Owning a dog is a huge commitment - and not something you can click pause on.
As an owner, you are responsible for your pet's wellbeing and must meet their physical and emotional needs to the best of your ability.
This includes their feeding, walking and socialisation as well as keeping them up-to-date with vet visits to check over the things you might not be qualified for.
However, a vet has spoken out against dog owners who are "too busy" to ensure the animal they brought into their home is happy and healthy.
Speaking to Reddit, she has explained how owners can improve their dog's quality of life without spending a penny.
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She said: "I'd like to see people focus not just on quantity but quality of their pet's life.
"The best thing you can do for that is just incorporate them into your life as much as possible.
"Pay attention to them. Love them. Lots of walks. Lots of games. You'd be surprised what they can learn.
"Play hide and seek. Play fetch. Sit beside them when you watch TV, pet them. Train and socialise them early and well so you won't avoid them because they're not well behaved."
Encouraging owners to get on the floor and play with their pets, she explained how buying them a big basket of toys just isn't enough to keep them entertained.
She says dogs prefer interacting with their owners through play than just being given a toy to chew or a ball to chase.
"We're all so busy, it's so easy to make them an afterthought," she said.
"You are their whole world and unless you live on a big farm where they run free, you are their only outlet for activity and happiness.
"They get bored fast, just like we do. They can't wait for you to get home. They've missed you! Take them for a walk. Do a fun training or agility class with them if you'd like."
To keep them happy and healthy, she simply recommends owners exercise their pets, keep an eye on what they're eating and drinking and regularly brush their teeth.
She added: "Pay attention to what can be dangerous and toxic for them and avoid it - heads stuck in crisp bags is one people miss lately.
"Another thing is to keep your medication out of their reach - they're small and more easily affected."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
