Dog Tips: 7 Things You Should NEVER Do

Most dog tips give you advice on best ways to take care of your dog. All good! But you should also be aware of those things that you should never do to your dog. Ever.

If you’re a pet owner, you know how special the bond is between you and your furry friend. Your dog is always there to listen to you, to comfort you, and to cheer you up after a bad day. That’s why it’s so important to treat your pup right. So we put together these dog tips for you to keep in mind.

Dog Tips: 7 Things You Should Never Do To Your Dog

1. Never Leave Your Dog Alone In The Car

Not only does leaving your dog alone in the car put your precious pup at risk of getting stolen, it also leaves them susceptible to dangerous temperatures. Weather that is too hot or too cold for dog can have a devastating effect on them, even if you leave the windows cracked. (1)

2. Never Overfeed Your Dog

Treats are a great way to reward your dog with good behavior, but overfeeding them can cause health problems. Make sure you keep an eye on the scale when it comes to your furry friend to ensure they are at a healthy weight! (2)

3. Never Forget About Their Teeth

Hygiene is important when it comes to your pup! Just like their human buddies, dogs can develop diseases in the mouth and tooth infections. If left untreated, these problems can spread throughout the body. Make sure your vet checks your dog’s teeth each time they visit, and don’t forget to give them a good cleaning! (3)

4. Never Use The Wrong Collar

If your dog’s collar seems a little too snug, get a new one right away. Each dog breed has its own specific needs when it comes to a collar. Some dogs need a collar that sits around the neck while others need a harness instead. Ask your vet about collar details for your pup, and make sure it’s the perfect size! (4)

5. Never Share Dangerous Food With Your Dog

OK – let’s admit it. People love to show love through food. You might want to give into those puppy eyes and slip your furry friend a few bites off of your plate, but many foods are dangerous for dogs. Before you sneak your pup a few leftovers, make sure you do your research about which foods are healthy for dogs and which ones are dangerous. (5)

6. Never Hit Your Dog

Never hit your dog in any way as a form of punishment. Not only will it lower your dog’s confidence, it will also make him more likely to lash out later on. Even a newspaper to the nose can diminish the bond between the two of you. Besides, dog’s don’t “hit” each other as a correction. Better to be your best human and leave the physical dog stuff to the dogs. (6)

7. Never Let Your Dog Lead You

When you take Fido out for a walk, make sure he’s walking beside you or following your lead. A dog that runs out in front of you might accidentally run into traffic. If your dog is exhibiting bossy behavior, get a shorter leash and work on training him to follow your lead. Better yet, simply take the lead, without emotion or food. Walking beside you is simply how life should be. (7)