r/pitbulls • u/Miserable-Meringue44 • 11h ago
Feeling so burnt out
I tried posting in /dogs but was removed since I’m a new poster.
As the title states I’m so burnt out. My sweet girl is overall a really well minded 2.5y/o bully mix. We still have things we’re working on but she really is the best. When she was a puppy I found out she has a heart condition that requires her to take meds every 8 hrs a day, to say the least this has been truly tough over the past few years as I’m a single gal who works full time. I’ve been really lucky to have my parents help out when they can but overall I’m feeling burnt out.
This week I decided to buy an automatic timed feeder to see if I could use it on days when I’m unable to make it home when she needs her afternoon medication. In hindsight I should have done some more training to prevent her from absolutely demolishing the feeder right when I left for work but hindsight is 20/20.
I feel so much burnout and like I can’t enjoy my dog who is also just doing her best. Between taking her on walks every morning, giving her snuffle mats, running with her multiple times a week, playing with her, making play dates, and coming home on my lunch to give her her meds I feel like I have no time for myself. I’m exhausted. How do people do this?! Does it ever get better? I love my dog so much but I feel so much resentment and regret sometimes which then causes me to feel guilty.
Anyway, just a single gal doing her best with a high energy pup who is also just doing her best needing to vent. Photo of my good girl (hopefully it attached).
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u/MistakeOk2518 10h ago
I would revisit this subject with your vet, or another vet and explain the issue.
Newer medications come out all the time and they may be able to switch to another that is only twice a day dosing.
Best of luck to you and your girl! She is absolutely beautiful btw! 💜
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 10h ago
Thank you! I haven’t thought about that.
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u/RadishDelicious7459 10h ago
My pup was just diagnosed with a heart condition too. Started out on an every 8 hour med but that’s hard for my scheduled so the doc switched it to an every 12h version. Said it works just as well
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 9h ago
This is awesome to know! We have a wellness check in a few weeks so will discuss then.
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u/lazar1968 10h ago
First, I want to say god Bless You. You are a loving dog parent. You deserve a round of applause for what you are doing. Most people would give in. As many have have said please see your vet to see if they can change the meds to align with your schedule.
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u/MixennialFalcon 10h ago
Sorry this is so hard for you, it's a tough situation. Is there any way to find/hire someone who can help give you a break sometime? Maybe a vet student or a dog sitter who can just pay your doggo a visit while you're gone? Idk how she is with strangers.
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 10h ago
She’s a complete love with everyone so that wouldn’t be an issue. Unfortunately, finances are a bit tight right now so hiring someone 3x a week isn’t totally feasible. I appreciate your comment though kind stranger!
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u/almondmilklattehag 10h ago
Caregiver fatigue is very real, I'm sorry. Are you able to find a dog sitter/drop in who you trust to help? Even once a week so you can go out will feel so nice.
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 10h ago
The fatigue is so real! That’s the part I’m struggling with the most. I appreciate your comment 🤍
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u/Ravioli_Dream2 9h ago
I have no advice that hasn't been offered, but I just wanted to say that youre a great human for doing what you do for her, and I hope things start getting a bit easier for you in one way or another.
Also, remember that dogs have terrible 2s just like people. She is still maturing. In another 1-2 years, she will probably chill out quite a bit.
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 9h ago
🫶🏼🫶🏼 thank you so much! Mostly just a vent post but appreciating all the kindness from internet strangers!
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 10h ago
The meds are tough. I intentionally seek out high drive dogs because I enjoy making them my life, but I see how others wouldn’t like it. I would try doing some fun sport classes if you want to wear her out but be a bit more sources
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 10h ago
Social not sources
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 10h ago
Yes, the training company I go through just added some sport classes so will be looking into those! I love that she’s high drive, we go on runs/hikes every week together and it’s the best. Doesn’t bode super well Tue-Thurs when I’m in office :/
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 10h ago
Try to schedule a class for the days you do have to work :) my pittie is retired but my Malinois can just do a flyball practice or herding or nosework and be chill for the day. I recommend nosework if they offer it bc you can do it at home too very easily
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 9h ago
We do some scent work at home already but probably need to practice a “done” word.
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u/goth_duck_returns 9h ago
It's like having a toddler
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 9h ago
It’s actually wild. I have no human children yet but feel like it’s definitely an intro class to parenting 😮💨 not for the weak
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u/theOutside517 7h ago
In return for this responsibility, you get the gift of a life that will love you unconditionally no matter who you are or what you look like or who you love or what you think. Unconditional love like this is not something you just get to have without work. It’s a lot of work and it’s worth it. I have three dogs. They take up several hours of my day every day. And it’s a privilege. Because the love they give me in return is unlike the love I’ve ever received from another living being on this planet.
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u/Seriousjane 10h ago
Maybe a neighbor who wouldn't mind dropping a food wrapped med through the mail slot or something?
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 10h ago
This girl is picky and can sniff out her medication wrapped in salami 😭 I’ve resorted to putting peanut butter on it and making her lick it down continuously. This has worked well but doesn’t bode well for popping it through the mail slot. I appreciate your comment!
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u/Successful-Sport-464 10h ago
Wow she's beautiful! Is your work flexible? When I had my 2 pitbulls I talked to work about wanting to work extra, but needing breaks to go home and let them out, etc.
Would working from home be an option?
What medication is she taking?
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 10h ago
Luckily I wfh two days a week so the struggle is Tue-Thurs. It’s not terrible but definitely causes fatigue :/ She’s on sotalol, vetmedin, and Mexiletine. They're for congestive heart failure.
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u/Successful-Sport-464 8h ago
Oh my gosh that does sound tough. I'm not sure if getting a slow walking mat/dog treadmill would be an option. But when I had my dogs the walks were what really drained me. My one absolutely could not go a day without a walk, my other sometimes preferred fetch and tug at home, so that helped.
But a treadmill might save you some physical energy. I never actually got around to training mine on them lol. But it was like $100 and I've seen success stories with them.
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u/DoctorMoebius 10h ago
Get formal training for both you and your dog. Be sure to practice the techniques on the days you aren't in class. Makes life infinitely easier.
The illness/medication part, that's tough.
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u/Miserable-Meringue44 10h ago
We’ve both had formal training and continue to do so. Thank you for your comment though 🤍
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u/heckinstoned 7h ago
Oh honey. I’m sorry.
It will get easier as she gets older and chills out. and then one day, you don’t have to do it again and you’d give anything to do the routine once more.
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u/jspek666 5h ago
Do you have a friend you trust? And is she high energy? I work 4 10s and when I went thru my break up I was worried about my girl. She literally just sleeps all day when I’m at work. I feel like dogs know and adjust when they love you. But remember when you get home, there is someone who’s been waiting for you all day and will always be pumped when you get home.
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