Common Dog Care Mistakes

Dogs have been our friends and companions since the dawn of time. We’ve certainly had lots of time to get to know Fido! However, it can be easy for people to forget that Man’s Best Friend has different needs than we do. Even the most loving pet parent can unintentionally make mistakes. Here, a Pickerington, OH vet lists some common dog care mistakes.


Ignoring Fido’s Teeth

Did you know that as many as 80 percent of adult dogs have gum disease? This is very concerning, because gum disease can contribute to a variety of other health issues, such as heart disease. Fido can also be afflicted by painful dental problems, like cracked or broken teeth; abscesses; and misalignments. Have your pup’s choppers checked at least once a year.

Lack Of Training

All dogs should know basic doggy obedience commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. This isn’t just about good petiquette: it’s also very important for safety reasons!

Inadequate Veterinary Care

We recommend that all dogs be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It’s also important to keep up with your canine pal’s vaccines and parasite control products, and to make sure he gets regular exams. In between visits, watch for any signs of sickness, such as vomiting, lethargy, or fever. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.

No ID

As noted above, we strongly recommend that dogs be microchipped. However, it’s also very important for you to make sure that Fido is wearing current ID tags. These small steps could save your four-legged buddy’s life!

Poor Food Choices

We know, Fido loves food, and has been known to eat, well, pretty much anything. This can be very dangerous, as dogs sometimes eat things that are toxic to them. Overfeeding your pet is also a problem: giving your pup too much food can cause him to become obese, which would be very bad for his health! Ask your vet for nutritional recommendations.

Punishment

Fido isn’t perfect: in fact, he has some bad habits, like digging and chewing. However, you should never punish your pup for misbehaving. Dogs don’t understand punishment, so your furry friend may not associate his behavior with your reaction, and could end up feeling scared, anxious, or angry.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Pickerington, OH animal clinic, today! We’re here to help!

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