Eight Common Dog Care Mistakes

Did you know that 44.5% of American households own dogs? Fido has a way of rounding out our small (or not-so-small) households and making our houses feel more like home. While we adore all animals, our canine companions are especially extraordinary in their love, devotion, and personality. Fido does require a lot of love and attention to thrive. While we’ve considered dogs our furry best friends for thousands of years, there’s always something new to discover about them. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common dog care blunders in this article from Hassayampa Veterinary Services, your Wickenburg, AZ animal clinic, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities.

1. Overfeeding Fido

Obesity is one of the most common issues we encounter in our canine companions. More than half of our furry patients are, well, chunky. Fido may still be super cute with some extra padding, but don’t be deceived. Carrying even a few excess pounds could be detrimental to your lovely pet’s health and well-being! Canine obesity poses some serious health hazards that are far from cute.

This is a partial list:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart Trouble
• Hypertension
• Anesthesia Complications
• Arthritis
• Respiratory Disease
• Breathing Conditions
• Impaired Immune Function
• Bladder Stones
• Joint Issues
• Kidney Disease
• Musculoskeletal Illnesses
• Skin Conditions
• Liver Illness
• Lack Of Energy
• Reduced Quality Of Life
• CCL Tears
• Exercise Intolerance
• Flatulence
• Frequent Urination
• Heat Sensitivity
• Neoplasm

Obesity can also shorten Fido’s life. Keep a tight watch on your dog’s weight. Consult your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarian for precise recommendations on your canine pal’s nutrition and care requirements.

2. Poor Training

Fido is a very good boy, but he requires adequate training to understand what is and is not acceptable petiquette. Training should begin the day you bring your dog home. While you don’t have to teach your dog intricate instructions or cute tricks, he should understand the fundamentals: Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down.

Consistency is essential here. Do not let Fido sit on the couch one day and then reprimand him for it the next. When dealing with your pet, make sure to use the same words or phrases.

3. Not Making Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise

Dogs, like humans, need regular exercise to maintain good health. The type and amount of activity your furry pal requires will vary depending on his age, size, health, and, of course, his preferences. At the very least, you should take your dog for a walk every day.

The advantages of a healthy doggy workout routine extend far beyond keeping your canine companion fit. This is also critical for his psychological and emotional well-being. Fido would grow bored being at home all the time. Being able to appreciate a change of scenery—and sniff different plants and trees—is really beneficial to dogs, since it provides enrichment and entertainment.

This also allows your canine buddy to relieve stress. After a walk, run, or play session, your dog will be more relaxed and possibly even a bit fatigued. That means he’ll be more concerned with having a nap than tearing up your sofa cushions.

4. Forgetting Paw and Nail Care

Sometimes, the little things aren’t so small. That is certainly the case here.

Let’s not forget about Fido’s fuzzy feet. Pawdicures are actually very important! Overgrown nails influence how your four-legged buddy moves and stands. They can increase Fido’s chances of slipping and falling on slick surfaces and, worse, aggravate bone/joint problems.

Regarding that not-so-pearly-white smile, dental care is one of the most disregarded elements of dog care. Our canine companions are subject to many of the same issues as humans. These can cause both discomfort and risk. Ask your vet for doggy dental care tips.

5. Not Socializing Puppies

This is probably not going to be very applicable if you’ve adopted an older dog. However, if you’ve just gotten a puppy, this should be one of your first considerations.

As the name implies, socialization means ensuring that little Fido feels at ease and behaves well in new environments and with new people. You’ll need to introduce him to different things and people. This must be completed within a specific time frame, typically between the ages of three and fourteen weeks. This is when your furry friend decides what he thinks about the world. Improper or inadequate socializing at this point will have a significant detrimental impact on your canine companion’s behavior as he grows. Dogs that have not been properly socialized are far more prone to have behavioral problems as adults.

Consult your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarian for specific guidance on this.

6. Lack of Veterinary Care

No surprises here. Veterinary care is crucial to Fido’s health! All of our canine companions should be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and receive regular preventative care.

• Microchipping is a one-time process that takes barely a moment yet could one day save your furry friend’s life. Many people assume that their canine companions will never escape. Unfortunately, up to one in every three pets goes missing over their lifetime.
• Spaying and neutering not only helps to prevent unwanted litters, but they also usually improve Fido’s behavior and temperament. Fixed pets are calmer, less likely to spray, and have less interest in going away in pursuit of a mate. Male dogs are likewise far less likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies.
• Vaccines and parasite control protect your canine buddy from a variety of harmful diseases and parasites, some of which can be fatal.

Of course, you should also keep an eye out for symptoms of illness. If you detect anything out of the ordinary, contact your Wickenburg, AZ pet hospital immediately.

7. Overlooking Safety Concerns

Dogs are intelligent, but they don’t understand what is and isn’t safe for them. Even worse, their inherent impulses can occasionally get them into trouble. Following a few simple guidelines can help avert many catastrophic incidents.

Petproofing is a major deal. You should eliminate or secure anything that could be dangerous to your canine pal. This includes everything small or sharp, plastic bags and ties, personal goods like shoes and purses, hazardous plants, chemicals, and medication.

Don’t forget about the outdoors! Make sure that your fencing is secure and that your gate closes properly. If you have a pool, take precautions to keep Fido safe there as well.

Aside from that, always make sure your canine buddy is comfortable and safe from extreme weather.

Leash safety is also important. Some well-trained dogs are OK off-leash, but it has become far too common for people to simply let their dogs roam freely. Always keep your canine companion leashed when you leave your home, unless he is in a gated location.

8. Not Paying Enough Attention To Fido.

Dogs are extremely loyal and affectionate. They have physically risked—and even sacrificed—their lives for their people. That constant, unconditional friendship is a genuinely powerful gift, one that has the potential to change our lives dramatically. Fido doesn’t ask for much, either: food, shelter, and, above all, love.

Spend meaningful time with your furry best friend every day. This will benefit you as well! The love, loyalty, and friendship our canine friends provide are truly precious!

Schedule An Appointment At Your Wickenburg, AZ Pet Clinic

Is it time for your dog to get a checkup, parasite treatment, or wellness care? Contact us at Hassayampa Veterinary Services, your Wickenburg, AZ animal clinic, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities