The Brunette Diaries

Take Extra Care Of Your Pets This Diwali

Diwali brings with it a host of firecrackers and their correspondingly loud noises that are so difficult on our ears. But have you ever imagined those irritatingly loud noises amplified several times over? Sounds nightmarish, doesn’t it? Well, that’s how it is with animals, especially dogs. While thousands of people across the country celebrate the festival by bursting crackers, dogs – both pet andstray – tremble with fear, as they cannot bear the loud noises. It pierces their delicate ears and drives them crazy in terror.

Also read: Things that may destroy your dog’s spirit

Jeevika Pathak, HR manager, says, “I wish all these people realised how much pain and suffering they give to all the dogs when they burst firecrackers. Dogs are much, much more sensitive to sounds than we are, so a small sound for us is a big thunderous noise for them. Imagine what they must be going through when we as humans are annoyed with the loud firecrackers. I have a pet dog, and some strays around the house; they start whimpering terribly at the noise during Diwali.”

Also read: Top 4 tips for puppy care

23-year-old Dimple D’silva, who has an adopted dog, shares her concerns regarding the issue, “My dog is petrified of the noise from firecrackers that Diwali brings along. She is perpetually hiding under the sofa, trembling. She even refuses to eat. It’s affecting her health and I am concerned. She cannot bear the loud noise of the crackers. My humble request to the public is please don’t burst firecrackers during Diwali; atleast for the sake of the innocent animals.”

Animals deserve a happy and peaceful Diwali too

We asked a vet to explain what goes on in a dog’s mind when they hear such loud noises. We were informed that the middle ear of dogs is very sensitive; so much so, that even the slightest sounds get magnified a thousand times over! And due to this, they get agitated and paranoid and at times even run away if the gates are open. If this happens, chances are they may lose their way and never return.

Also read: 4 reasons why you should adopt a homeless dog

Apart from dogs, cats, birds, and squirrels are also affected to a great extent due to the noises. There have been many incidents of injured owls and other birds due to the bursting of rockets during Diwali.

Also read: Things you can do with your dog outdoors

The common public needs to understand and take into consideration the well being of animals too. Whoever knows about this issue must educate their friends and family regarding the same. And for those who are still in the dark, I am more than happy to repeat myself. PLEASE NOTE: Animal activists and veterinarians inform that animals like cats and dogs have an incredible hearing ability, which can detect sounds that are too faint for the human ear. Dogs can even hear sounds pitched at frequencies above and below the range of an average human being. And bursting of firecrackers affects them so much that they may go into shock or depression.

Cats get agitated due to the loud noises of fireworks

Tips for pet owners to help and safeguard their pets from the terror:

Dog owners must shut all doors and windows tight to reduce the sound of the loud firecrackers
Caress and calm your pets. Place a thick blanket on their ears to prevent the noise from hurting their ears
Have them well-fed during the daytime when the noises are less so that they do not remain hungry later as they may refuse to eat due to the noise
Shift their bed or rug to the place in your house where the sound reaches the least and isn’t so impactful
If your pet seems overly anxious, take them to the vet who may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs to calm them down
Give them space and allow them wherever they want to go except outside and places where the noise is loudest

Distract your pet in any activity that they enjoy doing. For e.g. their favourite chewing toy, a game they like etc

How A Pet Can Improve Your Overall Health

Ask any pet owner and they will tell you how grateful he or she is to their pet. Animals make people feel good! But we’re talking about more than feeling glad they’re around…

Also read: 10 Tips To Make Your House Pet Friendly

Your pet can make you happy as well as healthy and help you stay that way! How, you ask? Here’s how your pet can improve your health…

Pets can improve your overall health considerbly

Pets are natural mood enhancers: It takes hardly a few minutes with a pet dog or cat or parrot to feel less anxious and less stressed. When you spend time with your favorite animal, cuddling or playing or petting them, your body lowers the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) and you feel a sense of well-being immediately.

Pets keep your blood pressure in check: …by keeping you on your toes! In a study of 240 married couples, pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest than people who did not own a pet. Well, that itself tells a lot!

Also read: Things to remember while involving your kids and pets

Pets can lower your cholesterol: To manage cholesterol, doctors recommend that you follow guidelines regarding diet, exercise, and medication; but we say, just get a pet! The lifestyle of pet owners is much different than that of those who are pet-less. Okay, I just made up that word (sorry!), but you get the point 😉

Owning a pet is good for your heart: The long-term benefits of owning a pet cat or dog is that the owners have a significantly better survival rate even a year after a heart attack. This means, overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from cardiac failure.

Pets are your answer to depression: No one loves you more unconditionally than your pet. And a pet will listen to you for as long as you want to talk. Petting a cat or dog has a calming effect. Therapists have been known to prescribe getting a pet to deal with anxiety or depression!

Playing with pets can be like therapy for children and adults

Pets can save you from isolation: The human mind is made in a way that, in order to remain healthy, it should interact with others. Pet owners get a chance of (and feel the need to) talk to other pet owners and socialize more often than the pet-less 😉

So there you go, these are just a few of the many ways how your faithful furry, fluffy friend can improve your health and keep you that way for good!

Also read: Caging birds: Is it wrong?

So, when are you bringing home a furry friend? J

Keep Your Pet Happy And Healthy In Your Absence

What can be better than a furry friend who greets you at the door after a long day at work! The thought of your pet pooch or feline friend impatiently waiting for you tugs at your heart’s strings and is one of the major reasons to finish work sooner! The feeling of seeing those beady eyes constantly staring at you after your return home, afraid to lose you again, never fails to give you goose bumps. You love them as much as they love you. However, have you often felt those pangs of guilt of not being able to give your pet enough attention? Since you are away at work all day, your pet may feel lonely and left out alone at home. This is why it’s important to make certain arrangements for them so that they are happy and safe even while you are away. A pet-crèche may be a solution for you, if you do not have budget constraints, but for others, here are some easy and cost-effective ways to keep your pet happy and healthy even in your absence:

Also read: Things to remember while involving your kids and pets

Ensure your pets have enough things to do on their own while you are away

Keep more than one pet: Like humans, animals need companionship too. They often feel lost when they are alone at home. Their lives revolve around you and they are clueless regarding when you will return. What if you need to work late or plan to hang out with friends after work? Having two pets will ensure that they have each other for company and do not feel abandoned.

Also read: Keep Your Beloved Pet Stress Free!

Smell-me-out treats: Pets, like humans, are delighted by surprises! Give your pet a pleasant surprise by hiding a few treats in different places, (more unpredictable the better) for them to find. This way, they can spend some time indulging in a fun activity all by themselves. Make it a regular activity, so that your pet knows there is something in store for him/her every day. Not knowing the exact places where you have hidden the treats, would ensure that when they find it they’ll be overjoyed to gulp down the treat.

When your pet greets you at the door, give all your attention to him and tell him how you missed him

Do a Pavlov: I’m talking about classical conditioning! Reinforce the time of your departure with something positive so that your pet won’t be depressed to watch you leave. For instance: add a dollop of peanut butter to some chicken broth and also add some small pieces of veggies and freeze it like a popsicle overnight. Give the popsicle to your pet just before you are leaving (you can give them any treat if not a popsicle) to make them associate the act of your leaving with something positive. This way, your pet will give you the ‘go-wherever-you-want-but-give-me-my-treat-before-leaving’ look the moment you start getting ready!

Also read: 10 Tips To Make Your House Pet Friendly

Taking care of a pet is a responsibility more serious than raising a child because while the latter grows up and can express himself, the former remains a child through its life. Take some steps to ensure its health and happiness while you are away and what you get in return will be lots of love and licks!

5 Movies Every Dog Lover Must Watch At Least Once

There’s a reason why a dog is said to be man’s best friend. Believe it or not, a dog is the only creature that loves you more than it loves himself. One sign of danger and he is already growling. For a dog, the well-being of his master, of his family, always comes first than his own security.

Also read: Easy Tips For Effective Dog Training Sessions

Time and again, the extraordinary friendship between man and dogs has puzzled millions. This is why, we have ample books written, and numerous movies made, to capture this sweet relationship. We bring you 5 movies every dog lover must watch, at least once.

Marley and Me

‘Marley and Me’ is about a yellow Labrador retriever ‘Marley’. John and Jenny Grogan, a newly married couple, unaware that their life is going to be changed forever, adopt ‘Marley’ from a litter of newborns. How the hyperactive naughty pup becomes an inseparable part of the couple’s lives forms the rest of the story.
Nothing like spending an evening in front of your TV/laptop and treating yourself to this movie’s awesomeness. This movie, with its incredible star cast – Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston – is every dog-lover’s personal favorite.

Lassie

Joe Carraclough, who has trouble finding peace in school, only has his collie Lassie for his friend. Life goes further hard on him when his father loses the job as well as Lassie to the duke who owns the estate. Lassie feels suffocated with the new owner, and with the first great attempt, she sets out to find her real family, the Carracloughs. Heart-wrenching story of the dog who survives several miles and what not!

Also read: Pick The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family And Lifestyle

Umberto D.

This is the moving story of Umberto Domenico Ferrari and his dog, Flick. Umberto faces several trials, being a government pensioner. But the real trial of his life was yet to begin. When he is stranded with no money, food or shelter, his dog is all he has. And yet, adversity forces him to part with his dog and his desperate attempts to succeed in doing so, will tear your heart apart.

Old Yeller

When Jim Coates leaves his family behind to work on a cattle drive, his elder son, Travis, encounters a Mastador ‘Old Yeller’. Travis observes that Old Yeller protects the family just as a father would and grows to love him. As ill-fate would have it, Old Yeller contracts rabies and becomes dangerous to the family. The journey of Travis and Old Yeller will move the toughest heart and we pray you watch the movie for the sheer beauty of their bond.

Turner and Hooch

The extraordinary tale of how a dog (Hooch) helps police investigator (Turner) to solve the case of the murder of his master Amos Reed. Hooch, who is a very intelligent Bordeaux Mastiff, also happens to be the only witness of his master’s murder. The equation between Turner and Hooch which is quite surly develops to a deeply adorable one as the two struggle to nail the kingpin of the crime. A must watch it is, for all movie buffs, irrespective of whether you are a dog-lover or not.

Also read: 6 Non-aggressive Dog Breeds That You Can Adopt

We hope you enjoy the movies and share your thoughts in the comments section below. We’d love to read your opinions.

Pick The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family And Lifestyle

Those dreamy eyes, that cute face, the sloppy kisses at the door, and the warm cuddles at night… Who wouldn’t want a dog! If you’re thinking of getting one for your family, then I have a small question for you. Do you know what breed is the right choice for you and your family? If you said yes, I’m hoping you’ve done enough research on what’s the best breed of dog for your lifestyle; but if you said no, then you must definitely read on…

Also read: Things you need to consider before buying a dog

Picking the right breed of dog for your lifestyle means doing a little bit of self-reflection. Dogs come in all sizes, shapes, temperaments and types of fur, but the right breed will easily fit your lifestyle and expectations. Just like any member of the house, your dog must be compatible with you, your other family members and other pets around you (if any). This is why it’s important to determine what kind of a dog would be best for you. Obviously it is not a piece of cake, so I suggest you visit a shelter and talk to the dog-breeders or people who know better. But before you do so, maybe this guide will help you out.

A Bully mix breed has a bad rap but can be really good company for your kids

If you are looking for a happy-go-lucky dog, which can easily entertain toddlers and safely live in a busy household, then we would suggest a bull dog or a bully mix breed. I know these dogs have a bad reputation but they are known to best accommodate kids. These dogs have a really good ability to handle rough play and have more levels of patience. Similarly, non-aggressive dogs like Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever can also be play pals for your kiddies and you! Another non-aggressive but lazy option you have is St. Bernard, which can double up as a cuddly cushion.

Also read: Things to consider before bringing home a dog

Almost all breeds of dogs can protect you (or your property), but if security is what you primarily expect from your dog, then there are certain breeds that are a good match for you. The Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher are excellent choices for your household. Other choices are German Shepherd (Alsatian) and Staffordshire terrier .

Also read: 10 Tips To Make Your House Pet Friendly

If you already have some pets and want to add another pooch to your multi-pet family, the most important point to consider for you must be which breeds are most likely to coexist with other animals. We would suggest breeds like Italian greyhound, beagle, coonhound, Labrador and golden retrievers, and among smaller breeds, the Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Golden retrievers can easily make themselves comfortable around other dog-breeds

If you’re looking for a friend whose idea of a good time is a night snuggling on the couch, then opt for grey hounds. Quite surprisingly, grey hounds who are quite huge, don’t require a lot of exercise and hence they make for perfect partners in your not-so-active lifestyle. Even a bull mastiff and pug can suit your less-active lifestyle.

If you’re into fitness and want a dog that could be your running buddy, then a Dalmatian is hands-down the best option for you. This breed was literally bred to run and will keep pace with you even in a marathon!

Also read: How A Pet Can Improve Your Overall Health

Are you the adventurous type? If you’re thinking of taking your dog along for your camping and trekking trips, then consider a dog that will relish your lifestyle. Labrador retriever, Lab mixes and German shepherds usually fit in really well for the adventurous adopter.

Dalmatians are bred to run, and can make for great running buddies

Got a fur-allergy, but still want a dog? Not to worry, there are many breeds that are less likely to aggravate your symptoms. A good tip is before getting a dog home, spend a considerable amount of time with the dog to be sure whether your prospective new companion will cause a flare-up. Think about breeds like Yorkshire terrier, Irish water spaniel and Samoyed.

All-in-all, whichever breed you go for, remember that you are committing the next 10-15 years of your life to this dog. If you look forward to 10 to 15 years of joy, sharing a bond with your dog that is based on mutual trust and respect, go to the nearest shelter and find your mate. Ciao for now!

Keep Your Beloved Pet Stress Free!

Pets can be quite a stress buster after you come home from a long day of work, no questions asked. But did you realise that these fluffy darlings can be stressed out too? Of course, we’re not talking about the regular office stress or the tension of paying the EMIs on time. But pets, too, can have their share of stress! Wondering what could the reasons be? Well, here are a few points to help you take care of your pets better.

Also read: Things to remember while involving your kids and pets

Pets too need love and affection to maintain a healthy state of mind

Ensure you are well equipped to accommodate a pet

While having a pet can be a loving addition to your home, they may not necessarily be appropriate for your home. Ask yourself if you are capable of giving your pet the time, space and effort that they deserve. You need to understand that owning a pet is not all fun and games, and that you should be able to take up responsibility for them when the time comes.

Most pets would require attention during the day, so consider having someone at home while you’re away at work. If your lifestyle consists of a lot of moving around, we would suggest not getting a pet until you are well settled.

Choose your pet wisely

When choosing a pet, make sure to take your time and do thorough research on different breeds and animal types. Even dogs have many breeds and sub-breeds that have completely different needs. So take your time and keep an open mind to various options, as some may suit you better than others. The key point here is research. Do as much research as you can to understand what kind of a pet best suits your lifestyle. Each kind of pet has their own peculiar traits…

Dogs: Though dogs have so many different breeds, they all need lots of attention, space to roam and daily walks.
Hamsters, rabbits and small rodents: Easy on your pocket and needing lesser space than dogs, rodents are perfect pets for those dealing with tight spaces. They aren’t as cuddly though and they do tend to stink up the place.
Cats: Usually fine left on their own, they do need occasional TLC to keep them from taking revenge on the couch.
Fish: Fish need constant monitoring and just the right ambient conditions to survive. They aren’t too cuddly either, unless you don’t mind getting yourself wet.
Reptiles: Reptiles are usually low maintenance and easy to care of, though they seldom offer you a shoulder to cry on. However, when they do get sick it can be hard to diagnose.

Also read: 10 Tips To Make Your House Pet Friendly

Visit the vet

Don’t take your pet’s health for granted and plan regular visits to the vet. Don’t forget to take them for their very first visit soon after adopting them, as many ailments can be detected and cured early on. Always remember to ask your vet to schedule vaccinations if required. Also don’t hesitate to ask him about symptoms your pet may show for common illnesses. Spay/neuter your pet if you do not wish to have more “baby-pets” in the future. It’s also a good idea to have your vet’s number on speed dial in case of emergencies.

Give them the right nutrition

Feeding pets ‘human food’ may not be the best idea. Think about it, our digestive system works differently from them. You are probably doing them more harm by offering them food from your plate than you’d think. Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs and can kill them if not treated quickly. Do your research or consult a vet to know the appropriate diet for your pet to keep them healthy and happy.

Also read: Foods that can poison your dog

Treat them with some TLC

Pets, like babies, need lots of tender love and care to maintain a healthy state of mind. Don’t adopt a pet if you can’t follow through and give it the time and care it deserves. If you’re the kind of person who is out at work all day, leaving your dog alone in the house can be very depressing and stressful for it. Make sure there is someone to care for your pets when you’re away, else consider not adopting pets in the first place.

Keep them clean and their enclosures clutter-free

Yes, pets can be messy and that’s where you come in, Papa Bear! You need to ensure you maintain good cleanliness standards for your pet. And in case you’re a spoilt brat who doesn’t wish to get your hands dirty, simply take your pet to one of the many pet grooming parlours opened around the city. They may come at a premium, but they definitely do a great job. Many offer various packages including washing, shampooing, claw trimming and removing fleas! You can also purchase special vests to keep them warm during cold winters and raincoats to keep them dry in the monsoons.

Also read: Pick The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family And Lifestyle

So what are you waiting for, animal lovers? Get out there and adopt the pet of your dreams; they’re probably waiting for you to come and carry them home!

Easy Tips For Effective Dog Training Sessions

When one hears the words ‘dog training’ they are usually in a dilemma about what to do. It can be confusing if you’re not exactly sure on how to conduct dog training sessions. You may have seen many dog trainers who effortlessly train pets to be more obedient, which leaves you in awe as to how they do that. Well, it’s not rocket science.

Here are ways that will help you to learn dog training sessions easily.

Give your dog a dog treat to reinforce good behaviour during obedience training.

Lifelong training sessions:

This is a never ending procedure, a dog will keep learning something new for the rest of his life and so will you. But it is always good to start with obedience training as it brings about good behavior in dogs. One thing that you must know is that there is never a bad dog; it’s just that the owner is ignorant. It is very important to choose an appropriate method of obedience training for your dog, it could be by giving him a treat on doing a good job or by just saying “Good boy”. All this depends on how you want to go ahead with the training.

Short training sessions:

Every training session must be kept as short as possible. If you keep the session too long, the dog will obviously get bored of what he’s been asked to do and will just ignore your command after a period of time. The long sessions can cause serious repercussions on the dog; he might get aggressive and bite anyone. Each training session of the dog should not be more than 15 minutes.

Keep your training sessions short else your dog might get bored of it too soon

One command at a time:

It is always better to stick to one command per day. This will make it easier for your dog to learn that particular command in less time. No doubt dogs are smart animals, but by teaching him too many commands one after the other you are confusing him. Eventually he will make a blunder of the entire session. I’m sure you wouldn’t want that to happen. Once you are confident your dog has learnt that one command perfectly, you can then move on to the next one.

Distraction should be at an all time low

Always remember to have your dogs training sessions in an area that is away from any sort of distraction, especially when it is a new command that is being taught to him. Too much noise during the training is a distraction for the dog as he won’t give his hundred percent to the command. It is always advisable to start the training in your living room. After a couple of weeks, when your dog can withstand the distraction you should take him to a dog park where you can continue the rest of his training.

Training sessions should end positively

Always end your sessions on a positive note. Like we mentioned earlier, you wouldn’t want to stretch your session for too long. Keep it short and sweet, and reward your dog with a treat for his good behavior. By doing all of this, your dog will himself have fun and enjoy the training sessions.

You just need to follow these few simple rules and watch how your dog will keep on delighting you. Make sure you remember these tips well. When you realize how effective these steps are, don’t forget to tell your friends about it. Good luck! 🙂

Grooming Tips To Curb Excessive Shedding In Dogs

Everyone who’s owned a dog knows that these fluffy fur balls tend to shed like there’s no tomorrow. Even though owning a canine may be a dream come true, they do tend to leave their mark; not just on your heart but also on your clothes, furniture and entire house. So, most of you are probably wondering, how to enjoy having a Labrador without getting their “lab-coats” all over you. Well, worry not, dog lovers, as we may have just the remedy for you.

We have put together some easy to follow grooming tips to curb excessive shedding in dogs…

Good Quality Dog Food

It is indeed true that the quality of your pet’s coat is highly influenced by the food they eat. That is why it is very important that you monitor their diet closely, and give them nothing but the best. It is always worth investing in good quality dog food, rather than trying to save a few pennies on cheaper variants in the market. Whichever brand you decide to go with, you need to ensure that it is rich in omega-6 (fatty acids), as it helps keep a dog’s coat shiny and lustrous!

Also read: 3 Ways How Your Love Is Killing Your Dog

Keep Your Dogs Calm And Relaxed

Stress, just like in humans, contributes to hair/fur loss in dogs. That’s probably the reason you end up covered in fur after a visit to the vet. If you think that your dog’s shedding may be stress related, consider identifying and doing your best to avoid any triggers. Simply giving your pooch some tender loving care and a good deal of outdoor exercise is enough to keep him or her happy and stress-free!

Anti-Shedding Products

If you don’t mind spending a few bucks on your dog, anti-shedding products can do wonders. But, the first thing you’d want to get your doggy friend is a good brush that can find its way through his topcoat as well as his undercoat. There are special brushes that come with a vacuum attachment. These prove to be of great help as you don’t have to pick up the excess fur that comes off your dog. Remember to brush your dog’s coat at least once every day. The more fur you get out while brushing, the less fur will be shed around your house.

Also read: Care For Your Dog: 6 Common Mistakes To Avoid

Regular Bathing Can Do Wonders!

During shedding season, it is recommended to give your dog a bath as frequently as possible. It can really do wonders as bathing helps loosen a dog’s fur, and helps it to come off while brushing, rather than when the dog is playing around in your house. This would also be a good time to use a shampoo specially formulated for nourishing the dog’s skin and coat. It will help in the shedding process, and give your dog a silky and lovely new coat.

Also read: Things you need to consider before buying a dog

We hope these tips help you reduce the amount of fur in your house and on your clothes. Just remember though, if your dog is shedding excessively or is experiencing any odd symptoms, it may be best to take him or her to the vet. In rare cases, shedding may be caused by health conditions like food allergies, ringworm, flea allergies, etc.

Care For Your Dog: 6 Common Mistakes To Avoid

Spontaneously adopting a dog is a common impulse that takes over most people. I mean, who can resist those puppy-dog eyes just gleaming at you, begging you to take them home. But owning a dog isn’t all cute and cuddly, especially when you consider all the care and attention a dog requires.

Before taking up the responsibility of owning a canine, ask yourself the following few questions:

Can you afford to keep a dog?
Are you okay with the messes, shedding, mood swings and more that come with a dog?
Will you give your new buddy the time he needs for walks, exercise, bonding and training?
And will your pal bond with the other pets and residents in your house?

If the answer to any of these is a “No”, you may want to reconsider getting a new furry member to the family. Here’s how to care for your dog and avoid these common mistakes…

Holding back on exercise and activity

Dogs love to run around and play. It’s not only something that they like doing, but it is also important for them to live a long and healthy life. Insufficient exercise or activity can lead to a whole bunch of behavioural and health issues. You should also keep in mind the fact that different breeds require varied amounts of activity. Hence, it is important for you to gauge the amount of activity your dog needs. Many a time people will refuse to take their pets out for walks during the monsoons, which can last for 4 to 6 months. This can be a very long period for a dog to be kept captive indoors. This may result in your dog getting bored, restless, overweight, or dull. If this is the case, consider these signs as a wakeup call to get your doggy moving! Why not use a doggy raincoat if you don’t wish to get his coat wet and messy during the rains!

Improper feeding habits

“A little less please, thank you.” – Dog

Feeding your dog is not as simple as throwing him a bone. There are various dog food products in the market, and each of them are created specifically for different kinds of dogs. You can consult your vet to know what food best suits your dogs needs. Also make it a point not to overfeed your pooch. Obesity in dogs is on the rise and it’s a much more serious issue than you would imagine. Again, consulting a vet on the appropriate serving portions should help you here. There are also certain kinds of foods you must NEVER feed your dog. Did you know that treating your dog to chocolate can be as good as feeding him poison? Yup, keep him away from that bar of Bournville!

Also read: Foods that can poison your dog

Letting behavioural issues go uncurbed

Behavioural issues in dogs need to be addressed before it develops into a serious problem.

Behavioural issues in dogs may not seem that threatening at first, but as time passes it could develop into a much more serious problem. What’s worse is that we sometimes subconsciously reinforce bad behaviour in dogs. For example, giving a dog a treat when he is being extra aggressive may give him the idea that we appreciate what he is doing. It is best to address behavioural issues at the start as they can be really difficult to change once a dog is accustomed to it.

Also read: Easy Tips For Effective Dog Training Sessions

Ignoring dental issues

Brushing your dog’s teeth every alternate day is a good way to maintain his oral hygiene.

Ignoring a pooch’s “doggie breath” is one of the biggest mistakes owners make. Most people think a dog’s breath stinks by default and that there’s nothing wrong with it. The truth being halitosis (bad breath) could be a sign of your dog facing a grievous dental disease. If left unchecked, it could lead to tooth loss and digestive disorders, further leading to kidney failure and even heart disease. Simple home dental care is the key to keeping your pooch smiling for years. Make it a point to brush his teeth at least once every two days and schedule a veterinary dental cleaning at least twice a year.

Avoiding regular check-ups at the vet

Regular visits to the vet also help foster a bond between the dog, the vet and yourself.

If you are one of those people who wait till your dog is sick to take him to a vet, then you should consider changing the way you think. Planning routine visits to the vet is the best way to ensure your doggy is healthy and happy. Most dogs won’t show symptoms of illness until it is too late, so it is best to detect problems early on and fix them when they are still treatable. Regular visits also help foster a bond between the dog, the vet and yourself, and it becomes easier to diagnose illnesses before they get too severe.

Improper accommodation

Saint Bernards and Siberian Huskies not only need space, but also require a cool climate to survive.

Many people often purchase breeds without thinking it through. Certain dog breeds like Saint Bernards and Siberian Huskies not only need a good deal of space, but also require a cool climate to survive. If you live in a place where the climate is often hot and humid, are you willing to leave your AC on 24/7? You definitely need to consider the dog’s comfort level in your living quarters before purchasing one.

Also read: Keep Your Beloved Pet Stress Free!

So remember, if you are serious about getting a dog, plan it out and think it through. Try and avoid making these 5 common mistakes and you and your dog can live happily ever after.