yard, a small garden, or just a balcony, dogs should never be left outside all day. Anyone who believes this is acceptable is not suited to own a dog.
« Dogs are pack animals and have a strong attachment to their human family. They need attention and love, and being isolated outside all day can cause them a lot of mental pain. Additionally, outside dogs are at risk for injury from animals, humans, and the weather, » said Kari.
