We love our furry friends and would never want to do anything to harm them but what if we did so unknowingly? Here are 5 ways you may be putting your dog’s health at risk without knowing:
1. Leaving Your Dog Alone in a Car
Even if it’s just for a quick trip to the grocery store, leaving your dog alone in the car can be deadly. Temperatures fluctuate rapidly inside vehicles causing cars to become excessively hot or freezing cold in a matter of a few minutes. Leaving the window open is no excuse, tests show that cars with open windows heat up just as fast compared to when the windows are closed. As much as we’d love to bring our best friends everywhere we go, sometimes leaving our dog safe at home is the best option.
2. Not Buying the Appropriate Collar
Walking into a pet store and looking at all the variety of pet collars available can feel overwhelming and confusing, but finding the appropriate dog collar is crucial to your dog’s health. The flat-buckle collar is one of the more basic collars available on the market. It provides a place to attach your dog’s identification tags and is great for brisk walks. Although, for pups known for escaping or for being a strong puller, a body harness is recommended. It prevents damage to your dog’s throat caused by pulling and provides increased control when walking. However, harnesses can be much more pricey in comparison to a basic collar.
3. Ignoring Your Dog’s Dental Health
Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if they hadn’t been brushed in months or even years, the same goes for our dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% percent of dogs show signs of oral disease by the age of 4 leading to health issues. Brushing your dog’s teeth using a doggy toothbrush and toothpaste is the most efficient method of cleaning your pup’s teeth at home. They are available at most pet supply stores. It is strongly recommended that you begin brushing at a young age so that your dog becomes accustomed to it. To provide an added incentive, fixing the effects of poor dental hygiene can put a dent in your wallet.
4. Allowing Your Dog to Eat Anything
Dogs love to explore and taste the many uncharted items that come up in their everyday paths without knowing the consequences. As dog owners, it is our responsibility to make sure our precious pooches only eat what is safe for them. Many foods such as chocolate and alcohol are an obvious NO for dogs, but others like Lemons may not be as evident. The safest option is always to consult a veterinarian specialist before feeding your dog human foods.
5. Neglecting Exercise and Play Time
Whether it’s running through a grass-filled field or a cutthroat game of tug of war, your dog requires physical activity. The amount of exercise required depends on the breed and personality of your pup. Workout motivation can be initiated by our dogs leading to enhanced overall health for our furry friends but us owners too.
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