7 Mistakes Made By Dog Owners

Bringing home a dog is ushering home a lifetime of cuddles, love and memories. It is also one of the easiest ways to calm anxiety, and stress and overcome depression. What it also brings is responsibility towards another being. If you are bringing home a dog, here are seven mistakes you must steer clear of to be a good dog parent.

Not Preparing For Medical Emergencies

There’s no saying when a medical emergency can show its face. New dog owners often aren’t prepared for a medical emergency and find themselves scampering for supplies and contact details in the thick of trouble. Before you bring a puppy home, research the nearby distress centres and vet clinics in your area. Store up on basic first aid for pets so you are well-equipped in contingencies.

Not Investing In A Dog Kennel

A dog kennel is your pet’s very own abode. It is the foremost step to a dog calling someplace home. Invest in a weather-proof dog kennel with good ventilation and ample space for the dog to rest comfortably. Ensure that you choose a kennel that houses your dog at its full adult size. My Dog Kennel. It is the one-stop-shop for a good-quality kennel.

Offering Same Nutrition At All Ages

Dogs at different ages have varying nutritional needs. Puppies, growing dogs, full-sized adult dogs and ageing dogs require different kinds of nutrition. Many new dog parents are unaware of this fact and often overfeed or underfeed their dogs. This causes nutritional deficiencies or weight gain in the long run. Talk to a reputable pediatrician about an optimal diet for your dog at every stage. Go for regular checkups to confirm that your furry friend is growing at a healthy pace. Also, check with the shelter regarding your dog’s diet (any adverse reactions or allergies) before you bring him home.

Lack of Discipline & Routine

New dog parents must establish a routine for their pets from day one. This is one of the biggest mistakes or delays that new dog parents make, that costs them doubly in terms of effort, time and wastage. Teach your dog a morning routine that involves walking, pooping and feeding himself. Designate time for play, social interactions, outdoor time and naps. Repeat this same cycle in the second half of the day, giving your dog a sense of reputation and comfort of knowing what lies next. This gives them the confidence and assurance that is critical to following a routine. A lack of routine can result in poor appetite, weight gain, lethargy, improper digestion and poor social skills. It can also cause insecurity and separation anxiety when you leave home for work.

Not Preparing Them For Alone Time

Dogs are social animals. They enjoy being around humans, especially their family members. While this is the ideal situation to help them thrive, it may not always be possible. Common mistake dog owners make is not preparing their furry friends for alone time. Help your dog be comfortable in an empty house by offering them plenty of indoor toys, spots of relaxation and recreation and the assurance of being safe indoors. Give them all the comfort and attention in your free time so they know they are loved and wanted. This prevents any thoughts in their mind about being deserted. Also, help them fight separation anxiety by filling their emotional bucket every time they are back home. What also helps is leaving them alone for 20-30 minutes to start with, and then gradually increasing this time as they get comfortable in their space.

Leaving New Dogs & Children Unsupervised

A dog is indeed a man’s best friend. But that is only when your dog has completely accepted and internalized your home and family members. If you’ve brought a new dog home, it is good to give the bond between your dog and your child time to build. Do not usher or force premature bonding or alone time, as this can have dire consequences. Remember, your child is still learning how to interact and behave with his/her new pet. So, it’s always a good idea to model appropriate behaviour and supervise interaction in the early days. Your child and your dog may have entirely different temperaments. Hence, it is a good idea to let this relationship experience organic growth before leaving them alone. Children may inadvertently touch a dog in a manner that’s not suitable, leading to a compromised situation.

Maintaining Poor Hygiene

Dogs find themselves in the dirtiest of slushes and most unkempt spots to urge their need for exploration. They carry dust, dirt and even faeces on their paws which are then brought all over your carpet, couch and home floor. What’s worse, furry Dogs with a thick mane catch more dust on their coats and shed heavily in the summer months, sprinkling your home with their fur. For all these reasons and more, it is important to maintain good hygiene with dogs. Ensure you bathe your dog often, clip their nails and brush their teeth. Use the most suitable toiletries that are ideal for your dog’s fur. Talk to a paediatrician about suitable hygiene practices for your dog’s breed. Ensure you follow these pictures and promptly attend to any itchy breakouts or infections.