Crucial mistakes every pet owner should avoid doing.
Our pets are our babies, we pamper them, spoil them, and would even stay at home and cuddle them on a Friday night instead of meeting up with our friends.
There’s no denying that fur babies are our family. But unfortunately, we all make some serious mistakes in our pet care, which can lead our pets to all kinds of health problems and even a shorter life span.
Not Being Picky About Food
Whether you feed your pet dry or wet food, be selective about the ingredients.
Reading the label is the first step to choosing the right product for your pet. It shouldn’t contain any flavouring agents, corn, or GMOs. As for a natural diet, always consult a vet before you decide what food you should give your pet.
For example; Even though cats eat plenty of raw meat in the wild, it’s actually not good for domesticated kitties.
It is entirely acceptable to feed your pet a pure kibble diet. Or you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables, and rice. Many owners like to feed a raw meat diet to their pets, while this can suit some pets very well. But there are some important considerations you need to be aware of.
Things to consider:
- Avoid overfeeding your pet. Sadly, this is a real common problem among owners, which can lead to serious health issues in their pets.
- Always check the serving size and calorie count on the food packaging.
- Always make sure your pets have access to fresh clean water
- Always read the label first, before choosing a brand
Rarely Taking Pets To The Vet
Don’t neglect regular visits to the vet, even if your furry friends hate you for it. This is the only way to prevent diseases or any problems before they get too serious.
Prevent your pet from eating rotten food, contaminated water, or soil that could contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites from other animals.
Keep up with regular vaccinations and shots to protect both your pets and your family. Vet bills can get expensive, but that’s part of being a responsible pet owner.
Things to consider:
- Learn the common signs of fear and anxiety in dogs and cats
- Don’t allow your pets to roam free from supervision
- Keep your pet away from wild animals that may carry diseases (such as foxes, raccoons, and skunks)
- Always finish the complete course of antibiotics your veterinarian prescribes your pet. If you stop treatment before directed, the bacteria in and around your pet could develop resistance against antibiotics.
Allowing Pets Access To Open Doors And Windows
Unless you have a fenced-in yard, that’s regularly treated to kill any parasites, your pets shouldn’t have open access to the street.
First, you risk your pup or kitty running away and getting lost or hurt and If you live in an apartment building on the upper floors, this can cause a tragic situation, especially for cats.
Maybe their feline instincts kick in when they spot a bird. But they’ll unknowingly leap out of the window in pursuit of their prey. To avoid a catastrophe, make sure your pets are securely indoors.
Not Checking their Collar
Time can get away from us and our fur babies faster than we like them to. So, be sure to check if their collar is too tight from time to time.
For cats and small breed dogs, you should be able to slip one finger between their collar and skin. For medium to large breed dogs, two fingers should fit.
Also, make sure your dog’s collar isn’t too loose before you two go out on a walk. Otherwise, your dog might slip right out and run away.
Neglecting Grooming and Dental Hygiene
Just like humans, cats and dogs need regular oral care. Start brushing their teeth at an early age, so they get used to the process.
Use toothbrushes and paste specially made for pets. Ideally, get your pet’s teeth checked by a vet at least once a year. Especially if it has an unpleasant smell.
As for grooming, different breeds have different requirements. For example, hairless pets don’t require any brushing, obviously, but their skin needs to be washed frequently.
Pets with short fur require minimal care. And we should brush one’s with long hair daily. If you don’t take care of their fur regularly, long-haired pets can get uncomfortable matting and even skin diseases.
Whatever breed they may be, all cats and dogs need regular nail trimming.
Neglecting Bath Time or Doing It Incorrectly
Bathing is a necessity for pets. Cats are a little more self-sufficient for staying clean, so they don’t really need to be washed. If you desire to shampoo your kitty, once or twice a year is enough.
As for our rambunctious canine companions, they must be washed a little more often. About once every three months.
Just be sure to use gentle shampoo if you have to wash your dog every other week. Only wash your dog’s head at the very end, otherwise, your pooch can get cold and start shivering.
Things to consider:
- Avoid getting water in their eyes and ears. Especially if you have a floppy-eared breed. Since they’re more prone to ear infections.
- Pay attention to the water temperature.
- Find the right shampoo for your pet. Talk with your veterinarian in case your pet has underlying skin conditions that need to treat with medicated shampoo.
- Drying your dog or cat off thoroughly is one of the most important parts of giving a bath. Failure to dry your pet off will cause discomfort and chills.
Giving Your Pet, Table Food
All vets agree that giving your pet people food is a terrible idea. Your pet’s digestive system can’t handle most of the stuff we humans eat.
I know it’s hard to resist those big puppy eyes or that intimidating feline glare. But just to remind yourself that you’re doing what’s best for your furry friend each time you say ‘NO’.
Not Giving Enough Attention
Your four-legged housemate needs your love and attention. Sure, most cats are a little more independent, but your kitty still needs to be shown, love.
As for dogs, they crave your attention. And this is natural for man’s best friend.
Pets need socialisation and human interaction to develop physically, emotionally, and socially. Otherwise, they can become easily scared, aggressive, and disobedient.
Not Spaying or Neutering
This decision is personal, that’s entirely up to a pet owner.
However, vets recommend spaying and neutering your animals because it helps them live long and happy lives.
The only thing you should watch out for sterilising your cat is excess weight. Since many kitties become lazy and gain extra pounds after the surgery. In that case, you just need to be careful with their diet and make sure they get plenty of physical activity.
Keeping a Dog Cooped Up All The Time
Dogs of all ages and breeds should have enough time outside to move around. Interact with other dogs and be free to explore. If they don’t get enough physical activity and stimulation your pup can get overweight. Which leads to a whole slew of health problems.
All that pent-up energy might get released in the form of chewing up your shoes and furniture.
But indoor cats need exercise and mental stimulation too. That’s where things like cat trees and plenty of toys come in.
