There are some things only puppy parents—and dog parents—understand. Until you’re in this world, you have no idea what it’s like. Here are some sure signs that a puppy has taken over your world.
1. YOUR CLOTHES ARE COVERED IN DOG DROOL
Or doggy nose stains. Or some other kind of dog fluids. Being a dog parent is a messy endeavor but one we wouldn’t trade for the world. Even though they make everything around them dirtier, puppies look cute doing it!
2. YOU’VE PROBABLY EATEN A LOT OF DOG FUR
Once you get a dog, you find dog fur all over the place and chances are, it’s in your food. Sure, you pick it out when you find it and probably grumble about the dog but chances are, quite a few pieces of fur have probably snuck into your diet. Dog fur is now the secret ingredient to every dish.
3. YOU’RE UP BY A CERTAIN TIME ON THE WEEKENDS
Any dog parent knows that those days of sleeping in on a day off from work are from a past life—unless you trade off with a partner! Your puppy will act as your new alarm clock, letting you know she wants to go out, be fed, and yes, get attention just as the sun is rising.
4. YOU HAVE A WIDE ARRAY OF FLOOR CLEANING PRODUCTS
Whether you’re house training your puppy or your dog tends to throw up every once in a while from eating something he shouldn’t, every pet parent makes sure they have a spray cleaner and paper towels on hand at all times. You also know your dog is going to have an accident after you just cleaned or when you’re running late and trying to get out the door.
5. YOU HAVE TO CHECK THE TIME WHEN YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME
Whether you’re at a party for a few hours or spending the day running errands, dog parents have to watch the clock to make sure they get home in time to let their puppies out to relieve themselves, feed their dogs, or make sure their dogs aren’t lonely by being home alone for too long. (Psst! Taking care of your dog is also a great excuse when you want to leave a party or event early. Thanks, pup! Here are 10 reasons puppies are the best!)
6. YOU LOOK FORWARD TO DRESSING YOUR DOG UP FOR HOLIDAYS
The holidays are a fun time with our pets for a variety of reasons but if you are someone starts searching for “dog costumes” or “dog Christmas sweater” or “dog Easter outfit” way before the holiday, you’re a dog parent who gets a kick out of making the most of every holiday. Tag us in your pics @WHIMZEESUS so we can see your adorable pup, too!
7. YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOS SHOW YOUR DOG MORE THAN YOU
And all of your followers are okay with that! Whether you just got a new puppy and you need to document all the adorable things she’s up to, or you need to let your friends and family know the silly thing that Fido did that day, oversharing dog photos on social media is a sure sign you’re a dog parent. Plus, is there really such a thing as “oversharing” when it comes to your dog?
8. YOU CAN’T PLAN A NIGHT AWAY WITHOUT FACTORING IN YOUR PUP
Owning a dog is a lot more responsibility than other pets and one way that’s very apparent is when you want to leave home for an extended period of time. This is an adjustment first-time puppy parents might need to adapt to! But, you know that your dog will be so excited to see you when you get back; nothing is better than coming home to a dog.
9. YOU BUY DOG TREATS MORE THAN HUMAN DESSERTS
Have a special cabinet or drawer just for your dog’s treats? Yup, that’s a surefire sign you’re a dog parent. When you’re rewarding your pup for doing a trick, training him, or simply giving her some for being a “good girl,” make sure you have a dental treat in your treat bin that’s made for their puppy mouths. WHIMZEES are a tasty chew that’s designed for puppies so they’re softer but they help remove tartar and plaque buildup. Soon, your dog will be sitting for them and begging for them to be part of her daily treat routine! (Here are 6 reasons puppy breath is the worst!)