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Avoid These Common Pet Owner Mistakes

People purchase or adopt an animal with the best intentions, but at times even the most well-intended pet owner can make the wrong choices when it comes to their pet. In order to give your pet the happiest, healthiest life, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Getting a pet spontaneously.

When you pass the pet store at the mall or visit the local humane society, it can be tempting to bring one of the cute furry friends home. However, without knowing about the specific breed of dog or cat and other factors, you will likely be unprepared for what is to come. Before setting off to find the perfect pet, do your research on all breeds, their likes, needs, and temperaments in order to determine which will fit best with your lifestyle. If you are constantly away from home due to work and social events, certain dog breeds may not bode well being home alone often.

2. Skipping obedience training.

Chances are you do not have the skills and know-how to single-handedly train your animal. Teach your puppy simple commands before beginning formal training. Formal training should begin ideally between eight and 12 weeks. Bring your dog to refresher courses every few years so he or she continues to display proper behavior.

3. Inconsistency.

Complementing formal training is to have certain rules and restrictions in place for your pet at home. You cannot allow the animal to climb on the couch one day, and give in to them the next. It confuses your pet and will not teach them acceptable behaviors. Make sure everyone in your home is aware of the rules and enforces them. This should also include when the animal is fed, when they get a treat, and so on.

4. Failing to socialize your pet.

When you keep an animal away from other animals and people, especially at a young age, it may cause that animal to develop fear and aggression. From the get-go, introduce your pet to people of all ages, as well as other pets. The critical period for socialization is three and eight weeks for dogs, and two and eight weeks for cats. If adopting an older animal or buying from a breeder, ask how much socialization your pet has had previously.

5. Inadequate exercise.

Your pet as pent-up energy that must be released through exercise. Failure to let off this energy could result in barking, jumping, or even hostility. Walk your dog at least twice a day for 30 minutes or more each time. Even better is to run, play frisbee or fetch with your dog. Cats’ needs are a little different, but playing with your cat for at least 30 minutes a day is beneficial.

6. Leaving your pet alone too long.

A puppy needs to socialize and play (see above), so leaving a puppy home alone for eight hours while you are at work is not healthy. If you can’t make stops at home, hire someone to let your puppy out and take him or her on a walk during the day. The same goes for older dogs. Kittens can be left alone, but leave toys out for them to play with while you’re gone.

For more tips on pet care, or if you have any questions regarding your pet’s health, contact the Metropolitan Veterinary Center at 312-583-1921.

 

 

Courtesy of Real Simple

 

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