One of the best days of my life was getting a dog. She makes me so happy and I can't help laughing every time I watch her tail wag (along with the rest of her butt). We are besties today but there's a lot I've had to learn along the way. Here are the top 5 biggest mistakes dog owners are making that you need to know now!
Did you know dog's aren't actually supposed to eat dog food? Their bodies are meant for a much higher protein diet. When we first got our dog, she was always hungry and begging for more food. But once we switched her over to eating raw meat instead of dog kibble, it only took about two weeks before her stomach stopped growling all day.
You can either make your dog food yourself or find a good, high-quality dog food to buy. My vet told me that grain-free diets can cause heart problems for dogs, so I ensure that she always gets healthy grains included in her food.
Another big dog mistake dog owners are making is not providing enough exercise for their dog. Dogs are meant to run, which means they need a good 30 minutes of running per day. If you can't take them on a run, or you live in a city where parks aren't dog-friendly, then you need to invest in dog running equipment.
I bought her one of those dog treadmills that you can put outside and she has loved it ever since!
It's okay to share your snacks with your dog every once in a while, but giving them human food is a dog mistake dog owners are making that you need to stop. Giving your dog scraps from the dinner table might seem harmless, but it's actually teaching them bad habits and giving them unhealthy foods that can lead to obesity.
Pet obesity has become an epidemic in our country because of dog owners feeding their dogs people food. You might think you're doing your dog a favor, but in reality, it's not good for them.
There are plenty of healthy dog snacks that you can give them instead, like peanut butter dog biscuits. Look for a fun PB & oats recipe that's super easy to whip up.
They'll love you for it!
The fourth dog mistake dog owners are making is not grooming their dog regularly.
Every dog has different grooming needs, but generally speaking, you should be brushing your dog's hair at least once a day. This helps prevent excess shedding that can make a mess of your house and also ensures they're clean and healthy.
I just shared how you can dog-proof your home so that it's dog safe even when you're not around, and a big part of dog safety is keeping them clean.
They say dogs are cleaner than humans, but I'm not sure I've seen any evidence to back up this claim yet!
If you don't have time for daily dog brushing, you can buy dog hair clippers that help them stay clean and healthy.
Just be sure to use dog-safe dog shampoo with these grooming tools so you don't end up hurting your dog.
It's also a good idea to give your dog baths every once in a while too because it's important for their health.
The fifth dog mistake dog owners are making is not taking their dog to the vet regularly. Just like with humans, it's important for dogs to go to the doctor for check-ups and get vaccinated against diseases.
Many dog owners don't take their dog to the vet because they think they're too expensive, but there are ways to get vet care for your dog at a lower cost.
One way is to find a veterinarian that offers payment plans, like this one that I use for my dog.
They offer low-cost services and also allow you to make monthly payments so that you can afford to keep your dog healthy.
It's important to find a vet that you trust and are comfortable with, because your dog's health is important to them too!
So there you have it, the five biggest dog mistakes dog owners are making. By following these tips, you can help keep your dog healthy and happy! And remember, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your dog's health, always consult a veterinarian. Thank you for reading!
Please share this post with any dog owners you know!
