Feeling guilty for not taking care of my dog’s health
I got a dog when I moved out of my mom’s house at 18 years old. At that time in my life, I really didn’t understand the significance of owning a dog such as the importance of vaccinations, teeth cleaning, grooming etc., I am from the hood and we get dogs and care for them but we don’t have the same resources and education to understand how to properly care for dogs.
My dog is now 12 years old and she has rotten teeth and has never been vaccinated. About a few years ago, I truly started to understand the importance of caring for dogs. I watched videos on how dogs look when they have distemper, parvo etc and it traumatized me. Because of this I started taking my dog’s health more seriously and began to make more frequent doctor’s appointments for health checks and vaccinations.
My dog now has rotten teeth and has to be put down just to clean them and it will cost a lot. I am so mortified that I allowed this to happen to her and wish I could turn back the time to care for her better. I honestly didn’t know that owners are supposed to brush their dogs teeth. My thought process is that animals in the wild don’t need their teeth brushed so I didn’t think it was necessary. My dog also doesn’t like to chew on bones or anything so not even that worked.
I know some may feel the need to lecture me but I truly understand the importance now that I’m older and have learned and I’m making changes in my life to make everything right. Other than vaccines she’s had a really good happy life and she looks like she’s going to be around for a lot longer. I just feel so bad especially when the VET came down on me in the most condescending way about my dog not being vaccinated. Like, I truly think some people really don’t understand what it’s like to come from places where simple education like vaccinating your dog and brushing their teeth weekly is just simply not available for everyone. Also, not everyone can afford the vet visits. Idk yall I’m just venting