Did you know that 44.5% of American families have dogs? Fido has a way of rounding out our small (or not-so-small) households and making them seem more like home. While we love all animals, our canine companions are particularly remarkable for their love, devotion, and loyalty. Fido needs a lot of love and attention to thrive. And, while dogs have been our furry best friends for tens of thousands of years, there is always something new to learn about them. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common dog care mistakes from a local Galloway, OH veterinarian.
Inconsistent Or Incomplete Training
Fido is a good boy, but he needs more training to learn what is and is not proper petiquette. Training should start the day you bring your dog home. While you don’t have to teach your canine pal complicated commands or adorable tricks, he should master the basics. These are Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down.
Consistency is crucial here. Don’t allow Fido to lounge on the couch one day and then admonish him the next. When communicating with your pet, use the same words or phrases each time. Also, emphasis on positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding Fido for good behavior rather than penalizing him for accidents or mishaps.
Forgetting Paw and Nail Care
Little things aren’t always so small. That is definitely the situation here.
Let’s take a look at those furry feet. Pawdicures are quite vital! Overgrown nails affect how your four-legged friend moves and stands. They can make Fido more likely to slip and fall on slick surfaces, as well as aggravate bone/joint problems.
Regarding that not-so-pearly-white smile, dental care is one of the most overlooked aspects of canine care. Our canine companions face many of the same dental problems as people. These can be both uncomfortable and risky. Take care of Fido’s choppers, and keep an eye out for signs that something isn’t right. Ask your vet for more information.
Not Socializing Puppies
This is typically not applicable if you have adopted an older dog. However, if you’ve recently acquired a puppy, this should be one of your primary concerns. As the name implies, socializing entails taking your pet to different locations and introducing him to unfamiliar people. This is critical for ensuring that tiny Fido feels at ease and behaves well in new situations and with new people. This must be performed within a set time frame, usually between the ages of three and fourteen weeks. This is when your pet is sorting out what he believes about the world. Improper or inadequate socialization at this stage will have a big negative impact on your dog’s behavior as he matures. Dogs who have not been properly socialized are much more likely to exhibit behavioral issues as adults.
For more information, speak with your veterinarian in
Overlooking Safety Concerns
Dogs are intelligent, yet they have no idea what is and is not safe for them. Worse, their natural urges can sometimes bring them into trouble. A few simple recommendations can help prevent many tragic events.
Petproofing is a big deal. You should remove or secure anything that could be dangerous to your pet. This includes everything small or sharp, plastic bags and ties, personal items such as shoes and wallets, dangerous plants, chemicals, and medications.
Don’t forget about the outside! You should also ensure that your fencing is secure and that the gate closes properly. If you have a pool, you need to take steps to keep Fido safe there as well.
Leash safety is also crucial. Some well-trained dogs can be allowed off-leash, but this isn’t something to take chances with. It has become far too common for people to just let their dogs run free. That’s dangerous not only for Fido but for all others in his vicinity. Always keep your canine buddy on a leash when you leave the house, unless he is in a gated area.
Lack of Veterinary Care
All of our canine companions should be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and given routine preventative care.
Microchipping is a one-time procedure that takes only a moment, yet could one day save your dog’s life. Many people believe their canine pals will never escape. Unfortunately, up to one out of every three pets go missing over their lifespan. ID tags are still important as well!
Spaying and neutering not only help to prevent unwanted litters, but they also typically cause a major change in Fido’s personality and temperament. Fixed pets are calmer, less inclined to spray, and less interested in running away in search of a mate. Male canines are also considerably less likely to demonstrate violent behavior after being fixed.
Vaccines and parasite control protect your pet from a wide range of dangerous diseases and parasites, some of which can be fatal. Regular exams are also very important.
Regular exams allow you to monitor your pet’s health and identify changes that may suggest the onset of a health condition.
Of course, you should keep an eye out for signs of disease. If you notice anything unusual, contact your pet hospital right away.
Not Paying Enough Attention To Fido
Dogs are incredibly loyal and affectionate. They have physically risked—and even sacrificed—their lives for us. That unwavering, unconditional friendship is a wonderful gift, one that has the ability to transform our lives significantly. Fido, too, is content with food, shelter, and, most importantly, love.
Spend quality time with your dog every day. This will be good for you as well!
Not Ensuring Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise
Dogs, like humans, need frequent physical activity to stay healthy. The type and amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on his age, size, health, and, of course, personal preferences. At the very least, you should take your dog for a walk every day.
The benefits of a healthy puppy workout routine go far beyond simply keeping your canine buddy fit. This is also important for his mental and emotional well. Fido would become quite bored at home, staring at the walls all the time. Being able to enjoy a change of scenery—and smell different plants and trees—is extremely good for our canine companions since it gives enrichment and prevents boredom. This also helps your pet reduce stress. Your furry friend will feel more relaxed and potentially tired after a walk, run, or play session. That implies he’ll be more interested in taking a nap than tearing up your couch cushions.
Overfeeding Fido
Obesity is one of the most common disorders we see in our canine companions. More than half of our canine patients are, well, chokers. Fido may look cute with some extra padding, but don’t be fooled. Carrying even a few extra pounds can be harmful to your beloved pet’s health and well-being!
Canine obesity has major health risks that are far from charming. Here’s a partial list:
Obesity may also shorten Fido’s life. Keep a close eye on your dog’s weight. Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations on your pet’s nutritional and care needs.
Book an Appointment at Your Galloway, OH Pet Clinic
Is it time for your dog’s exam, parasite treatment, or wellness care? Contact your local Galloway, OH animal hospital at any time!
