14 Things You Must Stop Doing With Your Dog

If you’re a dog owner, there are certain things you should never do with your beloved dog.

These bad habits can seriously affect your dog’s health and well-being, from feeding them table scraps to neglecting their exercise needs.

This article shares 14 things you must stop doing with your dog.

Stop Feeding Your Dog Table Scraps

multi colored dog eating from a green food bowl

If you love your pup, it’s best to avoid feeding them table scraps.

Dogs love people’s food, and while it may seem like a harmless act of kindness, feeding your pup from the table can lead to long-term health issues.

Often, human foods are too high in salt, fat, and sugars for a dog’s digestive system, which can upset their stomachs.

But don’t worry, some human foods are actually good for dogs!

Your furry friend is much better off sticking to a balanced diet specifically for dogs with all the nutrients he needs for a healthy life.

Treats are ok, but be sure that wasn’t already on your pet’s dinner plate!

Make sure to show some doggy love in other ways, such as going on walks or extra belly rubs instead of those tasty table scraps.

Stop Being Impatient With Your Dog

Patience is key when it comes to training your dog.

It will take more than a few tries if your pup wants to learn something, like how to sit or stay.

Being impatient and scolding your dog will only make them scared or wary of you and learning new commands. Instead, reward their good behavior with treats and praise!

This way, they understand what they’re doing right and are motivated to keep trying.

Show them patience while they learn, and be mindful of their cognitive limitations.

It may not happen overnight, but with practice and consistency, your pup will become the obedient four-legged friend you always wanted in no time.

Don’t Think Your Dog Doesn’t Mind The Weather

brown dog laying in the sun on the ground

It’s a common misconception that dogs don’t mind the weather and can handle being outside in any condition.

Unfortunately, this is far from the truth – dog owners must be aware of the effects of weather on their pets and take measures to protect them accordingly.

From extreme heat or cold to rain and snow, various conditions can hurt your pup’s health if left unchecked.

It is up to us as responsible pet owners to ensure our furry friends are safe when exposed to various elements by providing appropriate shelter, clothing, shade, and water whenever necessary.

By taking these steps, we can ensure our canine companions remain comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at them!

Stop Putting Off Getting Your Dog Groomed

Regarding pet care, one of the most important tasks is regular grooming for your dog.

Sure, it’s a little time-consuming and requires keeping up with an appointment scheduled for the groomer, but it’s worth it.

Properly groomed animals not only look and smell better, but they feel better too.

If you’re skipping out on getting your pup groomed regularly, you could risk their health.

A lack of brushing can result in matted fur, which becomes painful and difficult to remove without causing discomfort.

Furthermore, grooming can identify any bumps, lumps, or other issues indicative of more serious medical concerns.

Getting your pup groomed means keeping them healthy, so don’t put off scheduling the next appointment!

Don’t Use Human Products For Your Dog

white little dog gets a bath

Dog owners must remember that human products should never be used on their dogs.

Many people mistakenly think that they must be safe for their pets because the ingredients are natural.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and can even lead to dangerous consequences if used incorrectly or without veterinary approval.

Even something seemingly harmless as essential oils, can cause serious harm when used improperly.

For these reasons and more, it is best to avoid using human products on your pup and instead stick with specially formulated dog products (like dog shampoo) whenever possible.

Avoid Using Strong Fragrances

Dog owners must be aware that certain strong fragrances can cause harm to their furry friends.

Using strong scents like perfumes, colognes, air fresheners, and even essential oils can negatively affect dogs.

These fragrances are often too intense for a dog’s sensitive nose and can lead to respiratory issues such as sneezing or coughing. 

Additionally, these smells may confuse a dog’s sense of smell, making them disoriented or scared by unfamiliar odors.

In some cases, it can also trigger allergies in humans and animals.

To ensure your pup is safe from any potential danger caused by strong fragrances, avoid using them around your pet at all costs!

Stop leaving your dog alone in the yard for hours on end

multi colored dog laying on grass in sun and waits

Leaving your dog alone in the yard for hours can have serious consequences.

It is cruel and unfair to the animal and can also be dangerous or even deadly for the pet and anyone who may come into contact with them.

Dogs are social animals that need companionship and attention from their owners.

If you don’t pay attention to them, they may become upset, sad, or anxious, which can lead to bad behavior like barking too much or breaking things.

Also, if your dog is outside and not properly watched, he could get into trouble by chewing on electrical cords or eating poisonous things like antifreeze or rat poison.

Also, if you leave your dog outside without watching it, other animals, like coyotes and stray dogs, could attack it.

Because of all these things, you should never leave your dog alone in the yard for long periods of time without proper supervision.

Stop Letting Your Dog Run Loose In The Neighborhood 

Letting your dog run loose in the neighborhood can be a great way for them to get some exercise and mental stimulation.

However, it can also lead to serious problems if your pup gets out of control or causes an accident.

You could face hefty fines or legal repercussions, and your pet could also become lost or injured.

To keep everyone safe and avoid costly mistakes, it’s important to ensure your furry friend is not running wild in the neighborhood.

Don’t Make Them Hate The Crate

brown dog laying in cage looking sad

As a dog owner, it is important to remember that dogs are social animals and do not like being isolated.

Unfortunately, many owners resort to using crates to keep their pets out of mischief or prevent them from destroying things in the home.

However, if done incorrectly, this can hurt your pet – they may resent the crate and even come to hate it.

Therefore, you must ensure that your pup does not develop such negative feelings toward its crate.

Here are some tips on preventing your pup from hating its crate!

Don’t Isolate Your Dog

Keeping your dog isolated from the world can be a big mistake.

While protecting them from potential hazards may seem like a good idea, isolation can cause more harm than good in the long run.

Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with other people and animals to stay healthy and happy.

When they are deprived of this, their mental health can suffer greatly. 

Additionally, they may become aggressive or fearful due to a lack of socialization or even develop destructive behaviors due to boredom.

Therefore, dog owners need to make sure their pup gets enough stimulation and exercise so that they remain well-adjusted members of society!

Stop Using Your Dog As An Excuse To Not Socialize

light brown dog sits outdoor looking happy

Using your dog as an excuse not to socialize may sound like an easy solution, but it can lead to a lonely lifestyle.

Dogs need human interaction, and without it, they can become anxious, which leads to behavior problems.

People who use their dogs as excuses never leave the house to meet new people or learn new things.

Plus, they are missing out on the fun of having deep conversations and getting to know people.

It’s important for you and your furry friend to take part in community events so that everyone can enjoy good company and good times.

Stop Forgetting To Give Your Dog Exercise

Exercise is essential for the health and well-being of your puppy. 

Sadly, many pet owners often forget to give their dogs the necessary physical activity to stay healthy.

Even short walks around the block are beneficial for your furry friend.

Thirty minutes of consistent exercise daily benefits them both physically and mentally.

Not only will it help boost their energy levels, but supplements such as healthy treats, vitamins, and minerals should be included to help maintain a healthy diet for your pup so that exercise becomes a long-term habit.

Your dog’s breed, current health condition, and age should also be considered when devising an appropriate fitness plan.

The amount of intensity needed for different types of exercises should also be taken into account.

Ignoring this aspect could cause injury over time, so get plenty of advice from experts or vets before letting your pup off the leash!

Stop Neglecting Your Dog’s Nails

dog gets nail cutted by a woman

Taking the time to trim or grind your dog’s nails is essential for their health and comfort.

Not only can not taking care of their nails make walking uncomfortable, but long nails can get ingrown, which can lead to an infection and pain.

It’s worth taking a few minutes out of your day once every few weeks or months (depending on how your dog lives) to help keep their paws healthy, happy, and safe.

Getting some basic nail clippers or a grinder and reading up on the right way to trim your dog’s nails can make nail trimming much easier and keep your dog from having to go through any unnecessary pain.

Don’t Leave Them Alone In The Car

Leaving your dog in a car on hot days can be deadly for your pet. 

Even if it feels cool outside, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly become dangerously hot and cause heat stroke or even death to your furry friend.

That’s why all dog owners need to remember that their pets should never be left alone in a vehicle, no matter how short the errand may seem.

If you’re taking your dog out with you, take them into the store or wherever else you plan to go.

If it’s impossible to bring them in, find someone trustworthy who can stay with them and monitor their safety.

Taking a few minutes of extra care could save your pup’s life.

Another important tip is to be aware of the signs of heatstroke in dogs, which include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, dark or red gums, tongue, vomiting or diarrhea, and unconsciousness.

Before You Go…

You now know the things you must stop doing with your dog.

If you want to learn more, read the following article too!

Dimitra Kokologianni, DVM
Dimitra holds a Masters’s degree in public health and a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. She is a versatile professional with over 7 years of experience. Her passion for animal welfare and preventive medicine makes her an excellent resource for our readers.