If you are a dog owner, you surely want your pooch to be healthy and live a long and happy life. But you might sometimes do things that can possibly harm your canine companion without even realising it.
Dogs are curious, adventurous, and childlike, it’s a beautiful thing, but it can also get them into trouble. We don’t want that. So here are some common mistakes people unintentionally make when it comes to taking care of their doggies.
Choosing the Wrong Collar
Foremost, you need to choose the right kind of collar. This decision is very important, and it’s also quite personal.
There are several types of collars, and you need to pick the best suits for the needs and character of your pup, As well as a place to attach its license.
A Flat Collar
This is the most widespread type, and you can find them at any pet store. It comes with a buckle so you can change the length of the collar to your liking and as your pup grows.
A Breakaway Collar
They created this type for dogs to spend a lot of time outside. It comes undone once there’s a threat of a choking hazard like with fences or branches.
If your dog is an inquisitive pup with the soul of an explorer, this collar will be perfect for them.
A Harness
If your dog is polar or likes to explore as far as it can reach, adding a harness might be a better option for your furry friend. Collars can seriously injure your pet’s throat if it pulls too hard on its leash, but that’s not a problem with pulling on a harness.
Make Sure It’s the Right Size
So, whether you’ve settled on a harness or gone for a collar, the second and just as important step is making sure it’s the right size. If a collar or harness is too big, your pooch might escape. Yet if it’s too small, it can choke him.
The general rule for small- and medium-sized breeds, you should be able to slip one finger between the collar or harness and the dog’s neck. For large and Extra-large dogs, two fingers should fit. And don’t forget to check the tightness every once in a while, especially while your pup is still growing.
Leaving a Dog Alone In The Car
Never Ever leave your Dog alone in the car.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the temperature inside the car can increase by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, Even if the car is parked in the shade. And even if the temperature outside is a pleasantly cool 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it can skyrocket up to 110 degrees inside a car.
Dogs don’t sweat as people do, and they can overheat much faster than you think. Since they lack the crucial ability to cool themselves off, the consequences of staying in a parked car can turn out fatal. The Science of overheating includes drooling and panting excessively and looking over all agitated. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy indicate a life-threatening emergency. In this case, the dog needs to see a vet immediately.
Using Physical Punishment
Yes, Dogs need training and their trainers even more. But physical punishment is never okay. First, It’s just outright animal abuse and also it doesn’t work. And actually, does the opposite of what you want, it makes your dog scared of you.
Reward-based training is much more effective than physical discipline, and Here’s Why:
- Reward-based training helps build trust between a dog and his human. Physical punishment brings distrust of humans in general.
- Reward-based training encourages a dog to behave in the desired way. But when a dog is physically punished, it may try to hide, start urinating uncontrollably and freeze in submission because it’s scared to death.
- Reward-based training helps a dog learn and perform the desired behaviour. However, when an owner uses physical punishment, a dog can concentrate only on one thought “This Hurts, and I Don’t Like It”
Think about it, do you like getting hit, or do you like rewards..! See dogs do not differ from you.
So, if your dog does things you prefer, he didn’t sign them up for Obedience School, is as much for teaching you as it is for the dog. The best time to do this is when they are puppies. The concrete hasn’t hardened yet, and you can easily install positive habits and behaviours.
Yelling When Dog does Something Wrong
Yelling is another thing you should never consider when disciplining a dog. Just like physical punishment it doesn’t work, they don’t understand ‘NO’, so it not only freaks your dog out.
In this case, your dog won’t only be scared it’ll be confused too.
Neglecting Your Dog’s Teeth
You know a dog’s teeth need to be clean just like people’s teeth do, and it’s not an issue of aesthetics here, it’s a necessity. That’s why you should start doing it as soon as you get your pup, so they get used to having their teeth brushed.
- Three times a week is okay in the beginning, or if your dog’s teeth are healthy. But working up to doing it daily is best.
- And not giving your canine some chew stick treats can replace regular brushing. Those minty chews don’t clean the back teeth as well as a toothbrush can.
- Don’t use toothpaste and toothbrushes designed for people. There are special ones made just for dogs, and they’re different from humankind.
You’ve probably never tried any Chicken or Beef-Flavoured toothpaste for your dog, right?
Canine toothbrushes usually have smaller heads and soft bristles. If you don’t have one, you can use a kid’s toothbrush, a cotton swab, or even a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. Speaking of which, you need to have your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned at the vet twice a year, just like people.
My 9-year-old pal Riley has never needed professional cleaning because of his fun chewing habit he started as a puppy. It astonishes his vet at his pearly whites at every check-up to my great joy, and I saved a lot of money that way.
Skipping Flea, Tick, and Worming Treatment
Preventative treatment against parasites is crucial when you are a dog owner. Some people say you can take a break from flea, tick, and heartworm medicine in winter if you live in a cold climate.
But you should discuss it with your veterinarian. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry.
7. Letting Your Dog Eat Everything
The real enemy of canine health is processed foods, whether commercial pet food or manufactured items we (to our detriment) consume.
In fact, most dishes we eat are severely toxic for them, like candy, chewing gum, and even some diet foods. They contain a special sweetener called ‘Xylitol’. If your dog ingested their blood sugar may drop and this can lead to liver failure.
The products that can cause serious problems in your pet’s health are Miles long, some of the main ones include:
- Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeinated Drinks
- Grapes and Raisins
- Fatty bones and Trimmings
- Salty and Sugary Foods
You also shouldn’t give your dog any table scraps while you are having a meal. This teaches undesirable begging habits. And Dogs are in fact incredible quick learners when it comes to things they are not allowed to do.
Providing Too Little Stimulation
Just like you, dogs need constant Mental and Physical Stimulation. Especially working breeds, which is why regular walking is a must. If you are thinking about getting a dog, consider whether you’ll be able to provide this necessity.
Walks not only provide dogs which much-needed exercise but they also expose your dog to different sounds and smells. This sensory stimulation makes their brain work better.
If dogs don’t get enough stimulation, they’ll try to entertain themselves. This, unfortunately for owners, usually comes in the form of digging, chewing, or tearing things up.
