Are You Obsessed With Your Dog?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 1, 2024

When the tail wags at the mere thought of your furry companion, you might be treading into 'obsessed with your dog' territory. Your dog is not just a pet - they're a beloved member of the family, a source of boundless joy, and, let's be honest, they might even be featured more in your family portraits than some actual relatives. After all, who else greets you with such effervescent joy and unconditional love the second you walk through the door? That's best friend material right there.

You might find yourself scrolling through your phone not for texts, but just to ogle at the endless photos of your canine buddy. Love for your dog has turned your social media into a shrine dedicated to their shenanigans. At dinners, it's not your aunt's new haircut that sparks discussion, but the antics of your playful pup. You know you've gone to the dog side when your buddy's got their own Christmas stocking – and it's bigger than yours.

Can't decide if you're a full-fledged dog devotee or just a regular dog lover? Does your adoration for your four-legged pal have you pondering if it's normal or nudging the extreme? Why not take a whimsical quiz to discover just how deep your doggy devotion goes? Go ahead and unlock the quirky secrets of your doggy love – all in good fun, of course.

Signs You Might Be Dog-Obsessed

If your day revolves around fur and paws more than anything else, here's how you might be waving the flag of dog-obsession.

Canine Couture and Pampering

Your furry friend rocks a wardrobe better than most humans and could possibly strut down a runway. You have a dedicated drawer for their outfits, from doggy bandanas to sweaters for chilly walks. Does your pup have more stylish boots than you? And let’s not forget the dog spa appointments they have more regularly than your dentist visits. If that sounds all too familiar, your pampering game might be a tell-tale sign of your dog-dedication.

Day-to-Day Tails of Devotion

You plan your life around bathroom breaks, but not for you—for them. You consider their cuddle needs before accepting any invite, and vacations? Only dog-friendly destinations make your cut. And when they want to stick by your side like velcro, denying them is simply out of the question. If your daily routine looks like a tailored itinerary for canine contentment, you're in deep—paw prints and all.

Digital Paws: Your Dog in Pixels

Your social media is a gallery of doggie devotion and their face graces your phone wallpaper. Let's count the photos in your gallery—no, wait, we'd be here all day. You enthusiastically hit ‘share’ on every adorable head-tilt and birthday celebration post. Have your friends mentioned they see more of your dog online than their own family? Then yes, digital paws are a prevalent part of your pixels.

Celebrating Milestones

The word party? That’s synonymous with your dog's birthday bash—parties complete with a guest list that makes most wedding planners jealous. And gifts? Your pooch gets the latest toys and treats, not to mention the annual bespoke portrait to commemorate each year. If your celebration prep for Fido rivals that of national holidays, you’ve reached peak dog-lover status.

And if any of this rings a bell, or better yet, rings your dog's favorite squeaky toy, your diagnosis might just be 'dog-obsessed'. Wondering how deep your obsession goes? Don't just bark at the idea—take the quiz and see if you're the top dog in doggy devotion.

Is It Love or Obsession? Dealing with Attachment

You adore your dog, that much is clear. But are you crossing the line from a doting dog parent to a full-fledged canine stalker? Let's untangle that leash and find out if your furry friend is your partner in crime or your obsession.

Sniffing Out Normalcy

It's perfectly normal to celebrate your dog's birthday with a custom cake and throw them a party – complete with canine friends and goofy hats. Normal behaviors might include talking to your dog in silly terms of endearment or feeling a deep connection when they snuggle at your feet. But if you find yourself canceling plans just to watch "Paw & Order" reruns with your pooch, you might want to pause and reconsider.

• Healthy Relationship: Balanced affection, regular exercise and mental stimulation, comfortable with periods of independence.
• Obsessive Behaviors: Your dog follows you everywhere relentlessly, and the mere thought of spending an hour apart sets your heart racing with anxiety.

When the Leash Tangles: Understanding Unhealthy Attachment

Your pupper's favorite hobby shouldn’t be shadowing you to the bathroom. When your Velcro dog can't stand to be apart from you, resulting in destructive behavior or separation anxiety, it's time to acknowledge that your 'love' may be turning into an unhealthy attachment.

• Boundaries? Woof, they're important!
• Unchecked excitement that leaps into fear when you're out of sight, isn’t just loyalty – it may signal a problem.
• Dependence isn't just about them needing you too much, but also you needing them to the point of excluding other socialization opportunities for both you and your dog.

A Pat on the Head: Seeking Professional Guidance

Alright, if your dog's schedule is busier than a CEO's, filled with appointments for acupuncture, pedicures (pawdicures?), and aromatherapy, you may need to step back and consult a pro. No, not for you – for Fido's sake (well, maybe yours too).

• Consult with a veterinarian or behaviorist if your dog's attachment is disrupting their (or your) daily functioning.
• Sometimes, therapy or medication could be the answer to address potential obsessive-compulsive disorder in pets.
• A therapist can help address your impulse to personify your dog, ensuring a more confident and independent relationship for you both.

So, if your four-legged friend's agenda is looking odd even to the squirrels in the park, consider taking a quick quiz to reflect on your pooch's pampering at BrainFall. You might find out if it's time to loosen the leash a tad – for your dog's well-being and your own.