20+ Ways You Might Be Hurting Your Dog and Not Even Realizing It

Dogs are more than just pets; they’re family members who rely on us for their health and well-being. As caring owners, we strive to provide the best for our furry friends. However, despite our best intentions, we may inadvertently engage in practices that could harm them. From dietary choices to exercise routines, many common actions can have unintended negative effects. Understanding these harmful habits is crucial to ensure our dogs lead happy, healthy lives. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the everyday things you might be doing to your dog without realizing the potential harm they could cause.

Treats are a staple

We all love our dogs, but giving them too many treats can negatively impact their behavior. Overindulgence can lead to a dog that only obeys when offered their favorite treat, becomes more demanding, or even aggressive. Additionally, excessive treats can cause your dog to gain unnecessary weight.

Moving is not a priority

Your dog might also become obese if they don’t get enough exercise. A dog without sufficient physical activity is likely to be miserable, and you can tell if your pet seems bored or lethargic. This lack of exercise can lead to frustration, and that pent-up energy has to go somewhere! It might manifest in destructive behaviors like ripping up your favorite cushion or barking endlessly.

Dog parks are a regular day-out

Dog parks might seem like a great idea, but experts often advise against taking your beloved pet to these parks. Since dogs are usually off-leash, scuffles can occur, and interactions with bigger dogs can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities for smaller dogs, even during play.

The dentist is not a regular day out

Doggy dentistry is essential for your pet’s care, and neglecting regular dental check-ups can have devastating effects and cause irreversible damage. Skipping the dentist can lead to tooth decay and loss, severe pain, and bad breath for your dog. Additionally, harmful bacteria from your dog’s mouth can spread to their organs, potentially causing serious health issues or even premature death.

Punishing them is a normality

Punishments do nothing to help your dog learn appropriate behavior. Instead, they cause fear and anxiety because the dog doesn’t understand why they’re being punished. This can make them feel insecure and potentially lead to aggression, which is bad news for everyone involved.

Their healthy diet has fallen by the wayside

Poor nutrition can be fatal for dogs. Consuming too many high-calorie, high-carb foods—or not enough—can lead to obesity, rickets, diabetes, allergies, and emaciation, among other issues. It’s crucial to avoid low-quality dog food commonly found on store shelves and to be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs.

Not enough water

We all know that we can’t survive without water, and dogs are no different! Without enough water, dogs can quickly become dehydrated, leading to deteriorating health. This can result in more trips to the vet due to potential bladder and kidney infections.

You give them mixed signals

Mixed messages can lead to behavior issues in dogs. They’re sensitive to our emotions, so if you appear frustrated after calling them in repeatedly, they might wonder why. They did eventually obey your command, after all! When communication is unclear, dogs become confused about how to behave.

They don’t know when to expect you home

As a dog owner, you’ve likely experienced your pet waiting eagerly by the door when you return home. While various theories speculate on how dogs predict their owner’s arrival, such as recognizing the sound of your car or their internal body clock, the truth is they genuinely seem to miss you and eagerly anticipate your return all day!

Your home isn’t safe enough

Dogs have a reputation for eating anything, but it’s crucial to understand that many household items are actually dangerous and toxic for them, including cleaning products and certain foods! Common food poisonings in dogs can be caused by alcohol, raisins, grapes, chocolate, and even coffee.

You leave dangerous objects around

It’s not just edible hazards and cleaning chemicals you need to be mindful of leaving lying around for your dog. Items like batteries, coins, plants, and small pieces of Lego can also pose a risk and may require a trip to the vet if ingested. Even leaving out their favorite chews can be problematic, as they can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which is detrimental to both you and your pet’s health.

You’re not clued up on breed-specific behaviors

As a dog owner, educating yourself on various aspects is essential, including training methods, dietary needs, healthcare, and understanding breed-specific behaviors. This knowledge enables you to create an environment where your pet can thrive, integrating well into your home, interacting safely with your children, and aligning with your lifestyle and expectations.

You let them get away with things

Those eyes, the way they gaze at you, can melt even the toughest heart. It’s incredibly difficult to resist their pleading looks, making it feel impossible to say no. However, if you constantly indulge your pup’s undesirable behaviors, they’ll quickly learn to rule the roost. Without boundaries, you risk losing control, and your once-harmonious home may become chaotic and unmanageable.

You don’t know about common health problems in the breed

Being mindful of breed-specific issues extends beyond behavior to encompass the overall health of your pet. Certain breeds, especially pedigrees, have elevated risks of inherited conditions like blindness and cancer. Understanding these potential health concerns allows you to provide appropriate support and care for your dog throughout their life.

Fleas and ticks have made themselves home with your pooch

Dealing with fleas and ticks is an inevitable part of owning a dog. However, ensuring effective treatment is crucial to prevent further health issues for your pet. Neglecting to treat them can lead to significant discomfort, including skin irritation, scabbing, and soreness, potentially resulting in infections.

Leaving them in your car

Leaving your dog alone in your car is an absolute no-go. In warmer weather, cars can heat up rapidly, reaching temperatures that can pose a serious risk to your pet’s health, potentially leading to heatstroke or even death. Even if you’re just running a quick errand or have parked in the shade with the windows cracked open, it’s never worth the risk. Just don’t do it.

Not updating their ID

When’s the last time you checked that your dog’s ID and microchip information were up-to-date and accurate? It’s easy to overlook, but it’s crucial. Ensuring this information is current is vital for locating your pet if they go missing and for rescue centers to contact you if they’re found. Consider this your reminder to check it today!

Not getting insurance

Unfortunately, emergency treatment for our beloved pets is sometimes necessary. Shockingly, a study found that 1 in 3 dogs require emergency care each year, and it often comes unexpectedly. Whether it’s a sudden illness or injury, you may find yourself facing a hefty vet bill that you hadn’t budgeted for. This is where insurance can provide invaluable assistance.

Hemlock grows in your garden

Water hemlock, a highly toxic plant, can unexpectedly appear in your garden or while out on a walk. It poses a serious threat to dogs, causing symptoms ranging from upset stomach to severe respiratory distress and even death in the worst cases. Stay vigilant and keep your eyes peeled for this deadly plant to protect your furry friend from harm.

Yelling at your dog

There are numerous reasons why yelling at your dog is not advisable. It can evoke feelings of fear, anxiety, and even excitement, emotions that can be quite intense for them. Experiencing these emotions can significantly impact your dog’s behavior, potentially exacerbating any existing issues rather than resolving them.

You let your dog run with a stick in their mouth

Dogs indeed find joy in playing fetch with sticks, but have you considered the potential dangers of letting them carry one in their mouths? Injuries such as splinters, cuts, and scrapes in their mouth can easily occur, leading to painful infections that require medical attention.

Yanking on their choke collar

Many people believe that using a choke collar is an effective method to prevent their dog from pulling on its leash. However, using a choke collar inflicts pain on your dog. They don’t associate the tightening of the collar around their neck with you pulling on the leash, so this method is ineffective for correcting behavior.

Using the wrong collar and leash

Many people aren’t aware that when used incorrectly, collars and leashes can cause significant damage to a dog’s neck and throat. Additionally, collars may lead to nerve damage in their front legs, injuries to the thyroid, and even harm to the ears and eyes. It’s crucial to use collars and leashes properly to avoid such injuries and ensure the well-being of our furry companions.

Applying sunscreen

It’s evident that you’re dedicated to protecting your beloved pooch in every way possible, including from the sun. Applying sunscreen to your dog is a good practice to prevent sunburn, but it’s essential to be cautious. Many sunscreen brands contain chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Therefore, it’s crucial to always read the label and conduct thorough research to ensure the product you choose is safe for your furry friend.

Leaving your bathroom door open

Our bathrooms can harbor numerous dangerous objects for our dogs, from cleaning products to the contents of the toilet bowl. If not cleaned regularly, the toilet bowl can pose a risk of infection to our pets, including exposure to E. coli and other harmful bacteria. Additionally, dogs can catch illnesses from us when we are sick, so it’s important to keep our bathrooms clean and safe for them.

Giving your dog ice to play with

Ice can indeed be beneficial for cooling down and relieving pain, such as teething discomfort. It is generally safe to give ice to dogs. However, experts recommend ensuring that the ice cubes are an appropriate size to minimize the risk of choking. Moreover, if your dog is experiencing heatstroke, it’s crucial to provide water instead of ice to help regulate their body temperature effectively.

You let them finish off your table scraps

Feeding your dog table scraps may seem like a convenient way to reduce food waste, but it can pose risks to their health. Some human foods are toxic to dogs, and feeding them from the table might encourage undesirable behaviors like begging or attempting to eat off your plate. It’s best to avoid giving your dog table scraps and instead stick to a balanced diet formulated for their specific nutritional needs.

Feeding them booze

Beer is highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can lead to alcohol poisoning, especially in smaller breeds. Just like humans, dogs can experience severe negative effects from alcohol consumption, including symptoms akin to a hangover. It’s vital to keep alcoholic beverages away from your furry friends to ensure their safety and well-being.

You lack consistency

Dogs naturally exhibit typical canine behaviors, and as pet owners, we may need to address certain undesirable behaviors. However, dogs won’t modify their behaviors without consistent guidance from you. If your approach lacks predictability and you allow some behaviors to slide, your dog will struggle to understand boundaries and expectations. Consistency is key in teaching your dog how to behave appropriately.

Expecting too much from your dog

Dogs have earned their reputation as man’s best friend for numerous reasons. They’re remarkably loyal, intuitive, loving, entertaining, energetic, and intelligent, among many other wonderful traits. It’s essential to appreciate all that they do for us and to give them the patience and understanding they deserve. While it’s natural to have expectations, it’s also important to recognize and cherish the unique bond we share with our canine companions.

Washing them TOO regularly

Maintaining the natural balance of our beloved pets’ fur is crucial. Washing them too frequently can be just as detrimental as not washing them enough. Their skin is highly sensitive, and excessive washing can disrupt the natural chemical balance, leading to irritation and discomfort. It’s essential to find a balance and only wash your pet as needed, using gentle products suitable for their skin type to keep them clean and comfortable.

Using human soaps and products

Human soaps and products should never be used on your dog’s skin. They are often too harsh and can strip away the natural oils, leading to irritation and potential damage to their sensitive skin. If you’ve run out of special dog shampoo, it’s best to wait until you can get more rather than risking discomfort or pain for your pet by using your own products. It’s important to prioritize their well-being and use gentle, dog-specific products designed for their unique needs.

Changing their routine too suddenly

Abruptly leaving your dog at a boarding facility for an extended period without prior preparation can be emotionally traumatic for them. It’s essential to gradually introduce them to the environment and the experience of being separated from you. Start by short visits and gradually increase the duration over time to help them become more comfortable and reduce the likelihood of distress. This gradual approach can make the transition smoother and less stressful for your furry friend.

Never letting them sniff around

When dogs are sniffing, their brains are highly engaged and they are processing a wealth of information from their surroundings. This mental stimulation can be just as tiring for them as physical exercise like walking or running. It’s important to allow dogs the opportunity to explore and sniff their environment, as it’s not only enriching for them but also helps satisfy their natural instincts. So, next time your dog wants to stop and sniff, it’s worth being patient and letting them enjoy this important activity.

Not praising their actions

Positive reinforcement is key to effective dog training. Praising your dog for good behavior reinforces that behavior and encourages them to repeat it. Conversely, focusing on negative behaviors or shouting can be counterproductive and may confuse or distress your dog. By ignoring undesired behaviors and instead lavishing praise and rewards for positive actions, you can effectively teach your dog and foster a happy, well-behaved pet.

You don’t talk to them enough

Dogs may not be able to speak back with words, but they are highly stimulated by our voices and enjoy listening to us speak to them. It’s incredibly important to talk to your dog to provide them with the interaction and companionship they crave from you, their beloved owner. Your voice provides comfort, reassurance, and a strong bond between you and your furry friend. So, don’t hesitate to chat with your dog—they’ll appreciate it more than you know!

Not being outside often

While physical exercise like long walks and playing fetch is important for dogs, it’s equally crucial to provide them with mental stimulation and exposure to new environments. Being outdoors allows dogs to explore new scents, sights, and sounds, which is vital for their overall well-being. Remember, your furry friend relies on you to provide them with these enriching experiences, so make sure to incorporate outdoor time into their daily routine. It’s not just about physical activity—it’s about giving your dog the opportunity to engage all their senses and enjoy the world around them.

Not investing enough time into them

Bringing a new dog into your home is a big responsibility that requires a lot of time, love, and attention. Dogs are social animals who thrive on companionship and interaction with their human family members. Leaving them alone for long periods can lead to anxiety, boredom, and behavioral issues like inappropriate urination. It’s important to prioritize spending quality time with your new fur baby, incorporating training, playtime, and bonding activities into your daily routine. Remember, they’re not just pets—they’re valued members of the family who deserve our care and attention.

OVER-exercising them

Tailoring exercise routines to suit your dog’s breed, age, and individual needs is crucial for their overall health and well-being. While some breeds require a lot of physical activity to stay happy and healthy, others may have more moderate exercise needs or may need to avoid overexertion to prevent joint problems in the future. It’s essential to do your research and consult with a veterinarian to ensure you’re providing the appropriate amount and type of exercise for your furry friend. Finding the right balance will help keep them fit, happy, and free from potential health issues down the line.

Not providing them the right diet

Providing the right diet is essential for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Dogs of different ages, breeds, and medical conditions may have varying dietary needs, requiring specific types of foods, vitamins, and portion sizes. It’s crucial to do your research, consult with a veterinarian, and choose high-quality, balanced dog food that meets your pet’s individual requirements. Proper nutrition is key to ensuring your precious pup stays healthy, active, and happy for years to come.

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