Dog Care 101: Frequent Mistakes Every Dog Owner Makes

Dog owners love their cuddly friends, but owning a dog doesn’t always mean you’re going to play throw and fetch with your pet. Being a pet parent is a job full of responsibilities. So, if you are a caring pet parent and don’t want to make common mistakes that lead your pet to develop any nasty habits, new and old dog owners must freshen up their pet-owning skills. Here is a list of a few common mistakes every pet owner should avoid:

Feeding Them the Wrong Way

Feeding your pet is a lot more complicated than you might think. Ask yourself, do you know all the basics of feeding a pet? If the answer is no, then this mistake that you need to stop making, once and for all.

Since all dog foods are not created equal, check ingredients and read reviews about the product before buying food for your dog. If needed, talk to a vet or other experts, but make sure you always remember the following:

-Choose treats and chews wisely: Some dog chews are not always suitable for your dogs, just like every human food is not healthy for your pet. Instead, choose healthy and appropriate chews like bully sticks that your dog will love. Moreover, a bully stick is a healthy treat for your dog, which provides them with a long list of nutrients their body needs for growth and development. However, keep in mind that you feed them with proper food and not always a treat.

– Ingredients matter: A diet full of unhealthy food and snacks can lead to multiple health issues in your dog. Make sure you provide your pup with a diet with a healthy amount of ingredients that help them grow into strong and healthy hounds. Consider preparing homemade treats using healthy ingredients, such as fiber-rich fruits or cabbage and vegetables for dogs. They’ll not only be a nutritious addition to your pup’s diet, but you will also be able to customize the treats based on your dog’s health needs. 

– Avoid overfeeding: Food is not synonymous with care or love. Canine obesity is a problem every pet owner must avoid. If your pet is already overweight and you are feeding them the recommended amount of food on the bag, perhaps it’s time to reduce it.

Forgetting About the Cost of Owning a Dog

New dog owners often forget how much caring for a dog can cost beyond the initial adoption fee. The expenses can range from the ongoing costs of food, toys, and supplies to the occasional costs of routine veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments. Emergencies and unexpected illnesses can lead to significant veterinary bills. In addition, as dogs age, they may require more medical attention and end-of-life care, including pet euthanasia, which can be expensive. New dog owners need to consider all these costs and factor them into their budget when bringing a dog into their home. By being aware of the expenses involved and planning accordingly, pet owners can provide their furry friends with the best possible care throughout their lives.

Not Making Time for Exercise and Activity

Exercise is a basic necessity for every dog. Additionally, lack of exercise and activity can lead to health with behavior problems in your pet. Also, some canine breeds need more exercise than other breeds, but all of them need more than a simple walk around the block.

Therefore, make sure you assess your dog’s exercise and activity needs. Always check if your pet is restless or bored? Does your pet seem excited and hyperactive all the time? Is your pet overweight? Consider all these signs as an indication that it needs more exercise.

Additionally, your pet dogs need mental stimulation, too. Engage them in activities that require mental and physical participation from your pet. Many canines will find involvement in dog sports a lot interesting. Also, some breeds of dogs might benefit more from physically demanding activities. On the other hand, hounds and sniffer breeds typically enjoy nose work and tracking.

Wrapping Up

Most pet parents take care of their canines as loving members of their families. However, giving them love and care sometimes, pet parents make mistakes that can damage their health. Make sure you stop making those mistakes and provide your pups with the care they deserve.