Find out how you might be risking your canine's health and
happiness

You may think you're a pro when it comes to
taking care of your pooch, but you'd be
surprised by how many things even an
experienced dog owner can overlook. Whether
you currently have a dog or are considering
getting one, it’s important to know as much as
possible about breeds, healthcare and
grooming. Read on to discover some of the most common
blunders dog owners make, so you can avoid any trouble,
expense or heartbreak.

Mistake #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 .

Mistake #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."

Mistake #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." Visit Pets.WebMD.com to learn more about
the type of exercise specific breeds need.

Mistake #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.

Nairalanders and their
cons
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Mistake #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.

Mistake #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.

Mistake #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.

Mistake #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."

Mistake #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.

Mistake #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.

Odilafta:
Nairalanders and their
cons
they know that Seun
has a thing for dogs
so they resort to opening
dog threads to make fp

they probably support good project rather than be arm chair critics.

TELL US MORE. ITS SO EDUCATIVE. I'VE LEARN SOMETHING NEW.

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TICKS? GET RID PF THEM. https://k9dogcare./2015/10/30/having-problem-with-ticks-get-rid-of-them/

larrymoore:
Mistake #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."

u re on point....adult dogs are easier to manage. ...I have experienced raising 3 puppies....lost 1 while 2 were successful