Welcome to being a new pet mom!
I’ve often been grossed out by things I see mothers do for their human children. The spit-up after a bottle or wiping the ever gooey nose usually makes me a wee-bit-queasy, and anyone I have ever discussed the matter with has always given me the same answer, “Just wait until you have your own kids. You’ll do the same thing.” They always explain that something inside you changes, and what used to gross you out, just doesn’t any more. I had been rather doubtful that it would ever shift for me, but lately I have been seeing it.
It started with Emma’s eye boogers. The night I brought her home, I found myself wiping her eyes and pulling the crusties out of the corners whenever she woke up. One day, it just hit me. This is one of those gross things I would usually have found disgusting. My how a puppy will really change your disposition!!
A few other issues have followed this trend, but I have overcome and love Emma just the same:
1. Worms: A few days after I had Emma, I noticed a few white strands in her waste. I quickly recognized the little moving noodles as worms. When I came to this realization, I squirmed almost as much as they did. A quick trip to the vet with a fecal sample confirmed my initial diagnosis. Worms in dogs are common, especially with puppies, and some medicine quickly cleared them up. That’s not to say I wasn’t checking Emma’s behind a few times a day for any more. I never knew I would be so tight with her back side.
2. Potty training: Everyone knows puppies lead to messes, and I knew this but I know it even more now. And, one thing is for sure, everyone wants to hold, pet, and treat your new sweet puppy but no one else wants to clean up after her. I guess it is a true tale of love when you will pick up another living being’s waste (and dig through it for worms). Ick!
3. Chew toys: Puppies really are more like toddlers. Anything they find goes straight into their mouth. With human children, you at least have a few seconds notice of them holding it in their hands first. With puppies, it goes straight back. I can’t count the times I’ve pulled the (strangest) things from the back of Emma’s throat. Paper clips, furniture stoppers, and plastic wrappers from outside have all been pulled from her mouth before it crossed the threshold into her tummy. Puppies really will chew anything!
The beautiful thing about being a mom, either to a human child or a pet, is that you easily look past the gross things to the beautiful eyes, sweet smile, and fun-loving personality that make it all worth it.
What things do you do for your pet that you never thought you would find yourself willingly doing? What advice can you offer about handling the “dirty jobs” of pet ownership?
ABOUT NATALIE
As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. Natalie’s puppy, Emma, spends almost as much time in the office as she does.