There is no question that every dog owner loves his furry companion to bits. But, there are some things that can be easily overlooked, which put your pupper in danger.
But, not to worry! I am here with six tips to keep in mind while living your best life alongside your best friend!
#1 Improper Food Portioning
When your doggo isn’t given the right portion of their food, they can come across several issues that can negatively affect their health.
Giving your dog too much food can lead to obesity. This can seriously impact their well-being, affecting their joints, heart, and can even shorten their lifespan.
On the other hand, not enough food may result in malnutrition. Dogs really do depend on the right amount of food in order to get all the vitamins, minerals, and proteins they need.
Digestive problems are another issue that can result in inadequate food portioning. This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation.
Make sure you follow the recommended portions on the food package or do your own research on what the best portion is for the breed of your dog!
#2 DIY Grooming
I am aware that playing hairdresser with your dog is not only fun, but also a great bonding exercise. However, I must warn you that if you are not familiar with proper techniques and safety precautions, you could potentially end up harming your pup.
Using incorrect grooming products and/or techniques can lead to allergic reactions or skin irritations. If you aren’t careful or simply aren’t aware, you can cut the fur too close, injuring their skin. This can lead to bleeding, and later, turn into an infection.
Also, mishandling grooming tools around their face and ears can result in some accidental injuries, which can really hurt your furry friend.
It is best to leave the grooming to the professionals. Besides, as they are trained, they can notice any irregularities in their skin or behavior, letting you know if you should be concerned and take your dog to the vet.
#3 Bath Time Gone Wrong
Bath time sure can be a blast and it is really important in keeping your dog clean and healthy. However, giving your pupper a bath the wrong way may cause more harm than good.
Giving them baths too often or even using the wrong type of shampoo can cause skin irritation. Dogs have far more sensitive skin than we hoomans, so using our shampoo on them may strip their skin of natural oils, leading to redness, dryness, and itchiness.
It can also dry out their fur, making the hairs dry, brittle, and prone to matting.
Also, if water or shampoo gets into their ears and is not properly taken care of, it can create an environment for bacteria and yeast, leading to an ear infection.
So, the next time you give your dog a bath, make sure you are being careful and using the right kind of shampoo that’s going to make your dog smell better than ever.
And, when you get to the drying stage and decide to use a hairdryer, make sure it’s on the low setting.
#4 Incorrect Nail Care
Regular nail care is essential to keep their paws in tip-top shape.
If their nails aren’t trimmed regularly, they can become too long. This can lead to the nails curling into their paws, resulting in pain and discomfort with every step they take.
They can also add pressure to the toe joints, which can turn into joint deformities and potential arthritis in the long term.
It is best if you take your dog to a professional groomer since they know what they are doing. If you insist on doing it yourself, please do thorough research as to the right way to do it.
Remember, the nails of our dogs contain blood vessels and nerves, and they are extremely sensitive.
#5 Forgotten Teeth
This is something even we can relate to. Having a toothache is super painful and it happens when the teeth aren’t really taken care of correctly.
Dental neglect can lead to something called plaque – a sticky film of bacteria. Over time, this can harden and develop into tartar, causing gum inflammation and irritation.
If tartar is left untreated, it can further develop into periodontal disease. This is a severe dental condition that affects the gums, the periodontal ligament, and the jawbone. It can cause pain, tooth loss, and can even affect the overall health of your doggo.
Other issues of dental neglect are bad breath, abscesses, infections, and tooth decay.
In order to avoid these issues, you must brush your dog’s pearly whites regularly, give him dental chews and toys, and take him to the vet for his oral checkups.
#6 Missed Quality Time
Everybody knows how much dogs love playtime. But, did you know that playtime is crucial in order for our fluffy companions to stay healthy and happy?
If they don’t engage in playtime regularly, they can become bored and restless, which can result in some pretty bad behavior. They may start barking or chewing on furniture or anything else, which will get your attention.
It can also lead to some overall health issues. If your doggo doesn’t get his daily intake of physical activity, he can easily become obese. This can create a chain reaction in which your dog may experience diabetes, joint problems, or heart disease.
Playtime also provides mental stimulation and social skills, which help reduce anxiety and stress.
Final Word
Now that we have sniffed out the potential dangers, it is time to go back and safely spend every passing day with our best furry friends!
It is important to keep yourself informed on the best ways to keep your dogs safe. It only takes a little extra care to ensure that our doggos have a pawfect life!