Bringing a dog into your life is a huge thing. Dogs are the most loyal and loving creatures known to man, but it is also a huge responsibility.
It is not easy to have an animal live with you. And on top of that, there are a lot of mistakes that new dog parents make.
We will help you to overcome those mistakes by making a full list of some of the most common slip-ups that a first-time dog parent could be making. Read on and pay full attention.
Not taking it to a vet early
Many people make the mistake of thinking that one should only take a dog to a vet only if it falls sick. However, nothing could be further from the truth. You need to visit the vet the moment you get the dog.
They give vaccines to the dog, carry out a lot of wellness checks, and also detect diseases in their early stages. It is also necessary to visit the vet periodically in order to keep a check on the dog’s health.
In fact, you should find a reliable vet before you get a dog, and establish a good working relationship with them.
Not administering any or all of the Vet-Recommended Vaccinations
This is a very important thing. You should be carrying out ALL the vaccinations that are recommended to you by the vet.
The most important vaccines include those to treat parvovirus, influenza, Bordetella, Lyme disease, and rabies.
You should do it as fast as you can, lest it should become too late. Many first-time dog owners fail to do this, which backfires on them later.
Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to diseases or infections than others, so you should take precautions before it is too late.
Not Correctly Socializing Your Dog
A dog should be exposed to different types of environments in order to familiarize it with various kinds of settings.
If not done early, your puppy may face problems adjusting to the outside world.
It can start barking at people incessantly, chasing cars, or displaying other sorts of maladjusted behavior. If you don’t set it right at the earliest, then it will be difficult to reign them in at a later stage.
You should also frequently take it to visit your close friends and family, so that it can develop a quick familiarity.
Not taking care of the environmental risks
There are several factors in the environment that can be a risk to your health. Many places are contaminated with germs such as parvovirus.
To add to it, there are many common household items that can be hazardous to dogs; such as common toxins in the house, or plants that may be dangerous to dogs.
You should also remember to keep knives and other sharp objects away from their reach. Some pups can be really curious, just like human children. You don’t want an accident on your hands, do you?
Not taking care of its diet
Many people think that it is okay to feed dogs raw chicken.
However, It’s nothing short of dangerous. Before you get a dog, you should read up on the correct dietary requirements for dogs. You should also take note of the specific diet which should be given to the particular breed that you are adopting.
You should make sure to provide a complete and balanced diet to your canines– one that contains essential nutrients and approved by your vet.
If you have a doubt on what you can feed your dog, or if your dog is allergic to anything, then consult the vet for the correct food advice.
Look out for foods that may be harmful for your dog when provided in an excessive amount.
Slacking on the exercise routines
Not all dogs need an equal amount of exercise. Some breeds need less exercise, while others require at least two hours worth of running and games time.
Take your dog out on walks every single day, teach it cool games such as fetch and puzzle-solving, and make sure it gets a lot of time in the open.
Getting to work its body muscles is very important for a dog, and you should not neglect that side of them.
This is yet another reason to do proper research on the breed of dog you’re bringing home.
Ignoring its grooming needs
Grooming is something that is very important to a dog.
You should be taking notice of the growing nails, matted fur, dirty skin or unclean ears of your pooch. And, taking action accordingly.
Daily bathing and grooming practices such as nail cutting, debri clearing, ear cleaning etc. is of huge importance.
Flea infestations on the dog’s skin, or ticks in its ear could cause huge health issues for it later on, and should be addressed in a timely manner.
If you feel unable to do it yourself, take your dog for a visit to the dog groomer.
Smoking in the presence of your dog
The fumes of tobacco are as toxic to your dog as they are to any human.
Therefore, it is advised that you should avoid smoking near your dog under all circumstances. Dogs inhaling the tobacco fumed could be dangerous for its health.
It could cause them to develop eye infections, respiratory issues or other various health problems. If you need to take a few drags on your cigarette, then do it when your pet’s not around.
Not spaying/neutering your dog
Many first-time dog owners do not realize the importance of sterilization. Spaying or neutering your dog not only prevents the birth of puppies, but also gives a lot of health benefits to your dog.
Studies have found that spaying your dog actually increases its lifespan, and also makes it healthier in general.
It is also necessary to neuter your male dog to prevent it from impregnating female street dogs and exposing newborn puppies to neglect and abuse that they could potentially face.
As soon as you get a dog, consult a vet about getting it neutered or spayed.
Neglecting getting proper ID/microchipping for your dog
Many dogs tend to run away from their homes. During this time, they can be lost, starving, injured or even abused.
It is important to fit your dog with an internal microchip so that it can be identified later by anyone who finds it.
In fact, most vets say that it is necessary to have both microchipping and collar identification systems in place in order to prevent any tragedy.
Not everyone who finds your runaway dog is going to have a scanner, so you should ensure that your pooch has a strong collar made from durable material.
Getting a breed that is a mismatch for your home
There are some breeds which are comfortable staying in small apartments, and others who love big, spacious homes.
The latter kind are mostly the breeds who require a lot of physical exercise and need adequate running space.
If you live in a small apartment and get a dog which prefers big spaces, then it is likely to feel suffocated or claustrophobic.
Before getting a dog, you should research it well, and see whether that particular breed is suitable to your home. Once you do that, you should choose the breed accordingly.
Leaving it alone for long periods of time
Some breeds of dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time. They can develop separation anxiety and can also become depressed.
This is why it is very important to always keep your dog in good company even when you have to be away for long periods of time.
You can try hiring a dog-sitter, or getting someone to check on it every few hours. Your dog is like a kid which needs reassurance and checking by its parents all the time.
Not teaching them boundaries or good etiquette
You need to establish boundaries when you get a pet dog. It is important to let them know that you’re in charge. You should train it to obey your commands, and also punish it if it fails to do so.
A disobedient dog is a problem, and if things escalate to a bad situation, consult a trainer or a vet.
Just like with boundaries, it is also important to teach your dog good etiquette. You should train your dog to be well-behaved with guests or strangers.
They should not be jumping or barking aggressively at random people for no reason.
They should also be toilet trained so as to avoid soiling your home or furniture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we want to say that a dog is a very precious part of our lives. It is a buddy, guardian, protector and cuddler– all rolled into one.
Take good care of it, and don’t make any of the mistakes that we have listed above.
All dogs deserve a great life, and we need to make sure they’re getting it.
