Dog ownership comes with much responsibility. In addition to feeding, grooming, and walking a pooch, you may need to embark on training, attend routine veterinary appointments, and care for their various health issues.
As you will determine a canine’s happiness and wellbeing, you will likely want to care for their every need. For this reason, you must read the following five biggest mistakes dog owners make.
1. A Lack of Training
Every dog will need training. While some may need more training and socialization than others, establishing rules can prevent messes in the home and avoid behavioral issues. If you fail to train your pooch, they might feel unable to please their owner, and they might struggle to socialize in various public settings. For example, if you don’t socialize and train your pet, they might develop a fear of other animals, humans, or environments.
2. Poor Training Techniques
A barking dog can turn a quiet, tranquil home into a noisy, tense environment. As a result, many pet owners attempt to tame their canines using anti-bark collars; however, this is a big mistake, and it is arguably inhumane and ineffective. Therefore, you may need to consider an anti-bark collar alternative, such as collarless ultrasonic dog training tools. The humane device never comes into contact with a pooch, and you can trigger an ultrasonic sound that only your dog will hear, which will stop them from barking.
3. Limited Exercise
All dogs must embark on some exercise daily. While the physical activity level is determined by a dog’s breed and age, you must ensure they get their body moving at least once per day. For example, a pug will often need 40 minutes of exercise daily, and a springer spaniel will need between one to two hours each day. If in doubt, talk to a vet about your pet’s exercise needs to ensure they remain in excellent health throughout their life.
4. Skipping Routine Vet Appointments
Many pet owners are guilty of only taking their pets to the vet when they are poorly or injured. However, routine veterinary appointments can identify a potential health issue in its early stages and stop it in its tracks.
While vet bills are expensive, they are key to a happy, healthy pooch. By attending regular veterinary check-ups, you could enjoy many more years with your much-loved dog. Especially if after spaying your dog, you may find that your dog has spaying incontinence, or any kind of surgical incision showing signs of swelling, bleeding, discharge, or contamination. Do not ignore a dog leaking urine, it is also a sign for you to pay attention to. Visiting the veterinarian regularly is particularly important.
5. Dental Health Neglect
Similar to humans, a dog’s dental health can affect its general health. For example, canines that develop periodontal disease will have an increased risk of heart disease and kidney failure. Also, believe it or not, doggy breath isn’t normal, as halitosis is due to a form of dental disease.
Take your pooch along to a vet for routine dental cleanings, and you can use home dental products, such as dog chews and dental sprays. The more you care for your dog’s oral health, the less professional dental cleanings they will need and the healthier they will be throughout the years.
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