Trying to keep our dogs happy and healthy can sometimes backfire.
Even the most loving dog owners make mistakes if they don’t know the tricky nuances of dog care.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven things that, despite your good intentions, you must never do to your dog.
7. Bones that bite back
Feeding bones to dogs feels like one of those Timeless Traditions, doesn’t it?
The image of a dog gnawing happily on a bone is so ingrained in our culture that it’s practically a stereotype.
It seems natural, right? Wolves eat bones in the wild, so it must be good for dogs too.
Plus, chewing is a natural instinct for dogs; it keeps them occupied, helps with dental health, and lets them exercise those strong jaw muscles.
So what could go wrong? The thing is, not all bones are created equal, and giving the wrong type or even the right type in the wrong way can spell big trouble for your furry friend.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, bones can break into sharp fragments that can puncture the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines.
Also, while chewing can be great for dental health, excessively hard bones like beef femurs can crack your dog’s teeth.
Raw bones can secretly harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella or Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can make your dog sick.
If you’re determined to let your dog enjoy a bone, it’s crucial to do so safely.
Never give your dog cooked bones, especially chicken, pork, or fish bones, as these are most likely to splinter.
The bones should be large enough that your dog can’t swallow them whole.
For example, a bone should be bigger than your dog’s head. Yes, seriously.
Never leave your dog unattended with a bone.
If they start breaking off chunks or chewing too aggressively, it’s time to take the bone away.
If you’re looking for safer ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean and their chewing instincts satisfied, try vet-approved options that help clean teeth and freshen breath.
Bully sticks or antlers can also be good options, but always supervise and weigh the risks.
6. Sharing is caring, or is it?
What are you eating? Can I have some too? What do you mean by no ? Okay, I’ll ask nicely. Look how pretty I can sit. What about an adorable head tilt and beseeching puppy dog eyes? I know you love them.
Oh, you have a doggy bone. It doesn’t smell as good as that plate of fried chicken, but I’ll take it.
No matter how much your dog might plead for some of your snacks, this is one case when sharing isn’t caring.
A lot of human food is too fatty and salty or contains other ingredients like onion or chocolate that are toxic to dogs.
Sometimes they’re not hungry so much as just wanting to feel included or because your food-sharing habit taught them they always get a piece too.
Give them a dog treat instead, or as an alternative, spend time playing with them instead.
Praise and playtime are just as rewarding for your pooch.
5. Please slow down
Walkies are the best time of day; it’s the perfect chance to get out of the house, stretch my legs, and catch up. I can’t wait to learn all the gossip.
Wait, I’m not done. Why are you walking so fast? There are so many new smells. Can we explore just a little?
Maybe it’s raining, and you don’t want you or your dog to get sick, so you rush through a walk as quickly as possible.
The problem is your dog likes to explore new smells, rain or shine.
It keeps them up to date on other doggies in the neighborhood and who’s coming and going.
After a long day trapped inside, it’s also the perfect exercise break to wake them up and get them moving.
If you walk too fast, they don’t have time to catch up on everything going on; they might even think they did something to upset you and that that’s your way of punishing them.
4. Passenger Pooch
Hopping in the car for a quick road trip is super fun. You know what isn’t? Waiting in the passenger seat while you run an errand.
What gives? Weren’t we going on an adventure? I’m bored, and don’t you know it’s very hot in here?
I’ve been panting for ages, but I can’t cool down.
Leaving your dog in a car is never a good idea, even if you’re only stopping for a super quick errand on the way home from the dog park. You might take longer than you mean to.
What if you get caught in a long line at the checkout?
What if you run into a friend you haven’t seen in a while?
It might be fun to catch up, but your pooch is suffering in a car that gets extremely hot or cold very quickly.
Remember, they have a fur coat; they don’t sweat like we do.
They overheat far quicker than you might expect.
In summer the temperature in your car can rise by 20° in 10 minutes even in the shade.
Your dog can’t turn the engine on and take advantage of the AC to cool down.
Winter’s a problem too with the heating on your car; it might be cozy without it, but your dog sat alone in an icebox.
3. Not sure I like this
Ear scratches are awesome. Belly rubs are even better, but why are you getting so close and trapping me in one spot?
I’m not sure I like this. You’re making weird noises too. Let go, please.
Did you know many dogs hate how we show affection?
Okay, not all of our habits are annoying; those ear scratches are delightful, but some dogs hate hugs and kisses.
While hugging or kissing our family members, including our dogs, is how we show affection, dogs just don’t like to be enclosed in your arms and trapped in place.
Even when your dog trusts you, they might not enjoy hugs.
It’s just instinctive for them not to let someone too close; it could be dangerous.
2. Puppy jail
A safe, enclosed spot to sleep is where it’s at.
It’s cozy, warm, and reassuring, like a bedroom all of my very own where no one else will invade my space.
It’s full of all my favorite things. your dirty socks, a cozy blanket—it’s perfect for those long, lonely days when you’re away.
I can snooze safely until I hear the tires crunching on the driveway.
But why did you lock the door? Am I in trouble?
Crate training can be super useful. Dogs have the instinct to find a safe spot to sleep in.
and a crate, when used right, is a canine haven.
It’s a place of solace for them whenever they’re nervous or bored.
Since it’s their bedroom, it’s tempting to use it as a way to calm them down if they get too hyper.
Maybe they got a little too excited when meeting your dog-wary guests.
Locking them in their crate might seem like an ideal solution. it isn’t
Locking them away might keep your guests happy, but your dog will start to think of their crate as a bad thing.
They just wanted to be included; now their safe haven is a jail cell.
1. Say sorry
You’re home finally. You took ages, and I was worried, but it’s okay. I don’t need to pee; I went earlier. Wait, why are you yelling? I don’t understand. What did I do? If I roll over, will you love me again?
Dogs make mistakes just like we do, but unlike us, they don’t understand what they did wrong.
They don’t chew on the table leg because they want to be destructive. It’s fun, relieves boredom, and reduces anxiety.
Similarly, your dog didn’t pee on your new rug to annoy you; your puppy just thought the rug smelled like a good spot, or they just really, really needed to go.
Studies have shown that dogs don’t feel complex emotions like guilt or shame.
When they look sorry, they’re not upset about knocking your plants over.
They’re reacting to your disappointment. Your pooch doesn’t know what they’re apologizing for; they just want you to be happy again.
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