5 More Risky Mistakes Dog Owners Make
As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to educate yourself on the best way to take care of your pet. There are some risky mistakes dog owners make without even realizing it, however. Check out the list below to make sure you’re not making the same mistakes, too.
Too Little Exercise
Dogs need to get moving to stay healthy. Without exercise they’re prone to obesity, which raises their risk of respiratory problems and joint trouble. The right amount of exercise for a dog depends on the breed and size, but vets recommend at least a half-hour each day. Bonus: Brisk walks with your buddy can help you get in shape, too.
You Leave Your Dog Alone Too Long
Eight to 10 hours alone in a crate, tiny laundry room, or even outdoors is too much for most canines. It can lead to separation anxiety and destructive habits like chewing, digging, nonstop barking or howling, and even depression in a timid pet. Better choices are doggie day care, a mid-day visit from a pet sitter, or a canine companion. Adult dogs can go 4-5 hours in a crate, but they need exercise before and after.
You Let Dogs Eat Spoiled Food
Your dog may be tempted to rifle through the garbage in search of a treat, but don’t let her. Food gone bad is no healthier for pets than it is for people. Dogs who eat trash could get food poisoning or pancreas problems. Spoiled products may also have toxic mold, which can cause vomiting, severe tremors, seizures, and death.
You Give Bones to Dogs
We may think of them as tasty treats for canines, but the FDA says otherwise. The agency warns that chewing on bones can injure the teeth, tongue, or mouth. They can also get stuck in the digestive tract and would need to be removed with surgery or an endoscope. If your dog likes to chew, ask your vet about safer choices.
You Feed Dogs Table Scraps
It’s hard to resist those big, sad eyes when your pal begs at the table. But when you reward his barks or whines with a bit of your meal, you encourage him to beg more in the future. And then you can forget about quiet dinners with your family. If you want to share table scraps as a treat sometimes, do it away from the table — and use the food as a reward for good behavior. Also, learn which human foods are toxic to pets.
