Did you know that 44.5% of American households own dogs? Fido has a way of completing our small (or not-so-small) families and making our places feel more like homes. While we adore all animals, our canine companions are especially extraordinary in their love, devotion, and loyalty. Of course, Fido does require a lot of love and attention to thrive. While we’ve been calling 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 from a local Poconos PA veterinarian.
Not Making Sure That Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise
Dogs, like humans, require regular exercise to maintain good health. The type and amount of exercise your dog needs will vary depending on his age, size, health, and, of course, your 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. A change of scenery—and time for sniffing different plants and trees—is really beneficial to dogs since it provides enrichment.
This also allows your furry friend to relieve stress. After a walk, run, or play session, your dog will be more relaxed and possibly worn out. That means he’ll be more concerned with having a nap than tearing up your sofa cushions.
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, chokers. Fido may appear cute with some extra padding, but don’t be deceived. Carrying even a few excess pounds might be detrimental to your lovely pet’s health and well-being!
Canine obesity poses serious health hazards that are far from cute. This is a partial list:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Hypertension
- Anesthesia complications
- Arthritis
- Respiratory disease
- Breathing Conditions
- Impaired immunological 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 an eye on your canine companion’s weight. Consult your Clarkesville, GA veterinarian for precise recommendations on your furry friend’s nutrition and care requirements.
Inconsistent Or Incomplete 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 pooch 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 the next. That applies to verbal commands, too. Make sure to use the same words or phrases.
Forgetting Paw and Nail Care
Sometimes, the little things aren’t so small. That is certainly the case here.
Don’t forget to take care of those fuzzy feet. 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.
Dental care is also important. 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, such as abscesses, infections, gum disease, and cracked or broken teeth. These can cause both discomfort and risk.
Not Socializing Puppies
If you’ve just gotten a puppy, this should be one of your top priorities, along with training. As the name implies, socialization means introducing your pup to new places and faces. This is crucial to ensuring that little Fido feels at ease and behaves well in new environments and with new people. This treatment must be completed within a specific time frame, typically between the ages of three and fourteen weeks for your dog. 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 Poconos PA veterinarian for specific guidance on this.
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. A few simple guidelines can help avert many catastrophic incidents.
Pet-proofing is a big one. You should eliminate or secure anything that could be dangerous to your pet. 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! You should also make sure that your fencing is secure and that your gate closes properly. If you have a pool, you should take precautions to keep Fido safe there as well.
Aside from that, always make sure your dog 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 pets roam freely. This is not only dangerous for Fido, it’s also dangerous for the people and animals around him. Always keep your canine companion leashed when you leave your home, unless he is in a gated location.
Lack of Veterinary Care
All of our canine companions should be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Fido should also be current on vaccines and parasite control. Regular exams are also important.
Microchipping is a one-time process that takes barely a moment yet could one day save your dog’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. (ID tags are still quite necessary.)
Spaying and neutering not only helps to prevent unwanted litters, but it will also usually result in a significant change in 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 pet 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 Poconos PA vets mmediately.
Not Paying Enough Attention To Fido
Dogs are extremely loyal and affectionate. They have physically risked—and even sacrificed—their lives for the people they love. That constant, unconditional friendship is a truly powerful gift, with the potential to change our lives dramatically. Fido doesn’t want much, either: food, shelter, and, above all, love.
Spend meaningful time with your dog every day. This will benefit you as well!
Schedule an Appointment With Your Poconos PA Veterinarians
Is it time for your dog to get a checkup, parasite treatment, or wellness care? Contact us, your local Poconos PA veterinarian, at any time! We are a mobile-only veterinary clinic, serving Cornelia, Helen, Gainesville, Lulu, and surrounding areas.
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