1. Not Reading Up on Different Dog Breeds The most common mistake future dog owners make, according to Gina Spadafori, pet columnist and executive editor of PetConnection.com, is not doing enough research before heading to the breeder or shelter. "People end up with a pet that is inappropriate for their home, their living situation and their lifestyle," says Spadafori.
"Dogs come in such a huge range of sizes, temperaments and exercise needs." Before you buy or adopt, consider your space, children, other pets and any allergies. If you have a particular breed in mind, pay attention to genetic traits. "Know what genetic diseases are possible in the breed or the mix of breeds you're getting," Spadafori says. "And do not get a dog from a breeder who did not do the genetic testing." To find out what tests each breed needs, visit CanineHealthInfo.org.
2. Assuming a Puppy Is Always Better Than a Dog
Puppies are extremely needy, requiring ample amounts of time, attention, training and more. "When people think about puppies, they don't think about how much time and money is involved in that first year," Spadafori says. "If your real goal is to get a good dog, then pick one that is 1 or 2 years old." A number of breeders train dogs for shows, and if those dogs don't make the cut for whatever reason, the breeder will be looking to place that dog, who is already trained and socialized in a good home.
Great dogs are also available at animal shelters. "It’s a mistake to think the older dog won't bond with you," Spadafori says. "The best dog I ever had I got at 2 years old. Rescue dogs know when they've found their forever home."
3. Not Making Exercise a Priority
Dogs are physical animals, and need daily exercise for optimal health, which means their owners need to make time for that as well. "Dogs had a working role in the past. They herded cattle, they guarded stuff, they retrieved stuff…now they're born retired," says Marty Becker, DVM, author of Your Dog: The Owner's Manual. He recommends brisk walks, playing fetch with tennis balls and, for larger breeds such as golden retrievers, a Chuckit Ball Launcher. "A basic rule of thumb is that all dogs should receive at least 45 to 60 total minutes per day of physical exercise and 15 minutes of behavioral training to be happy, well-adjusted canines," says Michael Landa, CEO of Natural Pet Food brand Nulo. "And this is really just a starting point. The actual amount can vary greatly depending on the dog's age, breed and health status."
4. Not Reading Pet Food Labels
While many people pick their dog food based on price, there are several other important factors to consider, particularly nutrition. "Pet food can have a huge effect on how your pet feels, which can translate into how your pet behaves," Landa says. The key is understanding the ingredient list. "The first two ingredients should be meat and meat meals.
Dogs are carnivores. They really need high-meat diets, and that's the only way to guarantee you'll have a high amount of protein," Landa says, recommending brands such as Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux.
5. Doling Out Too Many Treats
Obesity is a huge problem with dogs, especially in the United States. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. "Everybody gives treats; veterinary nutritionists give their pets treats," Dr. Becker says. However, he cautions that treats have their place, and should be used sparingly. Instead of special snacks, Dr. Becker recommends taking their regular food and giving it to them away from the bowl, which turns it into a treat. Or just give your pet more words of encouragement or "emotional Milk-Bones," as Dr. Becker calls them, such as: "You're a good boy," "That's a good girl!" “They go crazy, their tails wag and there are no empty calories." Whatever approach you take, Dr. Becker advises that treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake.
6. Babying Your Dog Too Much
Dressing them up, talking baby talk and sleeping with your dog may sound like good ways to show love, but that’s not always the case. "It may be good for us, but it is not the best thing for your dog," Landa says. "People think it's really cute to have their dog sleep with them in bed, but dogs are pack animals, so if you're letting your dog into the bed without permission, your dog begins to think of itself as on par with the pack master." This makes it harder to enforce rules and control bad behavior. "You're telling him on the one hand that he's equal to you, and on the other that he's not, so it can create anxiety," he says.
Boundaries and rules make dogs happier because they know exactly where they fit in. If you do want to sleep with your dog, Landa recommends only letting him on the bed when you invite him, so that there is a clear division of authority.
7. Washing Your Dog Only When Dirty
Bathing your dog can be cumbersome, but it’s essential for his or her health. Veterinary dermatologists recommend bathing your dog once a week to get rid of spores, dust, dust mites and even MRSA, the highly resistant staph virus. "Most of the time humans give MRSA to pets, and pets act as a reservoir and ping-pong it back and forth.
A new study showed that bathing was more effective for getting rid of it than using antibiotic treatments," Dr. Becker says. Plus, a clean coat makes for an even more huggable dog.
8. Not Brushing Their Teeth
Sometimes you don't even want to brush your own teeth, let alone your dog's. But according to Dr. Becker, this is one of the biggest problems in canine health. "The number-one thing we diagnose is periodontal disease,” he says. “So if you do daily oral care, or even a few times weekly, you'll be saving yourself money in the end." Brushing every day is the gold standard. But if you can't, there are alternatives, such as a dental vaccine against periodontal disease, as well as oral health products, like the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit and C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews. "Dog's teeth are not only used for chewing, they are their front hands, that's how they pick up something and carry it," says Dr. Becker.
More important, they need their teeth to regulate their body temperature. "If those teeth aren't in place, they can't pant, and if they can't pant, they can't regulate heat
9. Passing on Parasite Control
Parasite control isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s a necessary one. Year-round coverage is essential; to prevent parasites, get a veterinary checkup every six to 12 months, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's guidelines.
Ask your veterinarian what parasites your dog is at risk for, it will depend on your pet's lifestyle, location and anything that's going around the neighborhood. In addition, have a heartworm test performed annually, and a fecal examination at least twice a year to make sure your pet’s system is clear.
10. Being Unprepared for Serious Illness
Understanding your dog’s breed and its healthcare needs is important, but it’s especially important when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of serious illness. "Have a basic list of symptoms handy," recommends Spadafori. "Knowing what is and isn't an emergency will save your dog's life and save you a lot of money." And if your pet is sick, don’t waste time trying to help him yourself. "If you are worried your dog is critically ill, you need to get hold of a vet. You cannot go online and get a diagnosis or a cure," she says. "People think they're saving money by not going to the vet, but then you're going to end up with a very sick dog and spend a lot more money." Before an emergency arises, inform yourself by researching your dog at DoggedHealth.com or at Animal.Discovery.com.
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