As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog is not only comfortable, they are also safe and happy. In fact, they are unable to care for themselves in many different ways and without your dedication and forethought, they will surely suffer.
There are certain things that some pet owners do that should never be done to any dog. Some of them may seem harmless or perhaps even “normal” but they can be quite harmful to the animal. Here are 7 different things that you should never do to any dog. Pay attention to this list and they will appreciate it!
1. Never Leave Your Dog in a Car
When the weather becomes warmer outside, the car quickly becomes a type of greenhouse that could cause your animal to become sick or they could even die! In the wintertime, the car may hold the cold and become a type of refrigerator with equally detrimental issues. It is never a good idea to leave your dog in a car unattended.
2. Make Your Dog Live outside
Dogs should have access to the outdoors for a variety of reasons and at times, your dog may even enjoy being outside for a lengthy amount of time if the weather is nice and the dog is supervised. It is never acceptable, however, to force a dog to live outdoors year-round. Not only do they need human interaction, it is unhealthy and unfair.
3. Neglect Their Dental Health
Most dog owners know that it is recommended to brush a dogs teeth daily but fewer than 2 out of 100 dog owners follow through. The majority of dogs with periodontal disease also have to live with it untreated. A veterinarian should check your dog’s teeth annually and as a dog owner, you should be in a regular habit of caring for their dental health. When you begin caring for their teeth, make sure you have the proper supplies and never use human toothpaste!
4. Never, EVER Hit a Dog
Punishing a dog by hitting them is unacceptable on far too many levels. Not only does it break the trust between you and the animal, it also lowers his self-esteem and may even cause him to fear you. A dog with low self-esteem is more likely to lash out aggressively at an unexpected time.
5. Don’t Think That Your Dog Has No Feelings
Just like humans, dogs have many different emotions. In fact, scientific studies have displayed over and over again the ability of animals to read human emotions and to experience emotions of their own, including love. In addition, dogs can become depressed or even get excited over different situations.
6. Don’t Skip Veterinary Visits
Many dog owners feel as if they can care for the dog adequately on their own, including when they are sick. There is nothing wrong with doing online research when your dog is not feeling well, but don’t try to handle the situation without the help of a qualified veterinarian.
7. Don’t Crate a Dog for Wrong Reasons
The choice to crate a dog is one that every pet owner must make for themselves. A crate can be quite beneficial for both the owners and the animals, as it provides a private place for the animal. You should never crate a dog when they are being bad, as they may end up associating the kennel with a bad area of the home. The kennel should be a safe haven, not a timeout area.
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