When you first adopt a pet, you want to make sure your furry friend will feel safe and loved in your family. So, it’s not uncommon for pet owners to spend a lot of money improving their pets’ lives. After all, you want the best for your beloved Rex or Felix, and it’s understandable.

However, what we think of the best may not be the right choice for a pet. Sometimes good intentions can have troublesome consequences, even though you are trying to help. This often happens with pet owners because we tend to anthropomorphise our beloved animals and give them emotions and attitudes that are typically human. As such, you try to please your dog or cat based on the things you enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, their needs are different from ours. So here are the most common mistakes you want to avoid with your pet.

Trying to make dog food yourself

If you are a parent, you are probably familiar with weening recipes for babies and simple recipes to introduce toddlers to a variety of flavours. Can you do the same thing with your pet? A quick Google search can give you a long list of homemade recipes for dog and cat food. Unfortunately, it’s hard to track back the source of these recipes and whether they use safe ingredients for pets. A lot of ingredients that are nutritious for people, such as avocados, can be toxic to dogs, for example. So, as tempting as it is to cook for your dog as a sign of love, you might want to prefer vet recommended dog food instead. Specialist dog food is designed for your pet’s unique needs, providing a healthy source of energy and nutrients. Vets can also advise on occasional treats, which you can buy from your butcher or make with safe ingredients.

Not Taking Advantage of New Technology

When thinking of ways to keep your dog safe outdoors, you might consider a traditional fence, but what about virtual dog fencing? This innovative system offers a safe and effective way to contain your pet within your property without the physical barriers that can obstruct your view or be costly to install. Virtual dog fencing uses GPS or wireless technology to create an invisible boundary around your property. If your pet approaches the boundary, the system will alert them via a vibration or a gentle electric stimulation, teaching them to stay within the safe zone. It’s a great solution for pet owners who want to maintain the aesthetic of their landscape while ensuring their dog’s safety and freedom to roam within designated boundaries. This method not only keeps your pet secure but also prevents the common mistake of leaving pets unsupervised outdoors, where they might wander off or get into dangerous situations.

Trying to use your grandma’s health tips on your dog

Nobody enjoys feeling poorly. Thankfully, most of us have a few home remedies and tricks to manage the seasonal flu. But when your pet feels the weather, you might be tempted to use the known and tested remedies. Beware! Over the counter medications are designed for people. They are not effective on pets. More worryingly, they can be highly dangerous for your pet and lead to acute poisoning. Using air enhancing devices, such as a humidifier or even an essential oil diffuser, can help improve indoor air. But you have to remember that your pet has a sensitive nose. Essential oils can be too aggressive for them. Additionally, it is toxic if ingested, so keep it at a safe distance.

Buying clothes for your pet

Dog outfits can be cute and playful. But does your dog really need to wear clothes? Some accessories are necessary, such as raincoats and warm clothes in winter, as light-furred breeds need additional protection. But otherwise, clothes can be uncomfortable for your pet when they don’t serve a practical purpose. Surprisingly, a lot of homeowners tend to forget the crucial occasion where dogs need to wear clothes. Indeed, dogs’ paws can get irritated on salted surfaces in winter. It’s a good idea to buy little shoes or socks. Alternatively, you can also wash and nourish their paws regularly.

The best way to show your pet how much you care is to do things right. Avoiding unnecessary risks and discomfort will make a big difference. And you are no less a puppy mamma, even if you don’t bake for your dog!

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.