Dogs have been our faithful companions through countless ages, standing loyally by our sides through thick and thin and offering unconditional love, complete devotion, and, most of all, friendship. In fact, Fido has become such a close friend that it can be easy to forget that he has very different needs than we do. We are here to help! A local Bull Valley, IL vet lists some common dog care mistakes in this article.
Lack of Stimulation/Exercise
Dogs are very smart, and need proper activity and stimulation. Provide your furry friend with plenty of fun toys, and play with him every day. Even if you have a yard for Fido to patrol, we recommend taking him on daily walks, so he can get some exercise, sniff some grass, and experience a change of scenery.
Not Enough Veterinary Care
Many of our canine patients don’t visit us as often as they should. Most dogs should see the vet at least once a year, though puppies, senior pooches, and dogs with medical issues may need more frequent appointments. If your faithful friend is overdue for veterinary care, call us today for an appointment.
Inadequate Training
Proper training is very important, both for petiquette and safety reasons. In addition to being housetrained, Fido should know basic doggy obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Make sure your canine buddy has this basic training down pat! If your pet has bad habits, such as jumping on people, consult a behaviorist.
Negative Reinforcement
We know, it can be frustrating to discover that your furry pal has torn up your couch cushions or dug a hole in your yard, but you should never punish your pooch for misbehaving. Fido isn’t deliberately being destructive: he’s just following his instincts, or perhaps trying to find an outlet for anxiety or excess energy. Dogs don’t understand the concept of punishment, so if you reprimand your pet, you may just make him feel scared, anxious, or angry. Instead, keep things positive by focusing on rewarding good behavior.
Lack Of Dental Care
Your dog’s dental health is crucial to his health and well-being, but many pet owners unintentionally overlook this aspect of Fido’s care. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health, behavior, or care? Call us, your local Bull Valley, IL animal hospital clinic, today!
