Many of the items on this list are things we do (or don’t do!) almost daily, without even thinking about them. And while we shouldn’t live in fear, it is good to pause from time to time and think about the risks we are taking with our dogs and whether it’s worth it.
#1 – Giving Cooked Bones
This is one of those debates that has been going on forever. Many people swear they have given their dogs raw bones for years with never a problem. Others have tragic cautionary tales. The main thing – is it really worth the risk? There are plenty of alternative chews for dogs that make this risk unnecessary.
#2 -Letting the Dog Walk You
A dog that pulls can cause you to fall, pull you into traffic, or knock over someone else. These are just a few of the injuries noted by the Center for Disease and Control that are caused by dogs.
#3 – Taking Puppy on Outings without Vaccines
This one is so tough. You have a new puppy and you want to show him off and make sure he is socialized. The mistake many people make is letting this young pup wander around in places other dogs have been without the puppy receiving their shots. Your puppy can get all kinds of things, including the deadly Parvo Virus.
#4 – Hands Full While Walking Dog
Do you try to juggle your leash, coffee, smartphone, purse, dog toy, etc., in your two hands? Walking with hands full can cause the same injuries as a dog that pulls. Even worse is talking or texting while walking your dog. Just like driving, it can cause accidents.
#5 – Not Enough Exercise
Everyone knows a dog likes to have exercise, but most of us do not really think of it as a “must do.” But you should. Not exercising your dog puts him at risk for all kinds of health issues and will even shorten his life.
#6 – Overfeeding
Like too little exercise, too much food will make your dog overweight, which poses many risks. Ask your vet if you think you are overfeeding.
#7 – Leaving Young Kids Unattended with a Dog
Regardless of how calm and well-trained your dog is, you should never leave a young child unattended with a dog. And it’s not just for the child’s safety, but the dog’s as well. Young children can be rough and they could injure a dog, especially a small one.
#8 – Skipping Vet Checks
The dog looks fine, she doesn’t need to go to the vet, you think. So, you save the money. However, there can be things going on internally that you can’t see, or maybe subtle changes that you don’t notice but a trained professional will. Waiting could actually end up costing you more money in treatments. Plus, usually the sooner you catch something, the easier it is to treat.
#9 – Skipping Flea Treatment
For best results, flea medications should be given year round. Many owners stop using it during the winter months to save money – the fleas die in cold weather, right? Except, your house is a nice warm 70 degrees, it’s not winter in there, which means fleas and/or their eggs could be in your carpet, furnishings, even you or the dog. Is that really worth the risk?
#10 – Letting Dog Off-Leash
It’s nice to give a dog his freedom, but letting your dog off-leash in an unenclosed area has too many risks to name. Your dog can run away, get hit by a car, lost, attacked by another animal, the list goes on and on. Better safe and on leash than sorry.
