Dog parents want to give their dogs what they think is best, but sometimes what they do is harmful to their pets. Try to avoid these 15 things that you might have overlooked but that are really bad for your furry friend. Pay attention to number 5 and 7. They will blow your mind!
While there's no doubt that your dog needs a lot of training, that doesn't mean you can use force or physical punishment at your will. Reward-based training is a better option for training your dog and will result in a pet with a lighter and brighter mood.
Even if parked in the shade, a car's temperature can rise by 20 degrees within 10 minutes. Since dogs can't sweat, they excessively pant and salivate from overheating. Therefore, it is best not to leave your dog in the car. If you must, keep the windows open.
Yelling is another thing people usually do when training their dogs. It's necessary to be serious when your dog makes mistakes, but yelling does nothing, it only freaks your furry friend out.
If you think that feeding your dog the food you eat is a way of showing that you treat him as an equal, you're wrong. Human food is too salty and spicy for dogs and can be harmful to their health.
It's essential to choose a dog collar based on their personality. If your dog is a strong runner, then a harness is better for its neck. Otherwise, a proper size collar is suitable for a mild-tempered puppy.
What dogs must do every day is exercise, which should involve walking and being exposed to different smells and sounds to allow their brains to develop better. If they don't get such simulation, they may start "messing around," including exhibiting behavior like biting or digging.
Chewing sticks cannot replace regular brushing for dogs. It is necessary to get into the habit of brushing their teeth when they are little. Also, buy a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste from your vet; human toothpaste does no good to your pet.
If you have a puppy, think carefully before you take it to the dog park. Puppies are not strong enough to resist diseases carried passively by other dogs. In addition, adult dogs can be unconsciously aggressive and may scare or even hurt your puppy.
There are other more important reasons than just the fact that dogs can cause such chaos to keep them out of the bathroom. Your pets can get sick if they drink dirty water from the toilet and can get poisoned by the bathroom cleaners.
Dogs are usually adventurous and curious, which can get them into a lot of trouble. Be sure to pack away anything the dog can chew or swallow, such as medications, batteries, and even socks. Dogs use these as toys and may choke while playing with them.
Vector-borne illnesses are a huge risk to pets, so preventive treatment for fleas, ticks, and worms is key. Even in the cold winter, when the temperature is against fleas, you still need to ask your veterinarian before suspending all treatments.
Fastening the safety belt in the car is essential, for it saves the lives of humans and pets. Safety belts can be uncomfortable for dogs, so it is also crucial to find the shape that suits their body type the best.
Never choose dog food based on the labeled price! Do a background check to see if the ingredients are harmless and suitable for your dog. Knowing the nutritional value of food is also a good way to keep your dog healthy.
Do not overfeed your dog even if it looks at you with pitiful eyes. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight means keeping them away from canine obesity, which will cause diabetes, heart disease, and back and knee problems.
Every dog breed is unique, which means they all have different requirements and health issues. Be sure to research your furry friends' needs and take care of them accordingly.
