Dogs are cherished family members for millions of Americans. The AVMA estimates that over 78 million dogs are owned in the US. Nearly a third are obese and have other health issues. So dog owners must be aware of common mistakes that lead to obesity in their pets.

Today, we’ve gathered information that you’ll find helpful for your pet. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 mistakes dog owners make in order to make you more aware and cautious—some of which we dog owners make without even realizing it. Continue reading because this is about your furry bestie.

Consequences Of Neglecting Your Dog’s life

Common mistakes dog owners make can be indicators of neglect; it’s best if you make them right away. Neglecting your dog may cause him to become aggressive and dangerous. This can result in injuries not only to the dog but also to humans.

Also, neglecting your dog can lead to illness or behavioural issues. These issues can be costly to treat and may necessitate the assistance of a professional trainer.

Top 10 Mistakes Dog Owners Make

We know that your love for your canine is more than the universe could explain. That’s why remember these top 10 mistakes dog owners make:

Neglecting Microchip

Did you know that only about 15% of all dogs in the United States are microchipped at the moment? As a result, many animals cannot be identified if they are stolen or lost. And if you don’t have your pet microchipped, you’re jeopardizing not only their safety but also your own.

Consider this: which of the following is more likely to happen to your dog?

Being kidnapped by a stranger who can easily get away with never being caught, or getting lost and wandering around town for a few days before someone finds them and brings them home?

If your pet has a microchip, especially when planning your dog’s stay at a kennel or boarding facility, the chances of them being reunited with you if they get separated from you are much higher.

Your wants and their needs

Daily exercise, proper nutrition, and training are all essential for dogs. If you cannot provide these things for your dog, it is unjust to keep him in your home. Dogs demand a lot of love and attention, which not everyone can provide.

If you believe you cannot meet your dog’s needs, consider finding them a new home. This may appear harsh, but it is in your dog’s best interests.

It’s important to remember that dogs are more than just furry companions we can look after whenever we want. They are living beings who require our complete and undivided attention.

Poor Hygiene

When dogs’ hygiene is not maintained properly, they are vulnerable to various infections and illnesses. Urinary tract infections (UTI), skin infections, and other health problems can be caused by poor hygiene. Dog owners also tend to compromise cleaning their dogs and the surroundings when their dog is in heat.

Good hygiene is one of the most important ways to keep your dog healthy. This includes regularly brushing his teeth and cleaning his ears when they are professionally groomed. Also, clean your home with antibacterial cleaners. This will help prevent you and your dog from getting sick.

No Rules And Boundaries

One of the most common causes of dog aggression is when owners fail to set rules and boundaries for their dogs. Dogs need to understand their role in the family. Absent this structure, they can become anxious, frustrated, and aggressive.

Allowing dogs to do whatever they want can cause frustration and misbehaviour. Inappropriate behaviour includes jumping on people, chewing on furniture, and barking nonstop.

Establishing and complying to your rules will help prevent your dog from becoming aggressive. This may require some training from you, but it will be well worth the effort.

Negative about your dog’s personality

There are a lot of things to love about dogs. They are loyal, loving, and make great companions. However, one thing to keep in mind before adopting a dog is their personality. If you are unsure if you can handle your dog’s personality, it may be best not to adopt one.

For example, if you are not a fan of dogs who bark a lot, you may want to avoid adopting a German shepherd or labrador retriever. These breeds are known for their loud barks. Instead, consider adopting a smaller dog like a Shih Tzu known for being quieter.

Human food more than dog food

Giving your dog human food can lead to an unhealthy food eating habit. Carbohydrates are not digested as well in dogs as in humans, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. Dogs also require more protein than humans, so feeding them table scraps can lead to nutritional deficiencies. The best way to provide your dog with the nutrients they require is to feed them high-quality dog food.

Expecting more than you can train

In recent years, the number of people who expect too much too soon from their dogs has increased. This is a dangerous mistake because it can cause the dog to become frustrated, act up and show dog aggression towards the owner. It’s important to keep in mind that dogs aren’t born knowing how to behave like model citizens. It will take time and patience to teach them what is expected of them.

Punishing

There are many misconceptions about dog training. One common myth is that you must punish your dog for getting it to behave. In reality, this will only exacerbate the issue and possibly make your dog more erratic.

The most effective training method is positive reinforcement or rewarding your dog for good behaviour. This can be done by giving them treats, petting them, and playing with them. Praise your dog for good behaviour.

Ignoring Medical Symptoms

When dogs aren’t feeling well, they are notorious for hiding. Symptoms of a problem are frequently dismissed as “dog behaviour.” Unfortunately, this frequently results in serious health issues going unnoticed and untreated. As a result, you should never dismiss your dog’s symptoms.

Less exercise

The phrase “a tired dog is a good dog” holds a lot of truth. Dogs who get enough exercise are less likely to be destructive, bark excessively, or have house accidents. In fact, lack of exercise can cause dogs’ a wide range of behavioural issues.

Dogs require at least one hour of daily exercise. If you can’t give your dog enough exercise, consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling him in a doggy daycare.

Final Words

We hope you found our article on ‘the top 10 mistakes dog owners make’ helpful. It is important to be aware of these mistakes in order to keep your dog healthy and happy.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure that your furry friend lives a long and fulfilling life. Thank you for reading!