Dog Ownership Taboos: Key Mistakes You Must Avoid

When owning an adorable dog, every owner hopes to provide them with the best care and attention. However, some behaviors may seem harmless but can actually seriously jeopardize the health and happiness of our pets.

This article explores common misconceptions in dog ownership that may inadvertently harm the relationship between us and our beloved dogs. If you're a dog enthusiast who cares about your pet's health, it's crucial to pay attention to these points as these actions may equivalent to harming your dog.

Nine misunderstandings about raising a dog

1.Long-term confinement at home

Dogs are naturally fond of freedom and dislike being restrained. However, confining a dog at home or even in a cage solely to prevent it from being taken away or infected by bacteria from other dogs is extremely unfair. Prolonged confinement suppresses their nature severely and can cause significant harm to their physical and mental well-being.

2.Bathing whenever dirty

Frequent bathing of dogs is highly inappropriate as it easily damages their natural skin protection layer. When this layer is compromised, it can lead to extensive hair loss and various skin diseases. Bathing is intended to keep dogs clean, but excessive frequency can have adverse effects on their skin health, something dog owners need to be particularly aware of and avoid.

3.Not going to the hospital when ill

Thinking that taking a dog to a pet hospital is not worth it and opting to buy medicine at home is completely wrong. We often do not understand the specifics of a dog's illness. Blindly medicating based on subjective judgment is irresponsible. It may worsen the dog's condition, delay optimal treatment, and cause greater pain and suffering.

4.Using human shampoo

Due to differences in skin acidity and alkalinity, using human bath products for dogs can easily dry out their skin, accelerate aging, and even cause hair loss. The correct approach is to use pet-specific bath products. If unavailable, baby bath products can be used as alternatives.

5.Tail and ear cropping

Dogs seen on TV with cropped ears and tails are often hunting dogs. This is because their ears and tails are easily hindered by branches and other objects while chasing prey in dense forests. However, some people purely do this to stand out, which is a cruel act against dogs. We should firmly oppose such animal-harming behavior and protect their rights.

6.Arbitrary shaving

Many people shave dogs just to make them look more attractive, which is a highly incorrect practice. Dog fur serves an important protective function for their bodies, not only providing warmth but also preventing them from being scratched. Arbitrary shaving can have many adverse effects on dogs.

7.Feeding any bones

Dogs have always liked gnawing bones, and feeding them occasionally is good, at least to help clean their teeth and help them chew. However, not all bones are suitable for dogs to gnaw on, such as chicken and duck bones.

8.Feeding dog food and cat food together

In a family where a dog is kept and a cat is kept, it is often found that dog food and cat food are fed together, but if a dog often eats cat food, it is easy to lead to excessive levels of acid, thus causing poisoning!

9.Feeding dog food and cat food together

In households with both dogs and cats, it's common to mix dog food and cat food when feeding. However, if dogs regularly consume cat food, it can lead to excess taurine and potentially cause poisoning. Please avoid these misconceptions to protect your dog's health.

Please protect your dog

As dog owners, our responsibility extends beyond providing food and shelter to understanding and respecting their individual needs and preferences. Avoiding the behaviors mentioned above not only helps maintain our pets' health and happiness but also deepens the bond between us. By following these simple guidelines, we can ensure a more enjoyable and fulfilling life for our furry companions.