5 Things Dog Owners Do That Really Annoy Vets in 2025

Every dog owner wants the best for their furry friend, but sometimes well-meaning habits can unintentionally cause frustration for vets and impact a dog’s welfare. Understanding these common issues helps us all become more responsible owners — especially if you’re wondering how to buy a dog or where to buy a puppy right here in the UK.

1. Rushing the puppy-buying decision without proper research

One of the biggest veterinary frustrations is seeing puppies bought impulsively or without adequate preparation. Experts advise potential owners to take months, even years, to consider whether they can meet a dog’s long-term needs before acquiring one. This is why trusted sources like the Kennel Club’s Find a Puppy scheme are invaluable — it helps you locate responsible breeders who prioritise dog welfare and provide thorough health records, microchipping details, and veterinary registration to new owners, as required by recent legislation in Scotland and across the UK.

Tip: Avoid last-minute decisions by researching breeders carefully and confirming all puppy health paperwork before purchase.

2. Ignoring dog pregnancy signs week by week

For owners of pregnant dogs, recognising dog pregnancy signs week by week is vital to ensure timely veterinary support and prevent complications. Early signs include behavioural changes and gradual abdominal enlargement. Regular vet check-ups help confirm pregnancy progress and plan for a safe whelping. Vets are often frustrated when owners delay seeking advice or try to handle breeding without professional guidance, which can put both the bitch and puppies at risk.

Tip: If you plan to breed your dog, keep a detailed weekly pregnancy journal and maintain close contact with your vet.

3. Giving dogs human medication like Calpol without veterinary approval

A common but dangerous error is administering human medications such as Calpol (paracetamol) to dogs. This over-the-counter medicine can be toxic to dogs, causing severe health issues or even death. Vets emphasise that medications must only be given when prescribed and dosed by a qualified veterinary professional based on your dog’s specific condition.

Tip: Never give your dog Calpol or any human painkiller. Always consult your vet for safe pain management options.

4. Failing to comply with UK pet travel and health regulations

Travelling with pets from the UK to the EU has become more complex with the UK’s reclassification as a “non-listed” country under EU regulations in 2025. Vets get annoyed when owners do not follow updated requirements such as:

• Obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official vet within 10 days of travel
• Ensuring pets are microchipped and up-to-date on rabies vaccinations
• Being aware of new rules like rabies antibody titre tests required for some countries before travel

Non-compliance risks your pet’s safety and creates extra workload for vets and pet transport professionals.

Tip: Always prepare well ahead and consult your vet or services like PetTaxi UK for guidance on pet travel rules.

5. Not providing sufficient time and resources for responsible ownership

Many owners underestimate the ongoing commitment required to keep a dog healthy and happy. Vets urge people to consider factors like time for exercise, dietary needs, training, and veterinary care before bringing a dog home. This mindset supports responsible ownership and reduces the risk of pets being relinquished or suffering from preventable health problems.

Tip: Use resources from organisations like the Kennel Club for advice on responsible ownership and what to expect before and after you buy a puppy.

By understanding and addressing these common issues, dog owners can strengthen the human-animal bond and support veterinary colleagues in giving the best care possible. Whether you’re just learning how to buy a dog, looking for where to buy a puppy, or managing dog pregnancy signs week by week, responsible choices are always the best way forward.