If only I’d known then what I know now, my Truman might still be here today.
Like most pet parents, I thought I was being a good dog mom. But what I didn’t know eventually killed my beloved Great Dane, Truman.
I didn’t hurt him on purpose, but what I knew then about caring for a dog wasn’t enough to protect and prolong his life. Looking back now, I can only accept what happened and know I gave him all the love I could in the short time I had with him… and I could vow to do it better from this day on.
I think most pet parents realize that raising a dog is so much different today than it was ten or twenty years ago, and much of that difference is in the knowledge we have now.
Which means it’s so very easy to make pup parenting mistakes simply because we don’t know what we don’t know.
If you’re like me and want to do it better for your fur baby, knowledge is crucial.
That’s why I share what I’ve learned every chance I get- so more pet parents can take better care of their dogs- because every dog deserves the very best we can give them.
3 Common Mistakes of Well- Meaning Pup Parents
1. Inconsistency. Nothing tells a dog his parent isn’t in charge of the house like inconsistency. One day, he has to stay off the couch, the next, he looks so cute lying there he’s allowed to remain. He’s not allowed to eat “people food” except when he gives you those big brown eyes, or when you’re too tired to make his kibble. Consistency is crucial for your pup to feel safe, secure, and well-loved. Sticking to the house rules everyday (even when you’re tired and he’s super cute) is crucial to his happiness- and yours.
2. Giving In. I cringe every time I hear a pet parent say, “But she just doesn’t like it” in reference to why their dog’s nails aren’t clipped, their doggie breath smells like death, or they’re doing some other activity that inhibits the dog’s health and well being. Listen folks, I get it. I do. I melt every time my dogs look at me and I can’t stand to see them uncomfortable or unhappy. But as a PARENT, it’s my job to put their well being ahead of their comfort. I feel that same heart tug that says I should give in to those big brown eyes. But, just like I wouldn’t let a toddler go to preschool naked, eat junk food three meals a day, or never brush his teeth or bathe, I don’t let my dogs “escape” doing those things that are vital to their health. That means my dogs go the groomers and get baths and nail care. They get dental care at home every day, and they eat things that are healthy so they can stay healthy. It’s hard- at first. But with a little consistency, my dogs learn what to expect and they learn to “tolerate” those things they don’t necessarily like, but that are essential for their care.
3. Following the crowd. Choosey moms don’t necessarily choose commercial pet foods. The truth is, most commercial pet food isn’t nutritious at best, and is harmful to your dog’s health at worst. Most kibbles start with “leftover” ingredients with very little nutritional value and then are cooked and processed at such high heats, what little nutrition that remains is lost. This leaves us with a pet food that fills our pet’s bellies, but doesn’t nourish their bodies. I was horrified when I found out what really goes into some pet foods, and was devastated when I realized I was probably the cause of my beloved Truman’s cancer. I was feeding him a pet food everyday that was made with chemicals, the packaging from rotted grocery store meats, diseased animals, and even the remains of other people’s pets! And it all came packaged in a pretty bag so I’d be fooled into believing it was “good” dog food. It was packed full of artificial flavors to make it palatable to my dog so I never suspected there was a problem- until it was too late. I woke up, and took the time to research what really goes into pet foods and what my dog should be eating to stay healthy. I encourage you to do the same for your dog.
We love our dogs and would do anything for them and we all want what’s best for them. For me, that meant I needed to learn to do things differently and never stop learning about what my dogs’ needs are and how best to meet those needs.
Like parenting a human, there are many approaches to parenting a dog, and you can argue that some are “better” than others. But as long as you’re giving your very best to your dogs and loving them well, they’re very blessed to be a part of your family.
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