Caring for a pet can be a big responsibility, and it’s all too easy to make all sorts of mistakes.
Here are five mistakes pet owners commonly make, and learn from, along the way.
1. Overfeeding your pet
If your pet is looking a little heavy, they’re probably overweight, which means you’re more than likely overfeeding them. Your vet can assess your pet with an objective healthy weight tool to give you an accurate idea of what your pet’s weight should be, as well as a specific diet plan to get you to that healthy goal.
2. Only visiting the vet when your pet is sick
Animals are great masters of disguise; they don’t want to inconvenience us by letting us know they feel poorly. Usually by the time owners notice signs of illness, a pet has been sick for quite some time. Annual preventive care exams at the veterinarian allow you to catch diseases like arthritis and renal disease much earlier in the process, saving you money, and your pet pain and stress.
3. Not listening to your vet
Choosing a pet food can be confusing. Meanwhile, the person at the pet shop, convincing as they may be, doesn’t know your pet’s medical history the way your vet does. If your veterinarian recommends a specific diet for your pet, there’s usually an excellent reason. Diet plays a key role in your pet’s health, so make sure to include their number one health advocate in that decision.
4. Rewarding bad behaviour
When a pet is exhibiting fearful behaviour, such as growling or snapping, it can be tempting to try and calm them down with attention. But rewarding a fearful pet with hugs and consolation can actually worsen the behaviour by reinforcing it. If this behaviour worsens over time, a pet might actually wind up in a shelter, and aggressive pets have lower chances of being adopted. If your pet shows any signs of fear or aggression, talk to a certified trainer or your vet sooner rather than later.
5. Not putting your dog on a leash
It’s important to be a good dog ambassador by obeying local dog laws about leashes and cleaning up after your pup. If you live in an area where leashes are required by law, you should obey that law without fail. Many people, and even some dogs, are frightened of other dogs, and they can be very distressed by being approached by any canine. Many cities and towns have designated areas where dogs can run off leash, so if your dog is feeling the call of the wild, find a dog park and let loose.
Image via Pinterest.
