Dog Care Mistakes to Avoid

Man’s Best Friend is living up to his honorary title: he’s the most popular pet in the country. Roughly 44.5% of American families own dogs. Fido does have some special traits that make him stand out among our animal friends. He definitely has a way of completing our families and turning houses into homes. Our canine companions also stand out for their love, devotion, and loyalty. But while dogs have been our furry best companions for thousands of years, there is always something new to discover about them. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common dog care blunders from a local Pasadena, TX veterinarian.

Inconsistent Or Incomplete Training

Fido is a good boy, but he requires additional training to understand what is and is not proper petiquette. Training should begin the day you bring your dog home. While you don’t have to teach your canine companion intricate commands or charming tricks, he should understand the fundamentals. These are Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down.

Consistency is essential here. Don’t let Fido relax on the couch one day and then reprimand him for it the next. When interacting with your pet, repeat the same words or phrases each time. Also, there is a focus on positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding Fido for good conduct rather than punishing him for errors or blunders.

Forgetting Paw and Nail Care

Little things aren’t necessarily little. That is clearly the case here.

Let’s take a peek at those fuzzy feet. Pawdicures are very important! Overgrown nails have an impact on your dog’s ability to move and stand. They can make Fido more prone to slipping and falling on slick surfaces, as well as exacerbate bone/joint problems.

Concerning that not-so-pearly-white smile, dental care is one of the most disregarded elements of canine care. Our canine companions experience many of the same dental issues as humans. These can be both unpleasant and hazardous. Take care of Fido’s choppers and keep an eye out for any signals that something is wrong. Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Not Socializing Puppies

If you’ve adopted an older dog, you probably don’t need to worry about this one, as Fido’s window for socialization will already have passed. However, if you’ve recently gotten a puppy, this should be one of your first priorities. As the name implies, socializing involves taking your furry buddy to different places and introducing him to new people. This is essential for ensuring that small Fido feels comfortable and behaves appropriately in new situations and with new people. This must be completed within a specific time frame, typically between the ages of three and fourteen weeks. This is when your pup is figuring out what he believes about the world. Improper or inadequate socializing at that point will have a significant detrimental impact on your canine pal’s behavior as he grows. Dogs who have not been properly socialized are far more prone to have behavioral problems as adults. 

For more information, consult with your Pasadena, TX veterinarian.

Overlooking Safety Concerns

Dogs are intelligent animals, but they often have no notion of what is and is not safe for them. Worse, their inherent instincts—and their appetites—can occasionally get them into trouble. A few simple suggestions can help avoid many tragic events.

Petproofing is crucial. You should remove or secure anything that could endanger your pup. This includes anything small or sharp, plastic bags and ties, personal goods like shoes and wallets, poisonous plants, chemicals, and medicines.

Don’t forget about the outdoors! You should also make sure your fencing is secure and the gate closes properly. If you have a pool, make sure Fido is safe there as well. Use the same protocols you would with a toddler.

Leash safety is also essential. Some well-trained dogs can be allowed off-leash, but for most this is not a risk worth taking. It has become far too normal for individuals to simply let their dogs go free. That is perilous not just for Fido, but for everyone in his area. When you leave the house, always keep your dog on a leash unless he is in a fenced area.

Lack of Veterinary Care

One of the most important parts of a good dog care regime is making sure that your pooch is getting proper veterinary care. All of our canine companions should be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and receive regular preventative care. Vaccines and parasite control protect your pet from a variety of severe diseases and parasites, some of which are lethal. Regular exams are also extremely necessary: they help you monitor your furry’s health and detect changes that could indicate the start of a health concern.

Of course, you should keep an eye out for symptoms of sickness. If you detect anything unusual, contact your animal hospital immediately. Aside from that, follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Not Paying Enough Attention To Fido

Dogs are extremely loyal and affectionate. They have literally risked—and even sacrificed—their lives for us. That constant, unconditional friendship is a fantastic gift, capable of profoundly changing our lives. Fido, too, is satisfied with food, shelter, and, most importantly, love.

Spend meaningful time with your dog every day. This will benefit you as well!

Not Ensuring That Your Canine Pal Gets Enough Exercise

Dogs, like people, require regular physical activity to remain healthy. The sort and amount of exercise your dog requires will vary according to his age, size, health, and, of course, your preferences. At the absolute least, walk Fido every day.

The advantages of a healthy dog workout routine extend far beyond just keeping your canine companion active. This is also beneficial to his mental and emotional health. Fido would get bored at home with no entertainment but to stare at the walls all the time. Being able to appreciate a change of scenery—and smell new plants and trees—is incredibly beneficial to our canine companions. Those walks provide enrichment and reduce boredom. This also helps your pooch feel less stressed. Your furry bff will feel more relaxed and possibly fatigued after a walk, run, or play session. Hopefully, he’ll be more interested in napping than tearing up your couch cushions.

Overfeeding Fido

Obesity is one of the most common conditions we find in our canine companions. More than half of our canine patients are, well, chubby. Fido may appear cute with some extra padding, but do not be misled. Carrying even a few excess pounds can be detrimental to your pet’s health and well-being!

Canine obesity poses serious health hazards that are far from appealing. This is a partial list:

• Respiratory disease
• Breathing problems
• Impaired immune function
• Bladder stones
• Joint Problems
• Kidney Disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart Issues
• Anesthesia Complications
• Arthritis
• Musculoskeletal Issues
• Skin Conditions
• Liver Disease
• Lack of Energy
• Reduced Quality of Life
• CCL Tears
• Exercise intolerance
• Flatulence
• Heat Sensitivity
• Neoplasm

Obesity may also limit Fido’s lifespan. Pay close attention to your canine friend’s weight. Consult your Pasadena, TX veterinarian for precise instructions on your furry’s feeding and care.

Schedule An Appointment at Your Pasadena, TX Pet Clinic

Is it time for your dog’s check-up, parasite treatment, or wellness care? Please contact your local Pasadena, TX animal hospital at any time!