Getting a dog in med school

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I feel like this is a silly question compared to people on here worried about AOA and residencies and getting pregnant in med school, but I have some legit concerns about this issue!

I've wanted a dog for forever, and every passing year it seems less and less likely that I should get a dog. I'm an MS2 who's going to take boards at the end of the semester - so naturally, it seems like I would be absolutely crazy to even consider getting a puppy (a puppy - not an adult dog).

First year I was worried about being distracted so I put the decision off until the summer before second year. This past summer I ended up working out of state and traveling out of the country and never had the time to buy one and train it. Second year I've been sitting at home (and away from home) doing nothing but studying. I thought about waiting until 3rd year, but with long hour work schedules, it also seems silly for me to think of waiting to get one then.

I don't know. This really isn't a big deal, and I'm not going to die if I don't get a dog, but it raises another, more subtle question. When is the perfect time to make decisions like this? As a med student and a doctor, my first and most important concern will be my school work and my job - but I want to be able to handle things outside of school and work, because, well, first and foremost, really I'm a human being with interests and desires outside of medicine. The dog issue just raises that concern that I won't be able to juggle more pressing issues like, dating, and friends and family, etc. once things start changing. Sorry to make this is all philosophical, but I feel like there will never be a right time (to get a dog). I somehow just have to make it work.

Thoughts?

 

[PabsMD]

Not sure when the perfect time is- there may not be one with all the stressors of medical school. I'm an M2 and got a dog over the summer so I would have time to train it and get it used to me before the stress of classes started up all over again.

At first, there were a lot of sleepless nights and frustrations of having a new puppy and it was very expensive (food, vaccinations, vet exams, toys, cage, spay Sx, etc.). However, I'm so glad I got a dog! It's totally worth all the expense and minor annoyances if you really want one. However, I don't really study at home anymore because my dog wants me to play with her when I'm there, but I've just started studying in the library more. It's not affected my grades at all because I don't let it.

Another caveat: I'm worried about not having a lot of time during certain 3rd year rotations (esp. surgery and OBGYN). My dog will most likely stay with my mom during this time. As long as you have an contingency plan for these types of situations, I'd recommend it!

 

[Orthodoc40]

You're going to have to find someone to take care of your dog when you're doing overnights at the hospital starting this summer! Is it really fair to the dog to not have you around consistently?? I'd suggest waiting until after school, or at least until 4th year, where there's SOME flexibility (although you might be travelling for interviews). Definitely have another person in your/your dog's life so that when you can't be home, he/she has someone familiar around.

 

[moe_4eva]

Many people in my class have dogs (myself included), but they are all typically 2 years or older. I've been having a hard time thinking about leaving mine in the home all day during 3rd year, but other than that, it's hard to imagine life without them. They are with me almost everywhere I go, and they're a great motivator to stay active. Even in the winter months, I know they need to get out and exercise, so we go running almost everyday. Also, they help keep my mood positive during the winter.

If you're worried about being able to exercise them, consider a small dog like a pug or boston terrier. They don't need as long of walks, and are still a lot of fun. My friends that have smaller dogs still are able to take them hiking, running, etc.

 

[Abilene85]

A dog is a pack animal, so you have to take that into consideration when deciding on the best time to get one. It's not fair to leave a dog home alone for most of the day. Owning more than one will create a mini-pack and they will be less likely to get lonely and start up with destructive behavior.

I know what you mean about the bigger picture, though. But at least with human relationships, you can pick up the phone, explain why you have to cancel the date or won't make it home for dinner, and promise to make it up later once things at work calm down a bit.

 

[medstudent11]

I got a puppy during my senior year of college, and if it weren't for the help of my fiancee who co-owns the puppy, I believe it probably would've been difficult to take care of her during the first two years of med school as I was away from home for 4-6 hours at a time.

Here's a thought, maybe, if you don't already have a significant other, find someone, a classmate or roommate, who is truly interested in owning a pet and team up. As long as this person is serious about owning a dog, that could relive some of your stress to have someone there who could let the dog out to use the bathroom every now and then whiel you're in rotations.

I'll be in 3rd year in a few months and will be relying on my fiancee's help a lot.

~Medstudent11
http://themedstudentexperience.blogspot.com

 

[nogolfinsnow]

Friends of ours got a yellow lab last year. Now they always have to leave gatherings to go check on him, and about the only thing they talk about is their dog. It can be pretty annoying at times. Cool dog though.

 

[MonkeyNuts!]

I feel like this is a silly question compared to people on here worried about AOA and residencies and getting pregnant in med school, but I have some legit concerns about this issue!

I've wanted a GIRL for forever, and every passing year it seems less and less likely that I should get a GIRL. I'm an MS2 who's going to take boards at the end of the semester - so naturally, it seems like I would be absolutely crazy to even consider getting a GIRL (a TEEN - not an adult WOMAN).

First year I was worried about being distracted so I put the decision off until the summer before second year. This past summer I ended up working out of state and traveling out of the country and never had the time to SEDUCE one and MAKE LOVE TO it. Second year I've been sitting at home (and away from home) doing nothing but studying. I thought about waiting until 3rd year, but with long hour work schedules, it also seems silly for me to think of waiting to get one then.

I don't know. This really isn't a big deal, and I'm not going to die if I don't get a GIRL, but it raises another, more subtle question. When is the perfect time to make decisions like this? As a med student and a doctor, my first and most important concern will be my school work and my job - but I want to be able to handle things outside of school and work, because, well, first and foremost, really I'm a human being with interests and PASSIONATE desires outside of medicine. The GIRL issue just raises that concern that I won't be able to juggle more pressing issues like, FEEDING A DOG, and friends and family, etc. once things start changing. Sorry to make this is all philosophical, but I feel like there will never be a right time (to get a GIRL). I somehow just have to make it work.

Thoughts?

Heh fixed.

 

[MonkeyNuts!]

I feel like this is a silly question compared to people on here worried about AOA and residencies and getting FAT in med school, but I have some legit concerns about this issue!

I've wanted a BABY for forever, and every passing year it seems less and less likely that I should get a BABY. I'm an MS2 who's going to take boards at the end of the semester - so naturally, it seems like I would be absolutely crazy to even consider getting a BABY (a NEWBORN - not an ADOPTEE).

First year I was worried about being FAT WITH A BABY so I put the decision off until the summer before second year. This past summer I ended up working out of state and traveling out of the country and never had the time to FIND SEED and PLANT it. Second year I've been sitting at home (and away from home) doing nothing but studying. I thought about waiting until 3rd year, but with long hour work schedules, it also seems silly for me to think of waiting to get one then.

I don't know. This really isn't a big deal, and I'm not going to die if I don't get a BABY, but it raises another, more subtle question. When is the perfect time to make decisions like this? As a med student and a doctor, my first and most important concern will be my school work and my job - but I want to be able to handle things outside of school and work, because, well, first and foremost, really I'm a human being with interests and MATERNAL desires outside of medicine. The BABY issue just raises that concern that I won't be able to juggle more pressing issues like, dating, and friends and family, etc. once things start changing. Sorry to make this is all philosophical, but I feel like there will never be a right time (to get a BABY). I somehow just have to make it work.

Thoughts?

Ooh another mad lib.

 

[moe_4eva]

You can always get one of these: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/26/video-internet-dog-feeder-feeds-your-dog-via-the-internet/

 

[akpete]

I have a dog and have seen this topic come up many times over the years. I recommend doing a search. There are many strong opinions both for and against having a dog.

I got mine in Sept of M1 year. I have a Boston terrier and she was 9 weeks when I got her. It was after the first block of exams, and I never went to class, so it worked out well and I was settled into class.

For 3rd year I trained her to puppy pads and on rotations like surgery, one of my friends would visit her and one friend who also has dogs would frequently go to my apartment and pick her up for the afternoon for a sort of doggie day care. I am single and live alone, so it took some work, planning, and good friends who were willing to give a helping hand.

For 4th year, my dog went to live with my mom for my surgery sub-i (ortho trauma) and from Thanksgiving to Christmas so she wouldn't be at the kennel all the time for interviewing. She's been going to a kennel that also has doggie daycare so has a good time.

Intern year is the next step...

No perfect time to get a dog, but 3rd year is probably the toughest, depending on how your school sets it up. We have most time-intensive rotations in a row for 6 months and not-so-intensive rotations, which would be similar to a regular full-time job (like normal people 🙄) so training a dog would be more manageable then. I have some friends that have gotten a dog during 4th year because of the super flexible schedule. Just be prepared for what's ahead and know that you need to plan, sometimes get help, and sometimes compromise social plans to go home to your doggie.

 

[nightowl]

we have two dogs- me and my hubbie are both medical students. we got them as puppies during winter of my second year. Actually, I think second year is the ideal time to get a dog, even a puppy. my schedule was flexible enough to train them, and by the time I started third year, they were trained. We got two puppies because we didn't want to leave a dog alone all day. it has worked out wonderfully- they entertain each other, sleep snuggled up, etc. some days we've had to have a friend stop by to let them out, when we've got long days. you can hire a dog walker too, but that hasn't been necessary for us. we don't even have a fenced in yard or a doggie door and it's been manageable.

my opinion is, if you want a dog, go for it. I'd get two, though. even if it sounds like more work, I think it's better and the dogs are happier. It is a huge stress reliever and has honestly been my sanity line in med school. btw, we have a chihuahu and a mini schnauzer

 

[Excelsius]

I feel like this is a silly question compared to people on here worried about AOA and residencies and getting pregnant in med school, but I have some legit concerns about this issue!

I've wanted a dog for forever, and every passing year it seems less and less likely that I should get a dog. I'm an MS2 who's going to take boards at the end of the semester - so naturally, it seems like I would be absolutely crazy to even consider getting a puppy (a puppy - not an adult dog).

First year I was worried about being distracted so I put the decision off until the summer before second year. This past summer I ended up working out of state and traveling out of the country and never had the time to buy one and train it. Second year I've been sitting at home (and away from home) doing nothing but studying. I thought about waiting until 3rd year, but with long hour work schedules, it also seems silly for me to think of waiting to get one then.

I don't know. This really isn't a big deal, and I'm not going to die if I don't get a dog, but it raises another, more subtle question. When is the perfect time to make decisions like this? As a med student and a doctor, my first and most important concern will be my school work and my job - but I want to be able to handle things outside of school and work, because, well, first and foremost, really I'm a human being with interests and desires outside of medicine. The dog issue just raises that concern that I won't be able to juggle more pressing issues like, dating, and friends and family, etc. once things start changing. Sorry to make this is all philosophical, but I feel like there will never be a right time (to get a dog). I somehow just have to make it work.

Thoughts?

I am not in medschool yet, but I have a lot of experience with dogs, to the point of being more informed than many trainers out there. I have read several books and am currently a pack leader by proxy to about seven dogs.

1. First of all it is a myth that just because you have a small dog you don't need to walk it! Don't make that mistake. A dog is a dog and has a rudimentary requirement for walks and a pack leader. If you treat your small dog as a toy, you'll find that it becomes the most annoying thing in the world. Maybe you should watch the Dog Whisperer. His most vicious cases are those tiny dogs.
2. Second, it is very important what breed you get. As a med student and later as a resident, you are not going to have a lot of time to properly exercise your dog. So getting a Vizsla or a Jack Russel Terrier is the wrong thing to do. Breeds like these need a lot of exercise.
3. Third, whatever breed you choose, don't start with a small puppy: you need to specifically pick a pup that has a low level of energy (regardless of the breed). If the puppy is just a month or two old, you are not going to be able to judge this aspect as well. I would strongly suggest that you enlist the help of the best professional you can find who can help you choose the right dog for you.
4. You need to walk your dog every day, at least 30-60 minutes, preferably brisk walk or jogging.
5. Walking your dog and taking it to the dogpark are two different things: the former is like volunteering and the latter is like shadowing. You establish a bond and leadershio with your dog when you walk him. At the dog park, you're just a spectator.
6. Get a book on dogs and specifically on your own breed and read it before you get the dog.
7. If you choose a dog from a pound, realize that there is a probability that you will get a dog with issues. If you don't have experience with dogs or are not a natural pack leader, you should either go to a reputable breeder (not petco or a backyard breeder) or take a professional with you to the pound to help you choose a dog. Do NOT rely on the workers at the pound. They are often misinformed. I suggest that you ask to foster the dog at first. Keep it for a week or so and see how it goes before you committ. If you do decide to buy a dog, expect to pay over $1000 for a good breeder - that's normal. Good breeders specifically weed out any genes related to behavioral or physical anomalies.
8. Your dog might get sick. Be prepared for a vet bill starting anywhere in the $100s all the way to several $1000s (surgery if he swallows something or is hit by a car).
9. The food you feed your dog is the most important determinant of her health. So many people fail to understand the relationship between health and food. A quick research will show you that almost all major brands (IAMS, Pedigree, Science Diet...) use various toxic chemical and dead recycled pets in their food. Add to that contamination, especially from China... OK, the only foods you should get are the ones on the Whole Dog Journal food list here: http://www.geocities.com/rottndobie/wholedogjournal.html. That's a free list. Understand that some of the brand there, like Canidae, cost just as much as Pedigree. For some reason people think healthy food=expensive food, which is not true. On top of that, good foods contain 20% or more protein, so your dog ends up eating less. Finally, if you can't afford the proper dog food, do NOT get a dog. What you save in food bills you will squander twice the amount in vet bills.
10. Don't give any of this to your dog.

Probably there is more to the list that I missed, but that's a good start for now. Let me know if you have any questions. I think that you really do need another person helping you take care of the dog, especially a non-med student. If you have a partner, then this will be the best way to take care of the dog. I myself have no time for properly taking care of a dog, but I have convinced some of my friends and my gf to get dogs - I help them with training and exercise and they take care of the dogs most of the time. I now have about seven dogs this way. The thing about dogs is that they are excellent stress relievers. I used to participate in a hospital dog therapy program. Medschool is stressful, but if you can find the time to properly take care of the dog, get one. It will relieve your stress on your best and worst days.

 

[searun]

I am not in medschool yet, but I have a lot of experience with dogs, to the point of being more informed than many trainers out there. I have read several books and am currently a pack leader by proxy to about seven dogs.

1. First of all it is a myth that just because you have a small dog you don't need to walk it! Don't make that mistake. A dog is a dog and has a rudimentary requirement for walks and a pack leader. If you treat your small dog as a toy, you'll find that it becomes the most annoying thing in the world. Maybe you should watch the Dog Whisperer. His most vicious cases are those tiny dogs.
2. Second, it is very important what breed you get. As a med student and later as a resident, you are not going to have a lot of time to properly exercise your dog. So getting a Vizsla or a Jack Russel Terrier is the wrong thing to do. Breeds like these need a lot of exercise.
3. Third, whatever breed you choose, don't start with a small puppy: you need to specifically pick a pup that has a low level of energy (regardless of the breed). If the puppy is just a month or two old, you are not going to be able to judge this aspect as well. I would strongly suggest that you enlist the help of the best professional you can find who can help you choose the right dog for you.
4. You need to walk your dog every day, at least 30-60 minutes, preferably brisk walk or jogging.
5. Walking your dog and taking it to the dogpark are two different things: the former is like volunteering and the latter is like shadowing. You establish a bond and leadershio with your dog when you walk him. At the dog park, you're just a spectator.
6. Get a book on dogs and specifically on your own breed and read it before you get the dog.
7. If you choose a dog from a pound, realize that there is a probability that you will get a dog with issues. If you don't have experience with dogs or are not a natural pack leader, you should either go to a reputable breeder (not petco or a backyard breeder) or take a professional with you to the pound to help you choose a dog. Do NOT rely on the workers at the pound. They are often misinformed. I suggest that you ask to foster the dog at first. Keep it for a week or so and see how it goes before you committ. If you do decide to buy a dog, expect to pay over $1000 for a good breeder - that's normal. Good breeders specifically weed out any genes related to behavioral or physical anomalies.
8. Your dog might get sick. Be prepared for a vet bill starting anywhere in the $100s all the way to several $1000s (surgery if he swallows something or is hit by a car).
9. The food you feed your dog is the most important determinant of her health. So many people fail to understand the relationship between health and food. A quick research will show you that almost all major brands (IAMS, Pedigree, Science Diet...) use various toxic chemical and dead recycled pets in their food. Add to that contamination, especially from China... OK, the only foods you should get are the ones on the Whole Dog Journal food list here: http://www.geocities.com/rottndobie/wholedogjournal.html. That's a free list. Understand that some of the brand there, like Canidae, cost just as much as Pedigree. For some reason people think healthy food=expensive food, which is not true. On top of that, good foods contain 20% or more protein, so your dog ends up eating less. Finally, if you can't afford the proper dog food, do NOT get a dog. What you save in food bills you will squander twice the amount in vet bills.
10. Don't give any of this to your dog.

Probably there is more to the list that I missed, but that's a good start for now. Let me know if you have any questions. I think that you really do need another person helping you take care of the dog, especially a non-med student. If you have a partner, then this will be the best way to take care of the dog. I myself have no time for properly taking care of a dog, but I have convinced some of my friends and my gf to get dogs - I help them with training and exercise and they take care of the dogs most of the time. I now have about seven dogs this way. The thing about dogs is that they are excellent stress relievers. I used to participate in a hospital dog therapy program. Medschool is stressful, but if you can find the time to properly take care of the dog, get one. It will relieve your stress on your best and worst days.

Wow, it sounds like it would be cheaper and less stressful just to get a girlfriend rather than a dog. You don't have to walk the girl friend as much and once in awhile you can go dutch treat. A girlfriend would be alot cheaper for a med student and usually she will not chew up the furniture in your apartment.

 

[PabsMD]

The food you feed your dog is the most important determinant of her health. So many people fail to understand the relationship between health and food. A quick research will show you that almost all major brands (IAMS, Pedigree, Science Diet...) use various toxic chemical and dead recycled pets in their food.

Okay, I'm curious: dead recycled pets? Could you please clarify this statement?

 

[Isis24]

I think that's quite the controversial statement, but I think the point is that lower quality foods have lower quality ingredients with little nutritional value.

 

[searun]

I think that's quite the controversial statement, but I think the point is that lower quality foods have lower quality ingredients with little nutritional value.

Well, Science Diet is one of the more expensive dog foods on the market. Our family veternarian recommended it. That is what I fed my labrador before she died at the age of 13. And no, she did not die from eating Science Diet. Dead recycled pets in the food, come on, I don't believe that. I really miss my dog. But personally, I would not have a dog during med school or residence. I barely have time for a girlfriend. And she does not chew my furniture.

 

[Isis24]

Well, Science Diet is one of the more expensive dog foods on the market. Our family veternarian recommended it. That is what I fed my labrador before she died at the age of 13. And no, she did not die from eating Science Diet. Dead recycled pets in the food, come on, I don't believe that. I really miss my dog. But personally, I would not have a dog during med school or residence. I barely have time for a girlfriend. And she does not chew my furniture.

I believe it. In my opinion (I'm a vet-tech!), Science Diet is the best commercial brand of dog food. Hill's, the company who makes Science diet, also has a higher quality line (Prescription diet), which is really the absolute best dog food you can find. Again...just my own opinion. But science diet is a good way to go.

Note: I don't believe the bit about dead recycled pets...

 

[akpete]

I have also used Science Diet, and this is what my vet recommends too.

Good point about your dog getting sick and the expense. My dog last fall developed a chronic vomiting problem, which we still haven't quite figured out. But it has cost a pretty penny. Xrays, blood work, the office visits, prescription food. It adds up. She's getting better, but it now on a prescription canned hypoallergenic food that costs $4 a can. Good thing she's only 14 lbs and only eats 1 can a day.

 

[Isis24]

Yes, having a dog is super expensive. Puppy vaccines need 2-4 boosters, and with deworming, that's about $120 per visit (that's if everything goes perfectly and no blood tests are done...). Spaying or neutering is usually between $200 and $400, so that's a range of $440-$880 of inevitable expenses.

Later, all sorts of unexpected things can happen... I have cats actually, but the issues are very similar. One of my cats ate my pjs.... she spent two nights in the hospital and that ordeal cost about $800. My other cat (I only have two...) had an iris melanoma and had her eye removed at age 2. Including the biopsy, that was $1500. She's 6 now and doing great!

The point is not to be put off by all these things, but just to be aware. Pet insurance is a wise choice. In all honesty, I didn't have to pay all those vet bills because my pet insurance covered 80% of the expenses. If you get a good plan early on, they'll pay for the vaccines and spay/neuter. Lastly, dogs have teeth too. Pet insurance will pay for dentistry as well 🙂

 

[Excelsius]

Okay, I'm curious: dead recycled pets? Could you please clarify this statement?

I know it is hard to believe, but it does happen (collars and all sometimes). Maybe this was more the case in the past, but remember that any company that is NOT on that food list I gave you has no real quality controls. If you are going to believe that a company doesn't have this practice anymore without any real proof or disclosure, I'd say you're taking a risk. For those who don't believe this, a quick search will bring up several articles. I don't have too much time to do a thorough search right now, but here are just a few quick ones:

Eckhouse, John. "How Dogs and Cats Get Recycled into Pet Food," Part One. The San Francisco Chronicle, February 19, 1990, p. Cl.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/are-you-aware-that-commercial-dog-food-contains-recycled-pets.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Food-Scandal---Bet-You-Didnt-Know-That-Commercial-Dog-Food-Contains-Recycled-Pets!&id=721474


For those claiming that science diet is the best, think about this: your vet gets paid from the proceeds of any food that he/she sells. Also, your vet knows about dog food about as much as your average doc knows about nutrition. Finally, read how pet food is made and learn the difference between chicken meal (where you can get sick chickens into the food) vs real chicken and other ingredients. Also read about the quality controls of the Whole Dog Journal and ask yourself - is Science Diet on that list? If not, then why? Maybe you're ok with this, but I do not trust any entity that does not have full quality controls and disclosure of its processes. By the way, the foods on that list have pretty much never been poisoned by anything (such as melamine). All it takes is just one bad food bag to kill or disable your dog. This is all about quality control. Recycled pets are not as dangerous as some of the chemicals that can contaminate a food plant with poor quality controls (peanut butter anyone?).

Next time your vet says science diet is the best, ask him WHY. You're a scientist (well maybe not). Get used to asking for evidence. I trust facts, not people. It can save your dog's life one day. There is a reason why the vast majority of dogs in the dog part are either overweight, fat, or downright obese with various health problems. Just look around. Exercise is important, but so is food. None of my dogs have ever gotten sick. Nor do they have insurance. They're just healthy, very fit, and have clean teeth abd great coats that people comment on all the time (even when they don't get as much exercise as they should). I love my dogs enough to not entrust their care to any single human, be it a vet or not. This is your choice. Read the information and come to your own conclusions. It is available.

 

[brado]

Yeah, science diet is not a good dog food at all. Vets recommend it because they get free stuff/money from it. I feed my lab innova evo. She really likes it, and you get to feed less because there is no grain. My friends lab was fed science diet, and told by many breeders that it was the cause of the dogs fatty tumors all over his body. His german shephard was switched to a much higher quality diet, like innnova evo. But by the time I go to med school (class of 2015!), I plan on getting another dog or two to keep her company.

Excelcius is spot on with most of what he has said. My dog is from a pound, but I got her as a puppy. As long as you get a puppy who is properly socialized by being around her littermates, you are fine getting one from the pound/humane society. Also, be careful with the breed you get..make sure you RESEARCH! Labs are high energy, and yorkies have behavior problems (I just named the most popular ones), so be sure you know what you are getting yourself into.

If you want to learn about dog behavior and training I highly suggest reading books by Adam Katz, such as "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer" and even watching "The Dog Whisperer." My dog hasn't had any problems, aside from chewing things up when I'm not around...which I could fix but I'd rather have her chew paper and random stuff on the floor up than be couped up in my room all day 🙂

If you have the time (at least 2 months, with lots of free time) in the summer or something, go for it. I've wanted a dog all my life, and finally got one in the summer before this year (so I could train her) and snuck her into my rental house at school. She likes it up here (she likes it back home more because my parents are obsessed with her and always are playing with her, whereas I don't have the time for that). If you are going to get one in med school, I think you owe it to him/her to get him/her playmate, unless you have a girlfriend/wife/roommate around all the time who doesn't mind playing and keeping him/her company.

 

[Excelsius]

Yeah, science diet is not a good dog food at all. Vets recommend it because they get free stuff/money from it. I feed my lab innova evo. She really likes it, and you get to feed less because there is no grain. My friends lab was fed science diet, and told by many breeders that it was the cause of the dogs fatty tumors all over his body. His german shephard was switched to a much higher quality diet, like innnova evo. But by the time I go to med school (class of 2015!), I plan on getting another dog or two to keep her company.

Excelcius is spot on with most of what he has said. My dog is from a pound, but I got her as a puppy. As long as you get a puppy who is properly socialized by being around her littermates, you are fine getting one from the pound/humane society. Also, be careful with the breed you get..make sure you RESEARCH! Labs are high energy, and yorkies have behavior problems (I just named the most popular ones), so be sure you know what you are getting yourself into.

If you want to learn about dog behavior and training I highly suggest reading books by Adam Katz, such as "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer" and even watching "The Dog Whisperer." My dog hasn't had any problems, aside from chewing things up when I'm not around...which I could fix but I'd rather have her chew paper and random stuff on the floor up than be couped up in my room all day 🙂

If you have the time (at least 2 months, with lots of free time) in the summer or something, go for it. I've wanted a dog all my life, and finally got one in the summer before this year (so I could train her) and snuck her into my rental house at school. She likes it up here (she likes it back home more because my parents are obsessed with her and always are playing with her, whereas I don't have the time for that). If you are going to get one in med school, I think you owe it to him/her to get him/her playmate, unless you have a girlfriend/wife/roommate around all the time who doesn't mind playing and keeping him/her company.

I totally agree. Actually that's exactly what three of "my" dogs eat. The rest had to be taken off because the crazy amount of protein made them fart all the time - it's like 40%> protein. I have also had the same experience with the adipose tissue tumors on the body - one of my friends' dogs used to often get constant fat deposit biopsies from a clueless vet. That dog died while he was only ten - from a heart attack after meeting a new dog. I loved that dog and this issue is exactly what made me look into dog food and find out all the crazy information. No reputable breeders I have met ever feed their dogs with any of those major brands. Go to a dog show and ask people what they feed their dogs. It's like there are two social classes of dogs: one owned by layman that feed their dogs junk/fast food and the other 'elite' group that feeds their dogs quality stuff. This is a funny coexistence. I am not sure why information doesn't flow more freely than this. Maybe because people are not skeptical enough and trust what they are told. I mean some people here said that they don't believe that there could be recycled pets in dog food without even trying to look it up first. That's a lot of faith. Or denial.

 

[ella umbrella]

Thanks for all your help, guys. You all are awesome, and I got great advice and learned so much from your posts.

So basically, you all are saying --- and correct me if I'm wrong here,
1. Don't even think about getting a lab or yorkie.
2. Keep my dog away from science diet food, recycled dead pet yum, and pajamas for that matter.
3. Forget about getting a puppy. Puppies are worse than children.
4. Have my dog walk me every day for 30-60 minutes - woo, awesome, I need the exercise anyway.
5. And most importantly, I have to decide between a dog or a boyfriend (but never both) in med school. Mmm....yeah, I'll take the dog.

But seriously, thanks - you all helped a lot!

 

[alwaysaangel]

Eckhouse, John. "How Dogs and Cats Get Recycled into Pet Food," Part One. The San Francisco Chronicle, February 19, 1990, p. Cl.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/are-you-aware-that-commercial-dog-food-contains-recycled-pets.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Food-Scandal---Bet-You-Didnt-Know-That-Commercial-Dog-Food-Contains-Recycled-Pets!&id=721474

Thats the same article just in 2 different unreliable websites...

Dogs and cats that are given the city to dispose of ARE recycled, and it is unfortunate. But their bodies are ground up and used as FERTILIZER! Not in your dog food. And if you've ever driven past an area fertilized with it you'd know that there is no way its in pet food - it would stink to high heaven.

And while I respect people who want the best for their animals there is no way my animals are eating better than me. I love pets and I am very good to my animals they have always been a part of my family growing up. But why should they get all organic with no preservatives when I don't even eat like that?! They'll be fine 🙂

 

[alwaysaangel]

To the OP, also make sure you know how to train an animal. So many dogs go to the pound every year because their owners didn't spend enough time with them and didn't train them and they acted out. Then the owner got rid of them, when it wasn't the dogs fault in the first place!

You really need to be dedicated to getting a dog before you do it. To have a happy, healthy pet you are going to need to make a lot of sacrifices.

All I have is a cat and I still have to make sacrifices in med school, and he guilts me to death when I leave. I can only imagine what a dog would do...

 

[Isis24]

As far as the dog food discussion goes, there's no reason to be mean about the whole thing. This was just supposed to be a good-natured discussion on the pros and cons of having a dog in medical school. No need to get upset. Of course we all want the best for our dogs. And no one experience proves anything. My 16 year-old dog eats science diet, and he's still doing wonderfully. He's never had a lipoma, but that still doesn't prove anything. As for the whole "denial" thing. No, I'm not in denial, I just wasn't aware. Would you believe me if I said that whales with 9-foot horns exist? They do (narwhals), and if you hadn't heard about it before, you might have said that they don't exist (actually, I just found out last week)....

Dogs are a joy to have. Whether you're in med school or not, they're still a lot of work, but well worth it. Ella umbrella, good luck on your doggie adventures 🙂

 

[Excelsius]

Thats the same article just in 2 different unreliable websites...

Dogs and cats that are given the city to dispose of ARE recycled, and it is unfortunate. But their bodies are ground up and used as FERTILIZER! Not in your dog food. And if you've ever driven past an area fertilized with it you'd know that there is no way its in pet food - it would stink to high heaven.

And while I respect people who want the best for their animals there is no way my animals are eating better than me. I love pets and I am very good to my animals they have always been a part of my family growing up. But why should they get all organic with no preservatives when I don't even eat like that?! They'll be fine 🙂

😕 Maybe you have never had a dog and don't feel a close bond with your pet. Cats are too independent and isolated to be compared to dog ownership. Your cat probably feeds on mice and garbage while it is roaming the streets, so I am not sure if you can control its diet. And if you read through the links and looked at the price, you'd see that none of the food there is organic or even human grade and also that some of these brands cost the same as commercial brands like Pedigree. This makes them cheaper because they contain a higher nutritional value. You actually save money.

The articles are not the same. Written by different people at different times. It may or may not be true as of today, but that's not as relevant.

I am not sure if your post is serious because of your first paragraph. Pets are not used as fertilizers. I have never heard such a thing. Though the funny part you mention is the smell - did you extrapolate that information based on smell? Actually, what you smell is earthworm poo, not decomposed body parts. Can you imagine someone spraying dead body parts all over your lawn? Needless to say, you'd need a disease control along with that type of a fertilizer!

 

[tdittyx2x3]

To the OP, also make sure you know how to train an animal.

"There are no bad dogs, only bad owners."

I highly encourage anyone getting their first dog to take a series of training classes. This does not in the least sense train your dog. In reality, the class is training you.. to train your dog. Very glad I did this for my lab. He's wonderfully well-behaved as a result.

 

[alwaysaangel]

I think you're a troll but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

😕 Maybe you have never had a dog and don't feel a close bond with your pet. Cats are too independent and isolated to be compared to dog ownership.

I've had tons of animals cats, dogs and birds and my family has always had a close bond with our animals. My shepherd when I was growing up was my best friend. Cats CAN be compared to dogs depending on their personality but generally I agree with you. Cats should be LESS work which was my point to the OP.

Your cat probably feeds on mice and garbage while it is roaming the streets, so I am not sure if you can control its diet.

Indoor cat, so no.

And if you read through the links and looked at the price, you'd see that none of the food there is organic or even human grade and also that some of these brands cost the same as commercial brands like Pedigree. This makes them cheaper because they contain a higher nutritional value. You actually save money.

From your own website:

• We look for whole grains and vegetables. That said, some grains and vegetables have valuable constituents that accomplish specific tasks in a dog food formula. We don't get too excited about one vegetable fragment and one grain byproduct on the ingredients panel. Our tolerance diminishes in direct proportion to the number of fragments and by-products contained in a food and the prominence on a label; the more there are, and/or the higher they appear on the ingredients list, the lower-quality the food.

• We eliminate all foods with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives listed on their ingredients panels. A healthy product full of top-quality ingredients shouldn't need non-nutritive additives to make it look or taste better. And plenty of good natural preservatives (such as rosemary, and vitamins A and C) can be used instead.

• We eliminate all foods with added sweeteners. Dogs, like people, enjoy sweet foods. Like people, they can develop a taste for these nutritionally empty calories.

• We look for products containing organic ingredients. That's a no-brainer.

Those are all characteristics I don't look for in my OWN food. Why would I worry about it for my cat. I look for protein, grains and vegetables in my pet food. Balanced diet - thats all they need. Millions of animals live 15-20 years on typical brands. It can't be that bad.

The articles are not the same. Written by different people at different times. It may or may not be true as of today, but that's not as relevant.

You clearly didn't read your own links - they are IDENTICAL. Look again. One person wrote it - posted on 2 websites. Its hilarious that you're quoting stuff that you haven't even read yourself. Yay for "informed" decisions.

I am not sure if your post is serious because of your first paragraph. Pets are not used as fertilizers. I have never heard such a thing. Though the funny part you mention is the smell - did you extrapolate that information based on smell? Actually, what you smell is earthworm poo, not decomposed body parts. Can you imagine someone spraying dead body parts all over your lawn? Needless to say, you'd need a disease control along with that type of a fertilizer!

Its used in large farms. I grew up in Ventura county where there are lots of large farms. They county takes road kill and dead animals given to animal control for disposal and grinds them up, heats up the result to destroy any possible pathogens- it makes an excellent fertilizer (although the whole concept disturbs me which is why I've always buried my animals). Then they sell it to local farms (not the average person for their backyard). If you'd ever driven past a farm like this you'd know what I mean by the smell its not like steer manure. Its VERY different.

Its fairly common but since you don't read your own resources I won't bother giving you more to not read. Also, this is supposed to be a nice friendly conversation about the joys and hardships of owning an animal so I will leave it at that.

 

[heysexylady]

Thanks for all your help, guys. You all are awesome, and I got great advice and learned so much from your posts.

So basically, you all are saying --- and correct me if I'm wrong here,
1. Don't even think about getting a lab or yorkie.
2. Keep my dog away from science diet food, recycled dead pet yum, and pajamas for that matter.
3. Forget about getting a puppy. Puppies are worse than children.
4. Have my dog walk me every day for 30-60 minutes - woo, awesome, I need the exercise anyway.
5. And most importantly, I have to decide between a dog or a boyfriend (but never both) in med school. Mmm....yeah, I'll take the dog.

But seriously, thanks - you all helped a lot!

Why would one have to decide b/w a bf and a dog....people seriously need to get for real and realize that saying that is a bunch of garbage.

 

[searun]

Friends of ours got a yellow lab last year. Now they always have to leave gatherings to go check on him, and about the only thing they talk about is their dog. It can be pretty annoying at times. Cool dog though.

Just wait until your friends with the dog have children. Then they will be really annoying talking about the kid all the time and forcing you to look at the latest photos. And don't get me started about organic baby food.

 

[Excelsius]

I think you're a troll but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

I've had tons of animals cats, dogs and birds and my family has always had a close bond with our animals. My shepherd when I was growing up was my best friend. Cats CAN be compared to dogs depending on their personality but generally I agree with you. Cats should be LESS work which was my point to the OP.


Indoor cat, so no.

From your own website:
Those are all characteristics I don't look for in my OWN food. Why would I worry about it for my cat. I look for protein, grains and vegetables in my pet food. Balanced diet - thats all they need. Millions of animals live 15-20 years on typical brands. It can't be that bad.



You clearly didn't read your own links - they are IDENTICAL. Look again. One person wrote it - posted on 2 websites. Its hilarious that you're quoting stuff that you haven't even read yourself. Yay for "informed" decisions.


Its used in large farms. I grew up in Ventura county where there are lots of large farms. They county takes road kill and dead animals given to animal control for disposal and grinds them up, heats up the result to destroy any possible pathogens- it makes an excellent fertilizer (although the whole concept disturbs me which is why I've always buried my animals). Then they sell it to local farms (not the average person for their backyard). If you'd ever driven past a farm like this you'd know what I mean by the smell its not like steer manure. Its VERY different.

Its fairly common but since you don't read your own resources I won't bother giving you more to not read. Also, this is supposed to be a nice friendly conversation about the joys and hardships of owning an animal so I will leave it at that.

The articles are different. One was written in the 1990, the other two - I don't know. And yes, I did not read through everything in the links I provided - I did my research into this about a year ago and as I mentioned here, you should look up those things on your own. I don't need any further evidence because I do believe that companies did or are doing such things. Those links were whatever google quickly brought up. The rest of the research is up to you, if you really care about it. And my point was that this was done at some point. I don't know whether the practice still exists, though any company that refuses to disclose this information should be scrutinized. I would not give the benefit of a doubt to such a company. They clearly have something to hide - be it recycled pets or simple quality controls.

A lot of people own pets. Not everyone gets attached the same way, even if they grow up with pets. Looking for organic ingredients does NOT mean that the food is organic. Innova Evo, which is one of the best ones out there and which I feed to some of the dogs, is NOT organic. I don't care if the food is organic or not either - so you are right in that sense. The reason I like these foods is different though - quality control. I just want to make sure that my dogs don't get "chicken meal" ingredients where no one knows where the meet comes from or even what is in it. Melamine is the biggest concern. Maybe you get the idea. Organic dog food, which I think is the same as Human Grade dog food, is something that you can eat too and is very expensive. That's not what these foods are.

Well, maybe you are right. I was not able to find anything about recycled pets in fertilizers. Regular lawn fertilizer smells pretty bad too because it is worm feces. When I drove through some farms on my way to Sacramento, I assumed that the bad small was livestock manure and flatus.

 

[tideleonheart]

I have a dog... the only way it is possible for me is because I am also married and my wife is able to take care of him when I can't.

Dogs are great, loving, but you really need to be realistic because all the emotion of getting a new dog goes away.

Here's a few thoughts:
-If you don't already exercise, getting a dog probably won't make you exercise
-Exercise still counts when it's winter and 30 degrees outside
-With a dog you can't just "go out" and stay out for 6+ hours.
-When you're really bogged down with stuff, you have to either neglect the dog or neglect the studying.
-If you do choose to study instead of take care of your dog, it will make you feel REALLY bad inside. You're torn between doing 2 things that you really need to do.
-You don't just have to let them out, play with them, exercise them... you have to clean up any messes they track in from going outside, when they throw something up, etc...

I would recommend you just get something easier to manage like a cat... if you can manage a cat, then consider getting a dog.

 

[akpete]

The articles are not the same. Written by different people at different times. It may or may not be true as of today, but that's not as relevant.

Uh, the articles you have links to are, in fact, the same article with the same author. One was posted on 9/4/2007 and the other on 9/7/2007. Look again.

And my vet certainly isn't recommending Science Diet for kickbacks because I never purchased the food from the vet. My vet commented and recommended several different foods.

 

[themudphud]

Sorry to make this is all philosophical, but I feel like there will never be a right time (to get a dog). I somehow just have to make it work.

Thoughts?

Don't do it. Imagine how hard it may be for that dog when you are in residency in a few years.
There will be a right time--when you have a real job.

 

[Mr Cookie Pants]

I got a dog the summer before medical school. He is a great dog. Much better than average (he is 10 months old, he was 10 weeks when I got him). Let me say this. Terrible Idea. My SO (doesn't live with me) comes to take care of him, and she'll get him 3rd year. I thought I could manage studying at home with him, but I cant. More often than not he gets left in his cage for hours while I go to the library.

He's a great stress reliever and I love him. My roommate (also a MS1) was excited but the excitement has worn off as puppies inevitably chew on things. But let me say that unless you have an extensive support network, it's almost like being a single parent.

 

[searun]

I got a dog the summer before medical school. He is a great dog. Much better than average (he is 10 months old, he was 10 weeks when I got him). Let me say this. Terrible Idea. My SO (doesn't live with me) comes to take care of him, and she'll get him 3rd year. I thought I could manage studying at home with him, but I cant. More often than not he gets left in his cage for hours while I go to the library.

He's a great stress reliever and I love him. My roommate (also a MS1) was excited but the excitement has worn off as puppies inevitably chew on things. But let me say that unless you have an extensive support network, it's almost like being a single parent.

I agree with your entire post. It is really hard on a dog to be left in a cage for hours, heart breaking really. And puppies do like to chew. I had a yellow labrador when I was a kid and basically the dog chewed up the legs of our wooden kitchen table, like she was a bloody beaver. When we left the house for a few hours, we locked the puppy in our sun room, and she cried and howled at the top of her lungs, because she was so unhappy about being left alone. The lady who lived next door called several times, and accused us of abusing our dog.

DO NOT HAVE A DOG IN MED SCHOOL!!!! unless you have a SO or spouse who is home with the dog. Dogs are extremely social and suffer if they are left alone for extended periods.

 

[akpete]

This is exactly why you need to consider how you study before getting a dog. It is a personalized decision. I largely studied at home, with lots of breaks, and the occasionally 4-hour session at Starbucks. I was not a class goer. So my dog did not get starved for attention during m1 and m2 years. During 3rd year, rotations involving more time than the average person's full time job required help from friends, esp one who had 2 dogs of her own with a flexible schedule. 4th year has not been an issue, except for traveling - stayed with mom for a month and at doggie daycare for other trips. I have wanted to get a 2nd dog for a long time simply so she has a buddy, but expense has prevented that.

If you love to spends hours at the library, a dog is not for you.

 

[Excelsius]

I agree with your entire post. It is really hard on a dog to be left in a cage for hours, heart breaking really. And puppies do like to chew. I had a yellow labrador when I was a kid and basically the dog chewed up the legs of our wooden kitchen table, like she was a bloody beaver. When we left the house for a few hours, we locked the puppy in our sun room, and she cried and howled at the top of her lungs, because she was so unhappy about being left alone. The lady who lived next door called several times, and accused us of abusing our dog.

DO NOT HAVE A DOG IN MED SCHOOL!!!! unless you have a SO or spouse who is home with the dog. Dogs are extremely social and suffer if they are left alone for extended periods.

This is why it is important to not get a puppy. An older dog does not have as much need to constantly play - a good exercise once a day, and especially during the weekends, will be pretty good. This is also one of reasons you need to pick your breed carefully - labs, while popular, are very persistent with chewing and swallowing things, often until they are two years old! Even when they know there is a solid pack leader, they still occasionally swallow some of their toys. Imagine if you can't be a good pack leader. The lab puppy made one of my friends cry on two occasions. She thought she couldn't handle him... And having someone with whom you can share the caring for the dog will be a big plus as well.

 

[GreenShirt]

Getting a dog in medical school is almost like having a baby while in medical school: Many people are able to do it but it requires a support network. First of all, if you're away at school, every time you go home for a break you'll have to make arrangements for the dog (pay for a kennel, arrange for a friend to watch it, pay for an airplane ticket, etc.). Same goes when you take call at the hospital. If you have friends who are dog lovers they may be willing to help you out, but your hand may get tied if you can't find someone to feed, walk or house your dog when you're not around. Most of the people who have dogs at my school have significant others that help them share the burden.

I went through this debate myself this year and ended up compromising with a Chinchilla. If you really want a pet, consider getting a cat or a rodent. They don't even come close to dogs, but they're a lot more manageable for a medical student.

 

[muggle911]

You can't rely on kennels and other dog 'hotels' to take care of your pet while your away during 3rd and 4th years. Some dogs don't take well to kennels; mine for instance gets very depressed and won't even eat. We left him in a kennel twice and he lost 2 pounds each time (he's a small dog). And these were nice places that others had recommended to us. He's normally just fine being left alone, but will not adust to a kennel. Just a thought.

 

[searun]

You can't rely on kennels and other dog 'hotels' to take care of your pet while your away during 3rd and 4th years. Some dogs don't take well to kennels; mine for instance gets very depressed and won't even eat. We left him in a kennel twice and he lost 2 pounds each time (he's a small dog). And these were nice places that others had recommended to us. He's normally just fine being left alone, but will not adust to a kennel. Just a thought.

I agree with your comment about kennels. I had a female labrador when I was a kid. My dog was terrified of kennels - when we would leave her at a kennel to take a family vacation, she would start trembling and whimpering and literally start peeing on the floor as she was led away on her leash...it always broke my heart and ruined my vacation to see her so miserable...she also pretty much quit eating. It was just awful. Finally, we just stopped taking her to kennels and had a family member stay with her at our house while we were away.

 

[Ariana85]

we have two dogs- me and my hubbie are both medical students. we got them as puppies during winter of my second year. Actually, I think second year is the ideal time to get a dog, even a puppy. my schedule was flexible enough to train them, and by the time I started third year, they were trained. We got two puppies because we didn't want to leave a dog alone all day. it has worked out wonderfully- they entertain each other, sleep snuggled up, etc. some days we've had to have a friend stop by to let them out, when we've got long days. you can hire a dog walker too, but that hasn't been necessary for us. we don't even have a fenced in yard or a doggie door and it's been manageable.

my opinion is, if you want a dog, go for it. I'd get two, though. even if it sounds like more work, I think it's better and the dogs are happier. It is a huge stress reliever and has honestly been my sanity line in med school. btw, we have a chihuahu and a mini schnauzer

I agree w/the 2+ dogs idea. Not only will they be able to entertain eachother when you're not around, but it's also just more fun having more than one dog... the more the merrier 🙂

I also have a chihuahua & 2 mini schnauzers and they're all crazy! Schnauzers are probably the weirdest dogs ever. Plus the 2 males are gay, lol

 

[Superman78]

If you do get a dog, save one from a dog shelter. Don't buy a $500 pure-bred dog that could just as well have gone to a loving family with 3 kids, instead of lying in your home alone all day wondering if you'll ever come back.

I don't know much about small dogs, but I know that big dogs are pack animals and they need constant attention and interaction.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Wow, it sounds like it would be cheaper and less stressful just to get a girlfriend rather than a dog. You don't have to walk the girl friend as much and once in awhile you can go dutch treat. A girlfriend would be alot cheaper for a med student and usually she will not chew up the furniture in your apartment.

LOL!

I have both and still can't answer your question....