11 Ways You Might Be Treating Your Dog Wrong

Most of us see our dogs as true members of the family, so we surely want the best for them. But sometimes, even the greatest “dog moms and dads” can make serious errors that can be harmful to our furry babies.

We at Bright Side are huge dog lovers and we want them to live healthy, happy, and long lives. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some common mistakes that you can avoid when it comes to taking care of your dog the right way.

1. Sharing your food

Even if your dog makes that adorable face while begging for some table scraps, don’t give in. Some foods are dangerous to dogs and can lead to severe health problems. Bones can cause your pets to choke or damage their intestines, onions and garlic are toxic for dogs and can cause gastroenteritis or anemia, and chocolate might give your furry friend an upset stomach.

2. Walking them on hot concrete

Summer days can cause roads to melt and the asphalt might be too hot for dogs’ paws, which can be just as sensitive as our feet. You can avoid severe burns to its paws by walking your pet on safe surfaces like grass.

3. Physically punishing your dog

Sometimes, dogs can be naughty, but you should never hit them. This is animal abuse and it’s not acceptable. And besides that, physical punishment it’s not an effective form of discipline. It destroys the bond between you and your dog and it only leads to aggressive behavior for the dog. Instead of doing that, try reward-based training.

4. Leaving the dog chained up for a long period

You can tie up your dog if needed, but only for a short period. You shouldn’t do this for very long, because chaining is really bad for a dog’s physical and psychological well-being. It might get tangled and injure its neck, it can get overheated from too much sun exposure, and it can also become anxious or depressed.

5. Skipping veterinary visits

Vets might be expensive, but they can save your pet’s life. Taking your dog to the vet regularly is important for its growth and development. You know your furry friend better than anyone, so if something doesn’t seem right, don’t try to diagnose it at home, take it to the veterinarian for a checkup.

6. Petting your dog from above

Petting the head of a dog from above might not be such a good idea. The animal could be scared and perceive this gesture as “threatening,” because it can’t see your hand. Instead, reach from the side, so the dog can see what you’re doing, get comfortable, and enjoy the petting.

7. Leaving your dog alone in the car

One of the worst things you can do is leave your dog unattended in the car. On a warm day, your car becomes an oven and in a matter of minutes your pet can die from heatstroke or suffocation. Although you enjoy their lovely company, it’s better to leave your dog at home on hot days.

8. Allowing the dog to exhibit bad behavior

At first glance, a dog who is exhibiting goofy behavior might seem cute or funny. But dogs need discipline and rules if you want to have a well-behaved pet. Teach your dog what they are and aren’t allowed to do and life with your 4-legged companion will be so much sweeter.

9. Taking your dog on the same walking routes

Most of us have a specific routine regarding walking our dog and that’s fine. But dogs are like children, they want to discover a world, so every now and then we need to try taking them to some different areas. Dogs love to explore new places and smells, socialize, and play.

10. Allowing your dog to eat their toys

If your dog likes to chew up his toys, that means a portion of them might end up in its stomach and that’s not OK. Swallowing plastic, rubber, or rope can cause blockages in your pet’s digestive tract. Next time, give your dog a chew treat instead.

11. Forgetting to put sunscreen on your dog

Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned too, particularly those with white fur. This can lead to painful blistering, hair loss, and even skin cancer. So, when you put sunscreen on yourself, don’t forget your pet. You can buy special sunscreens that are safe for dogs from a pet store.

What else do you think we need to add to this list? Share your ideas in the comment section below.