Having a dog in residency?

[Evisju7]

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Ive heard of people managing it, but how? Assuming you're single. And while we're on the topic, how about medical school? Is it possible to have a dog then?

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Ive heard of people managing it, but how? Assuming you're single. And while we're on the topic, how about medical school? Is it possible to have a dog then?

Is it possible? Sure. Is it fair to the dog, not really. If you get a dog walking service it might be somewhat better, but as a single med student or resident I wouldn't do it.

 

[mvenus929]

Yeah, if you're single, it's not fair to the dog when you're away 13-14 hours (even 24-30 in later years of residency). Get a cat if you really want a furry pet, or have a roommate/significant other around to help out.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I have several friends who had dogs intern year. They used walking services and/or doggy day care. Most of their dogs now live with other members of their family (parents, etc). Some people have gotten married or moved in with SOs so there is more flexibility in caring for the dog.

I have one single friend (surgery resident) who still has her dog and I feel terrible for that dog; it frequently has accidents in the house from being left alone so long, acts like a deprived child when people are around, and has been losing weight. It's sad and I think selfish of my friend to keep her.

 

[gutonc]

Ive heard of people managing it, but how? Assuming you're single. And while we're on the topic, how about medical school? Is it possible to have a dog then?

Unsurprisingly, this topic has been discussed hojiggity million times in this forum alone.

 

[Law2Doc]

Small dogs that can use a Litter box fare better. You will need a walking service and someone to take the dog on long overnight shifts/night float or have a Non physician roommate who likes dogs and can help. Also depends on the rotation/residency.

 

[Evisju7]

Good points made. I really love dogs and I guess the most considerate and responsible thing to do is to not have a dog until you're sure you can give it all the attention required.

 

[colbgw02]

Small dogs that can use a Litter box fare better. You will need a walking service and someone to take the dog on long overnight shifts/night float or have a Non physician roommate who likes dogs and can help. Also depends on the rotation/residency.

Ugh. If I ever let an animal routinely and purposefully crap in my home, then just get it over with and commit me. Frankly, I'm still a little upset about changing diapers for human infants who (allegedly) share my DNA. I'm obviously not a cat person.

 

[QofQuimica]

Good points made. I really love dogs and I guess the most considerate and responsible thing to do is to not have a dog until you're sure you can give it all the attention required.

Agree. This is exactly why I didn't get a dog during med school or residency. I am considering getting one now that I'm an attending, but I want to wait and see what my work situation is going to be like, options for walkers, etc. One thing you might consider doing to get your dog fix is to help dog-sit for friends, and/or to volunteer at the Humane Society to socialize the dogs, clean kennels, etc. I did that for several years (obviously not as a resident) and am thinking I'd like to start up again.

 

[Promethean]

Yeah, was going to mention volunteering at a local shelter. It's one of my EC's! =)

Everyone in my house besides me is deathly allergic to all things cute and fuzzy. So, this is how I get my small animal fix without sending them into anaphylaxis.

 

[QofQuimica]

Yeah, was going to mention volunteering at a local shelter. It's one of my EC's! =)

It was one of mine too. 🙂

Everyone in my house besides me is deathly allergic to all things cute and fuzzy. So, this is how I get my small animal fix without sending them into anaphylaxis.

That's why I didn't get a cat, which I do think is a realistic pet to have even during residency since they can be trained to use a litter box. And I like cats a lot too, almost as much as I like dogs. But I want my sister, mother, and niece, all of whom have allergies, to be able to visit me more than I want to have a cat. Hence why I wound up with a pet beta fish during residency. 😛

 

[DermViser]

I have one single friend (surgery resident) who still has her dog and I feel terrible for that dog; it frequently has accidents in the house from being left alone so long, acts like a deprived child when people are around, and has been losing weight. It's sad and I think selfish of my friend to keep her.

Wow, so selfish of her!