There are many reasons why people choose to own a dog or a cat. One of the first things that most pet owners will do is look for new food that they can feed their pets. The problem with this, however, is that there are so many different foods available and it’s easy to get confused about which one you should be feeding your dog or cat. Getting the quantity of information related to animals can be helpful only if you have the actual knowledge. The best source of getting the knowledge can be the American veterinary pharmaceuticals. It is one of the trending things that currently going on in the market for better options. They can help in several other manners and provide information that can be helpful for a longer duration without any major challenges.
Here are the top 10 mistakes that pet owners make when choosing a food for their pets. These mistakes may not seem too significant, but over time they can lead to health problems that are just as serious as those caused by poor diet.
- Not giving your dog enough water
This is especially important if your dog has a history of kidney disease. Dogs need at least six glasses of water each day, even if they don’t appear thirsty. This is because dehydration can cause damage to the kidneys. It also can increase your dog’s risk of urinary tract infections. If you’re unsure whether your dog needs more water, ask him. He’ll usually let you know.
- Feeding your dog table scraps
This is something that many people don’t realize. There are many health risks associated with feeding your dog table scraps including parasites, bacteria and even viruses such as hepatitis A and B. Table scraps also can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
- Giving your dog “human” food
Dogs have very specific nutritional requirements. They must eat meat, vegetables, fruits, grains, fats and oils. You shouldn’t give them any other food. Even though some of these foods can be hard to come by in nature, you still need to provide them to your dog when he eats his meals. Some dogs prefer chicken, turkey, fish, beef or pork and others will eat anything.
- Feeding your dog cheap, processed food
You want to ensure that your dog gets the best quality food available. You’ll find that high-quality pet food costs much less than what you pay every week at the grocery store. You won’t be able to tell the difference between expensive brands and cheaper brands. Your dog will appreciate the quality, too. And the best part? You’ll save money on your next shopping trip!
- Buying an entire bag of treats instead of individual treats
Treats aren’t just for Christmas anymore. Many pet owners enjoy having special treats available all year long. However, you should only buy small amounts of treats at a time. You don’t want your dog to become dependent on them. In addition, you want to keep treats out of reach from your dog in case he tries to steal them.
- Getting your dog vitamins and supplements without consulting a vet
Vitamins and supplements are designed specifically for your dog. They help promote overall health. They also help your dog fight off illnesses and diseases. When you get them from your local veterinarian, your vet will test the supplement and make sure it’s safe for your dog. This process ensures that your dog gets the right dosage and that the ingredients in the supplement are healthy for him.
- Failing to clean your dog’s ears regularly
A build-up of earwax is normal, but it can lead to painful infections. Washing your dog’s ears helps to remove this buildup and prevent future infections. You should also make sure that your dog doesn’t wear headphones while listening to music. Doing this can allow dirt and debris to collect inside your dog’s ears.
- Treating your dog with antibiotics when he doesn’t need them
Antibacterial medications are great for treating bacterial infections. But they can be bad for your dog. Overuse of antibiotics can actually create antibiotic resistance in humans. That means that when your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you, it becomes harder and harder to treat infections. Antibiotics aren’t always necessary. You should consult a vet before starting any course of treatment.
- Not exercising your dog
Exercising your dog is good for both his physical and mental health. It keeps him strong and prevents obesity. It increases his longevity and decreases the chances of developing diseases. Exercising your dog is also fun for both you and your dog.
- Never vaccinating your dog against infectious diseases
Most vaccines are harmless. However, if you’ve ever seen the commercials where the dog gets sick after receiving the vaccine, then you know how dangerous vaccinations can be. Vaccinations can also be harmful to your dog if you use the wrong brand.
When you’re looking for pet food to feed your dog, you’ll find that the best choices are made by reputable companies. Don’t settle for a product simply because it’s marketed well. Ask yourself if the company is honest and reliable. And take into account the price as well. As you shop for food for your dog, remember that you may have to spend a little more now. But your investment will be worth it in the end.
