If you pay attention to the news of animal-loving organizations such as The Dodo or your local animal shelter, you’re probably aware that some dogs have a hard time with terrible owners. Abandoned, malnourished, chained all day long in the garden, this is not what a dog’s life should be about. Thankfully, the world is full of caring people who go the extra length to bring joy and love into the lives of these dogs.
As a dog lover, you know that you’ll never be the owner who neglects their pup. You love dogs, and that’s why yours gets plenty of food, a warm shelter, and regular walks. But, before you praise yourself for being the best dog owner in the country, you might want to check that you are, indeed, doing everything right. Sometimes, when we try to do the right thing, we end up doing our pets more harm than good. Don’t be the dog owner who unknowingly puts their pet at risk.
Don’t let your dog be depressed:
You’ve got long days at work. So, to make sure your beloved Rex doesn’t feel bored or lonely, you’ve bought him a few toys. Here’s the thing, though. Your dog, just like you, needs to socialize to be happy. If you don’t take the time to play with your dog in the evening or to let him play with other dogs, you may be endangering Rex’s mental health. Did you know that dogs that don’t receive enough attention can get depressed? So, also consider how you could fulfill your dog’s social needs day after day. We get it: After a long and hectic day, all you want is to sit on the sofa and chill. But spending quality time with Rex can go a long way!
Don’t leave your dog unprotected:
Rex doesn’t like fences. He can’t see what’s going on.
You may not want to block your dog’s view, but you can’t leave Rex in an open garden. Your pup is likely to run away. If you don’t want to spend countless hours every day looking for your dog, you need to put fences up. Additionally, running into a foreign neighborhood could confuse or scare your pet. Cities are loud and filled with terrifying vehicles. A panicked dog could run amok, get injured, or even hurt someone. You don’t need your neighbor to complain about getting bitten by a dog, especially when it’s yours. Scared dogs can become aggressive because they believe they are under attack.
It’s never just a little snack:
Sharing your snacks with your dog is the most natural thing. As a pet owner, you want to let your dog have something nice too. However, your sweet attention may be affecting your pet’s health. Treats should not become a symbol of your love. Too many dog owners are facilitating obesity when they only hope to be kind to their pups. Make sure to control portion sizes and to choose healthy snack options.
Dog lovers are often guilty of putting their pets at risk without noticing it. Because you want the best for your pup, you can make the wrong decisions with dramatic consequences. The golden rule, when you are responsible for your pet’s health, is to ask yourself how your choices affect Rex’s mental and physical well being.
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