I think they are fine. If my sims have pets they usually find time to take care of them and spend time with them. I also try to figure out what kind of pet and sim go well together. I'm really looking forward to having my slob sim grow up and her getting a dog that is messy :joy: Her house will be sooo dirty!
Sometimes dog's whining for a walk has been a bit annoying (because even short walk takes such a long time) but sometimes I take them for a walk and sometimes I ignore them or perhaps distract them with playing with them or something else... I don't remember what I have done, but I know they have stopped whining at some point.