Is it realistic to own a dog during medical school

[Eagleye2]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello, i will be attending medical school next year and am interested in buying a dog. Assuming my apartment allows it and I have the funds, how realistic is it to own a dog during medical school? If anyone has any experience or tips to accomplish this that would be appreciated. I would love to own a dog but do not want it being mistreated or alone all day.

 

[workaholic181]

I wanted to but ultimately decided against it. Don't feel like it would have been fair to the animal because I'd be distracted/out of the house so much. A physician family friend had a dog going through school and never spent enough time with it. That dog was subsequently kind of bitter and not well socialized for the rest of its life. You have the rest of your life to raise pets.

 

[NickNaylor]

My then-girlfriend (now-wife) and I got a dog during my MS2 year. I didn't go to class so spent much of my time at home during the day while she was at work, which made things much easier. It was 100% necessary to have another person at home when I was on clerkships - I just don't think it's fair to keep a dog locked up in a crate all day while I'm gone, which I had to do since my dog would get into all kinds of trouble when left out.

It's doable depending on your situation, but probably not if you're going to be the only person available to care for it. Especially once you get into your rotations.

 

[soysizle]

I think it depends a lot on the breed of dog too. Some breeds are a lot more chill and others need a lot more attention and exercise. I have lots of classmates with dogs, one classmate has 2 horses, 2 goats, a dog, and 3 cats. She doesn’t go to lecture however so she’s able to spend more time with them. Needless to say it can be done but I’d wait a few months into school so you can see exactly how much time you spend at home. If you only go home to eat and sleep, it’s probably not the best idea to get one.
Also you have to consider who will be avaible to watch it when you go home for the holidays.

 

[that redhead]

I’d recommend against it, personally. Your training is going to require essentially all of your attention and time; that’s not fair to a dog, even if it’s a chill dog. They still need exercise and attention.

 

[Drakozord X]

I think it depends a lot on the breed of dog too. Some breeds are a lot more chill and others need a lot more attention and exercise. I have lots of classmates with dogs, one classmate has 2 horses, 2 goats, a dog, and 3 cats. She doesn’t go to lecture however so she’s able to spend more time with them. Needless to say it can be done but I’d wait a few months into school so you can see exactly how much time you spend at home. If you only go home to eat and sleep, it’s probably not the best idea to get one.
Also you have to consider who will be avaible to watch it when you go home for the holidays.

I had to re-read that part just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.

 

[WinslowPringle]

Depends on your living situation, med school curriculum, and type of dog breed. Ample indoor/outdoor space, close to school and hospitals, more flexible curriculum, the money to hire a dog-walker or friends to check in on it can make it work. I had a dog during medical school and residency; numerous friends in medical school and residency have had dogs, too.

Or you could consider a cat ;-)

 

[Rusrus]

I began medical school this past July and got a puppy a few months prior to that. I've spent a good amount of time and money for my puppy including training, day care, dog parks, extra toys, etc. (it does helps that my school doesn't have mandatory classes) and if I had to redo it I wouldn't change a thing. That said, I would recommend that you look at adopting an older dog that is perhaps not as hyper or become a foster (fur) parent.

 

[stickgirl390]

I wouldn’t recommend it, at least until after you start classes and have an informed opinion on the situation. I have a cat and I rarely get to see her. Thankfully I don’t have to worry about letting her out to use the bathroom. I can stay on campus and study as long as I want, which is important when anatomy lab rolls around.

 

[Doctor-S]

Hello, i will be attending medical school next year and am interested in buying a dog. Assuming my apartment allows it and I have the funds, how realistic is it to own a dog during medical school? If anyone has any experience or tips to accomplish this that would be appreciated. I would love to own a dog but do not want it being mistreated or alone all day.

@Eagleye2 here are some things to consider:

Kindly do not underestimate the stresses, rigors, and time commitment associated with medical school, as well as with your residency years.

1. You will be studying long hours, going to labs/lectures, and dealing with various other challenging commitments in your first two years of medical school. Later, in your clinical rotations, there will be many times when you may not be able to provide the care, comfort, and companionship, that a pet deserves (and requires), even though you may have the best intentions, and love dogs. Instead, you will be too busy ... or totally exhausted. Other times, you will be at the medical center, rounding, researching, studying, prepping ... lots of stuff. There will be times when your pet will need (and want) you, and you will NOT be available for your pet.

For instance ... if you're absent from your apartment, who will take care of your dog? Do you plan to hire a dog sitter/walker? What are you going to do if your dog begins to act-out (barking at home) 'cuz you're away and your dog is feeling lonely and wants some attention?

2. These same comments apply to dogs and cats. Cats are not necessarily solitary creatures; and many cats crave companionship, and need companionship, as well as stimulating playtime, to thrive.

3. You must be financially responsible for your pet. Indeed, a pet is analogous to a "child" and you must be a responsible "parent." Pets cost money ... food, bedding, supplies, immunizations, flea treatment, veterinary care, etc. It's also advisable to pay for pet insurance because sooner-or-later your pet will need veterinary care ... and a good pet insurance policy can be a lifesaver - especially in an emergency.

Here is a friendly suggestion:

If you have a few extra hours, you can volunteer with a local pet adoption group and get LOTS of love and cuddles from puppies and dogs, cat and kittens, but without the demands and responsibilities associated with 24/7 pet ownership. This is exactly what some of my residents do ... and they l-o-v-e it. Later, when you're done with your education and training, you can get your own forever dog. Just saying. 🙂

 

[workaholic181]

Also wanted to add OP: my school and pretty much every school I've had friends at has dogs come in for finals week and stuff like that. I'm also willing to bet wherever you go to school there will be a humanitarian society or ASPCA nearby where you could be a volunteer dog walker in your free time. You don't need to own a dog to get that interaction or help take care of one!

 

[Peter Pan.]

If it’s just you then no. If you have a significant other or roommates that would be willing to get one then you could maybe make it work.

And having a dog isn’t just taking them out to the bathroom. They want to play. They want to run around at a park or in a backyard. They also want to play at home. They want your attention and there will be times where they don’t leave you alone. And some dogs like to go out 3-4 times a day. Plus all the trips to the vet and feeding them. It’s a lot. Maybe you know all of this already but I have a friend who got a dog and retuned it 3 months later because it took more time than he thought it would take. Then when you get to 3rd and 4th year? Forget about it.

If anything you could get a cat. But I’m not a cat person.

 

[NoMessEMS]

I’m not a med student yet, but I am in a SMP with some first year medical courses. My schedule isn’t exactly the same as the med students, but it’s very similar. I own a very active dog & I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. For me, he’s not just a pet but quite literally my best friend. On those tough, long days after lab when I’m exhausted, his happiness to see me makes me happy. He keeps me in a better mood throughout this grueling process and he keeps me active. We go on walks, hikes, and to the dog park. With that being said, there are several first years here that I’ve met who also have dogs and they are doing fine. I go to all of my classes, but I have an entire study cave in my house with a whiteboard so I do all of my studying here and collaborate with other students who also have dogs! They come play while we study.

My advice:
I wouldn’t get a 9 week old puppy or anything right before you arrive on campus because potty training and teaching them would be VERY difficult as a first year med student. I would definitely get one that’s at least 6-8 months at the youngest. I’d also get them now, so that they can get acclimated to you and you to them. Also, only get one if you know you can handle it. You will have to sacrifice some social life with your peers to be home with your dog. Pet supplies, dog food, and vet bills are not cheap so keep that in mind when you’re budgeting. It’s really not as terrible or difficult as some people are assuming. Hope this helps!

 

[NoMessEMS]

I’m not a med student yet, but I am in a SMP with some first year medical courses. My schedule isn’t exactly the same as the med students, but it’s very similar. I own a very active dog & I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.

Also, I live alone. I’ve had friends watch my dog for me on certain occasions where I need to go out of town and can’t bring him with me. There are also dog sitters and local boarding places that will board your dog for a weekend or something for fairly reasonable prices. I’ve never had to use these services, but I know some friends who have and their dogs do great.

 

[DrDunkin]

I am a first year, and I got a bulldog puppy in May before matriculating in July. She was crate trained, potty trained, and overall pretty trained by the time we moved which was very helpful. Owning a dog is a lot of work but honestly, she is my very best friend and companion. Bulldogs are generally sedentary creatures, so if I take her out and play outside/go for an hour walk, she will nap for 4-5 hours after. I’d say about 25% of my classmates have dogs, and my neighbor has a golden retriever. She got him as a puppy the DAY before we started class!!

I don’t go to class, I prefer to sit at home and watch lectures from the comfort of my couch and with my dog. I also live alone. It’s all about time management. During some of the days we have long mandatory lab days, I feel guilty, but our school always allows us a lunch hour in which my neighbor and I go home, let our dogs out to play and go the bathroom, and go back to school. Sometimes I’ll just wait until she goes to sleep again to study (which doesn’t take a while because she sleeps A LOT).

It’s definitely an additional stress, but if you’re up to the challenge and you know you will be doing most of your studying at home, then go for it. My bulldog friend is the best decision I’ve made next to attending med school 🙂

 

[Mad Jack]

Cats are fine, but your dog is going to be sad af

 

[V781]

Unless you can afford to take your dog to doggie daycare day in and day out, do not adopt a dog. I have not been through medical school yet, but I have owned a dog for the last 13 years. It's depressing having to leave your dog behind in your apartment as you head for work/school - depressing for both of you. Dogs really do need a lot of attention and a lot of mental stimulation. Don't buy one until you can give them their best quality of life (not cooped up).

Dogs need quite a bit more attention than cats. But cats aren't as lovable (sorry cat lovers). Why don't you get a small reef aquarium? Watching fish is known to be quite relaxing.

 

[Dr. Scrappy]

I haven’t started med school yet (was just accepted 2 weeks ago), but I’d say it depends on your schools lecture style and your dog. Lecture attendance is optional in my school (and most of my MS1/MS2 friends skip them) and since college I’ve always been the type to skip class and study on my own so I have that going. Also my pup is super chill. I got him last year while studying for the MCAT and everyone at home jokes that he could take the MCAT because he was by my side every single hour I spent reading or doing practice tests. He likes to play like every other dog, but as sson as I open a book he lays down nearby and will stay there napping for as long as I keep reading. He’ll wake up whenever I take a break, pee, drink some water and back to sleep. Also he has no problem staying home alone since he likes to sleep a lot. I know med school will be demanding, but he is my very best friend and there’s no way I’m leaving him home. So I’d say is doable, but get him a couple of months before med school so he can get used to you and also to potty train him, which took a lot of effort and time with mine.

 

[Dwight Snoot]

Lots of students have dogs at my school but I think the almost all have a significant other living with them. You won't have enough time to take care of the dog, properly at least, if you are living alone. Unless you have a really really really well trained dog it would be quite difficult

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I am a first year, and I got a bulldog puppy in May before matriculating in July. She was crate trained, potty trained, and overall pretty trained by the time we moved which was very helpful. Owning a dog is a lot of work but honestly, she is my very best friend and companion. Bulldogs are generally sedentary creatures, so if I take her out and play outside/go for an hour walk, she will nap for 4-5 hours after. I’d say about 25% of my classmates have dogs, and my neighbor has a golden retriever. She got him as a puppy the DAY before we started class!!

I don’t go to class, I prefer to sit at home and watch lectures from the comfort of my couch and with my dog. I also live alone. It’s all about time management. During some of the days we have long mandatory lab days, I feel guilty, but our school always allows us a lunch hour in which my neighbor and I go home, let our dogs out to play and go the bathroom, and go back to school. Sometimes I’ll just wait until she goes to sleep again to study (which doesn’t take a while because she sleeps A LOT).

It’s definitely an additional stress, but if you’re up to the challenge and you know you will be doing most of your studying at home, then go for it. My bulldog friend is the best decision I’ve made next to attending med school 🙂

Not trying to question your decision, but since you live alone, what happens when you’re in 3rd and 4th year and have extremely long days at the hospital? What happens when you’re on call? I’ve been thinking of getting a dog, but I have a wife and kids so it’s not just me.

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

Not trying to question your decision, but since you live alone, what happens when you’re in 3rd and 4th year and have extremely long days at the hospital? What happens when you’re on call? I’ve been thinking of getting a dog, but I have a wife and kids so it’s not just me.

I would re-emphasize this point-none of the above responders with dogs in medical school(aside from @NickNaylor who had a SO there to help) mention dog ownership during third and fourth year. When you have to wake up at 4 AM to get to surgery are you going to wake up at 330 to walk your dog? When a case gets added on and you're working an extra 5 hours who is going to feed him/her? For fourth year when you are gone at least once a week for days at a time to go for interviews is your support system strong enough/do you have enough money to make it work?
I have a friend who got a dog fourth year of medical school and it was very tough to figure out (and he even had family nearby to take care of her when he was out of town).

 

[drdpmn]

I am an M1 and I have a dog. I had him for years before medical school. I wouldn’t have gotten him right before school starts. He’s middle aged now, and I’m not going to lie, there are times it’s a big pain. One time he was throwing up and had diarrhea when I was trying to study for a huge exam. There are also the financial considerations. I honestly can’t afford him on the loan money we’re provided. He needs his teeth cleaned and the estimate I got was $700. Third year is also a concern. Fortunately my family is pretty supportive and is willing to step in third year if necessary but it’s not ideal. I do get a lot of joy from him and talking him for walks are a nice study break, but I have to admit it’s harder than I expected. Some schools have more mandatory classes than others, so you can’t necessarily count on being home all the time.