Owning
a dog requires much care and patience. To be a responsible pet
parent, you will need to understand your dog's physical and emotional
needs, as well as hazards to your pet's health and safety. Besides
providing the basics such as food, water, and a place to sleep, you
need to avoid certain mistakes that may cause harm to your pet. Here
are a few common blunders to keep clear of.
1.
Failing to Microchip Your Dog
While
providing a collar and identification tag is beneficial to a large
extent, this might not be sufficient in the event of your dog getting
loose and becoming lost. The ID tag that Fido wears will be useless
should the clasp break off or the collar is removed accidentally or
intentionally. If you want to ensure your pet's identity will remain
throughout his or her lifetime, ask your vet about microchipping.
The
microchip goes under the skin of your dog with the use of a needle
and is basically a computer chip. The chip will have an
identification number and invaluable information should your dog
become lost. Doing this simple procedure at the vet's office takes
little time and effort, and it could help reunite an owner with a
lost dog.
Why
take the risk of losing your pet forever when a microchip will
provide extra security and peace of mind?
2.
Forgetting to Dog-Proof Your Home and Yard
Just
as a new parent would baby-proof their home, responsible dog owners
should do the same. Think about the hazards that may lurk within. If
you have plants throughout the home, get rid of the poisonous
varieties, or, at the very least, place them on a high shelf and out
of reach of a curious canine. Also, keep electrical cords out of
reach, as many dogs will chew on them if accessible.
Keep
chemicals and toxic cleaners out of your pet's reach, as well as
medications. Tell other household members, including children, not to
drop small objects on the floor. Needles, buttons, and tiny toy parts
may become a choking hazard for your pet or may cause an obstruction
if swallowed.
If
your dog spends time in the yard, closely inspect the grounds. Do not
forget that many flowers can be toxic to your pet if ingested. Also,
trim your lawn regularly, as tall grass may be a perfect hiding spot
for fleas and ticks that may harm your dog. Avoid the use of
pesticides, as these chemicals are also toxic if ingested.
3.
Not Recognizing Your Dog's Emotional Needs
Caring
for your pet's physical needs is vitally important, but some pet
owners are apt to forget that dogs have emotional needs as well.
Failing to provide social interaction and mental stimulation on a
regular basis may be detrimental to your dog's well-being.
As
a responsible dog owner, make it a part of your regular routine to
set aside time for your pet. Take your dog to the park where you can
play together. Also, allow your furry friend to interact with other
people and pets.
Enrich
your dog's life by providing toys and rotating them on a regular
basis. Foraging toys, interactive toys, and chew toys are all
beneficial. Puzzle toys that hide treats are fun for canines as well.
Preventing boredom may also help to avoid destructive behavior of
your pet.
Equally
important as all the above, do not neglect to provide
routine veterinary
care
for
your dog. Wellness exams can help ensure optimal health and detect
health issues before they become serious. Contact us at Angel Pet
Hospital if you have any questions or concerns.
