Dog owners should always want to do right by their pet. But even the most well-meaning pet parents can make a few missteps—especially in those early days of your and your pup’s time together, when you’re still figuring things out and Googling everything.
To help set the record straight (and circumvent potential emergencies), we spoke with an emergency and critical care veterinarian to uncover some of the most common mistakes dog owners make—and how to avoid them.
Meet the Expert
Corinna Palko, DVM, veterinary criticalist at MedVet Medical and Cancer Center for Pets, Cincinnati
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Skipping Regular Vet Visits
One of the biggest missteps? Waiting until something seems wrong before heading to the vet. “Primary care veterinarians are at the forefront of recognizing the early phases of various disease processes,” says veterinary criticalist Corinna Palko, DVM. These visits allow your vet to catch small problems before they turn serious, she explains, help monitor your dog’s weight, diet, and dental health, and keep vaccinations up to date.
“Having regular check ups for our dogs allow primary care veterinarians to pick up on subtle changes in physical exams and routine blood work that can indicate a much larger problem,” says Palko. “Early diagnosis of any disease minimizes patient suffering and improves treatment outcomes.”
Using Retractable Leashes
Retractable leashes are often used to give dogs more freedom on walks—but Palko warns that their risks don’t outweigh any benefits. “Unfortunately, retractable leashes often make controlling dogs in stressful situations more challenging,” says Palko. This includes limiting interactions with other dogs and correcting inappropriate behaviors.
“They can also result in injuries to both our four-legged friends as well as their human companions,” adds Palko. “I, unfortunately, have treated many dog patients with lacerations requiring stitches from being entangled in retractable leashes,” she shares.
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Underestimating Mental Stimulation
Most pet parents understand the importance of ensuring their dog gets their required exercise, but physical exercise isn’t the whole story. Boredom can often lead to behavioral problems, especially in high-energy pups. Think: chewing things they shouldn’t be, or excessive barking when left alone.
Puzzle toys, training games, and new experiences (like taking a different walking route) can all help provide the cognitive stimulation your dog needs.
Disregarding Kennel Training
Kennel or crate training is the process of acclimating a pup to a dog crate or enclosed space, so they feel comfortable and safe inside. It’s helpful if you need to leave your dog alone, and can ease discomfort during vet stays. “Providing kennel training helps keep dogs happier and calmer in the hospital setting,” explains Palko.
“Their kennel in an emergency and specialty hospital is the equivalent of a hospital bed for a person in a human hospital. When dogs become ill and require emergency care and a hospital stay, they are required to stay in a kennel to keep them safe and allow treatments and medications to be delivered.”
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Bringing Toxic Plants Into Your Home and Garden
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Trust us—we get it: your plants are your babies. But many can cause harm to your beloved canine. “Dog parents are great at minimizing toxic chemicals entering the home environment, such as cleaners and fertilizers,” notes Palko. “But one thing that can easily be overlooked is ornamental plants and pet safety.”
“Many common household plants can be toxic to dogs if ingested, including sago palm trees, rhododendrons, and oleander, to name a few,” says Palko. “Ingestion of these various plants can lead to serious complications in our furry friends and result in a hospital stay.”
Keep your home free of harmful houseplants. And if there is anyway your dog can access your garden, be sure it’s similarly free of toxicities or install secure gates or enclosures.
Related: 14 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs, According to Veterinarians
Forgetting That Dogs Aren’t People
We love our dogs like family—but they’re still animals with different needs and instincts. Examples? Dressing your dog in uncomfortable costumes or clothes for extended periods of time, assuming your pup enjoys hugs, or expecting them to behave like a child. The better you understand canine body language and behavior, the more attuned you’ll be to what your dog really needs.
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