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Are dogs becoming the new smoking?

(181 Posts)
M0nica Sat 31-Jan-26 17:15:24

Do you remember back in the 1970,80s, smokers could go anywhere and smoke anywhere, in hospitals. Some wards even had moking areas. Offices, shops, it didn't matter what the situation the smoker smoked. Thank goodness that has ended now,

But I am now beginning to feel like that about dogs. There seems to be no public place that people cannot take their dog, no matter how much other people may not like it.

Today we went out to lunch. We went to our local branch of The Lounge group. The lounge was full and as we waited for a table to clear, three tables of people walked out, all accompanied by dogs, 5 in all. I then saw the waitress picking up dog drinking bowls and putting them on the dog drinking bowl rack. later I saw another serving staff member stroke a dog with her hands near its mouth.

Staff clearly had had no guidance on touching dogs and serving food. More to the point. Assistance dogs accepted, what are dogs doing in places where food and drink is being sold?

In the past I seem to remember that people did not take dogs in to restaurants and to do so was considered bad form but now it seems to be accepted that dogs can go anywhere regardless of hygiene or the possibility that other people really do not want dogs sniffing around when they are eating.

I am not anti-dog, but I am curious about the way dogs have taken over from smoking as being an activity whose practioners expect to do/take something everywhere regardless of hygiene, other people'ss preferences, or fears. Why are dogs allowed in restaurants?

Frenchgalinspain Mon 02-Feb-26 16:33:23

IN THE MADRID CAPITAL:

On the entrance doors to supermarkets, markets, shops and restaurants and bars, there is a sign that basically states DOGS PERMITTED OR NO ANIMALS PERMITTED.

So it is up to the owner or managing director of the establishment ..

Frenchgalinspain Mon 02-Feb-26 16:31:15

merlotgran

Most dogs are better behaved in restaurants than some children.

This is quite true !! ( In The Madrid Capital of Spain ) ..

Granless Mon 02-Feb-26 16:08:16

I commented on this very subject recently. In a Welsh cafe, as you entered, there was a blackboard and easel. The heading said ‘Doggy Do’s and Dont’s’
Please keep all dogs on floor.
3 barks and you’re out.
Other stuff too but won’t mention as the drift is there.
I’m a dog lover but do get fed up of having to step over dogs and barking plus dog sitting on laps with head on table. There I’ve said it.

JamesandJon33 Mon 02-Feb-26 16:05:58

Yes, you do that

M0nica Mon 02-Feb-26 16:05:42

Colls

Honestly, all the grumpy comments! sad
For many, many people, their dogs are cats are their best, most loyal friends and companions and I would definitely rather go to a cafe and see beautiful dogs than grumpy, judgemental faces!
Dogs keep ill health away; being grumpy is not good for immune systems!
In fact, before I get my coat, I'll say compared to often snotty, sneezy, squarky children, I'd rather see dogs anywhere!
I'll get my coat now!

Would you really want to eat somewhere where the waitress wipes the dogs bowls and tables witht same cloth and patted dogs, including around the mouth and then handles your food.

The alternative to having a dog is not being grumpy. I am a happy and cheerful indivdidual, especially when there are no dogs around.

I am fearful and unhappy around dogs becaause I have been attacked and badly bruised by dogs, thankfully wearing muzzles, otherwise I could have been very seriously injured. but most of all, as I have said. I do not want dogs, other than assistance dogs in places serving food. Dogs can and do spread disease especially when food handlers serve customers and dogs without washing their hands in between.

Colls Mon 02-Feb-26 15:48:10

Honestly, all the grumpy comments! sad
For many, many people, their dogs are cats are their best, most loyal friends and companions and I would definitely rather go to a cafe and see beautiful dogs than grumpy, judgemental faces!
Dogs keep ill health away; being grumpy is not good for immune systems!
In fact, before I get my coat, I'll say compared to often snotty, sneezy, squarky children, I'd rather see dogs anywhere!
I'll get my coat now!

Greciangirl Mon 02-Feb-26 15:41:53

I hate dogs in restaurants and pub eating areas.

On one occasion, we were sitting next to dog owners.
Enjoying a nice meal when said dog decided to shake itself.
Sunlight was streaming through the window and I could see masses of dog hair being ejected into the air.
Said dog was patted and mollycoddled.

I thought to myself, never again.
So I’m now very selective about where I eat.
And if dogs are around the I move or leave.

AGAA4 Mon 02-Feb-26 15:29:34

Rosie51

And once again the comparison is made between badly behaved children and well behaved dogs. How about comparing well behaved, quiet children and noisy, badly behaved dogs?
Being well acquainted with guide dogs I can say they are trained not to interact with other dogs when they're working, which would be any time they're in a public place with their harness on, so no bum sniffing.

People like GrannyGravy13 and my son are severely allergic and can need hospital treatment after exposure to dogs. I'm quite sure nobody has ever needed a trip to A&E after being near to a child, no matter how unruly!

Well said. Many people are allergic to dogs. I used to be very allergic and was rushed to hospital with severe asthma many times when I was younger.
I have to avoid pets where possible l.

ViceVersa Mon 02-Feb-26 15:26:52

I understand that, Rosie51, but surely you could still go into somewhere which doesn't allow dogs as a rule and still encounter an assistance dog?

Rosie51 Mon 02-Feb-26 15:16:19

And once again the comparison is made between badly behaved children and well behaved dogs. How about comparing well behaved, quiet children and noisy, badly behaved dogs?
Being well acquainted with guide dogs I can say they are trained not to interact with other dogs when they're working, which would be any time they're in a public place with their harness on, so no bum sniffing.

People like GrannyGravy13 and my son are severely allergic and can need hospital treatment after exposure to dogs. I'm quite sure nobody has ever needed a trip to A&E after being near to a child, no matter how unruly!

ViceVersa Mon 02-Feb-26 14:56:19

WelshPoppy

We often take our dog into eateries. She's not served food from our plates and we frequently get comments that other customers didn't realise she was there. She curls up under our table and sleeps. Wish some children were as well behaved as her and the majority of other dogs we encounter when having a meal.

Our Lab is the same. We only ever take him into places when we are out and about in the motorhome, as many sites do not allow you to leave dogs unattended. We always check that places are dog friendly beforehand. He lies under the table and does not bother anyone and we have often been complimented on how well behaved he is. I would never take him into shops though. One of us always waits outside with him while the other pops into the shop.

WelshPoppy Mon 02-Feb-26 14:47:50

We often take our dog into eateries. She's not served food from our plates and we frequently get comments that other customers didn't realise she was there. She curls up under our table and sleeps. Wish some children were as well behaved as her and the majority of other dogs we encounter when having a meal.

knspol Mon 02-Feb-26 14:39:05

* MOnica* hear, hear!

WithNobsOnIt Mon 02-Feb-26 14:36:53

Glad to see that someone has the courage to mention the UK out of control dog situation.
They are all over the place and their owners can do whatever they want.

Really unsanitary and surely a health hazard to have them in cafes and many public places. The cost of living crisis hasn't affected ownership?

You are now allowed to have them in Social Housing flats with shared communal stairways

DOG POWER!
WOOF WOOF.

LaTroisette Mon 02-Feb-26 14:24:51

Dog exposure is equivalent to the health risks of passive smoking? Get a grip.

MartavTaurus Mon 02-Feb-26 14:21:51

ViceVersa

monami

its disgusting, smokers were vilified but stinking bum sniffing dogs are everywhere regardless whether people are allergic, they should all be banned or outside, they are NOT fur babies

If if that were the case, assistance dogs would still have to be allowed in.

Maybe assistance dogs are trained not to be stinking bum sniffers!

ViceVersa Mon 02-Feb-26 14:19:16

monami

its disgusting, smokers were vilified but stinking bum sniffing dogs are everywhere regardless whether people are allergic, they should all be banned or outside, they are NOT fur babies

If if that were the case, assistance dogs would still have to be allowed in.

Moii Mon 02-Feb-26 14:11:07

Much rather be sat near a dog than a human scrolling on their phone. Don't see the problem.

monami Mon 02-Feb-26 14:05:16

its disgusting, smokers were vilified but stinking bum sniffing dogs are everywhere regardless whether people are allergic, they should all be banned or outside, they are NOT fur babies

Riversidegirl Mon 02-Feb-26 14:02:43

Funny you should say that. I have this very minute complained to our local Cosy Club. In the big bar, there was a woman with a dog. It had its paws on the table, its bum on the seat, and also climbed on the back of the seat. We would have mentioned it at the main desk but there was nobody there . Apparently dogs are allowed.

Robin202 Mon 02-Feb-26 13:55:23

Dogs that you see out and about are usually well loved family members and its lovely to be able to take your (well behaved) dog with you. We are retired, as are many dog owners and like to take our Akita with us when we go out for the day. We seek out dog welcome establishments and very often there is a separate eating area for dogs and their owners which is perfect for both dog owners and those without. When water and treats are also offered, that is most welcome too.
If a dog is well mannered and settles down quietly beside or under the table, I dont see what the problem is. I’d rather quiet dogs than noisy kids.

ArthurAskey Mon 02-Feb-26 13:52:48

If pubs banned dogs most would go bust

Flossie8 Mon 02-Feb-26 13:43:16

Winge, winge winge

StoneofDestiny Sun 01-Feb-26 20:29:27

Dog owners have a duty not to inflict their dogs on others. I keep mine on leashes, leave them home when we're out. Ours are dogs not mini people

Exactly! Last 3 days on local social media I’ve seen 4 ‘missing dogs’ posts, 2 complaints about incessantly barking dogs and no less than 6 complaints about dog mess in the street. I had the delight of being in a cafe drinking my coffee when a dog owner let its dog cross the floor to ‘say hello to me’ (their words). I wasn’t even looking at the dog and just wanted peace. I asked the woman politely to remove her dog and her attitude conveyed the impression she thought I was at fault!
Yes - dogs belong to their owners who
need to take responsibility for what they do and must not assume everybody loves their dog! Some of us are actually allergic to them and simply terrified of them from previous experience of being bitten.

merlotgran Sun 01-Feb-26 19:59:34

BlueBelle

They are not more hygienic than children Merlotgran I ve never seen a kid lick its own backside

Perhaps not but some children ought to be on a lead and encouraged to lie down quietly under the table! 😄