No matter what kind of animal you have, becoming a pet parent is a big responsibility and completely changes your life. From ensuring they get enough exercise to feeding them the best cat food or dog food – there are lots of things to remember every single day.
It goes without saying that we would do anything for our beloved furry friends, but sometimes things get overlooked or forgotten accidentally. While it might not be the owner’s intention, these oversights can lead to pain and unwanted vet visits in the future.
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, a vet for more than 40 years and star of Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets and E-Vet Intern, has seen his fair share of trips to the ER. Below, he reveals the most common mistakes pet owners make that lead to emergency visits. Our vet, Dr Rebecca MacMillan, has also given her expert insight on why these errors can be so dangerous.
Have you made any of these?
1. Letting dogs off leash at parks
It's pretty common to see dogs walking off-leash – especially if they've mastered their recall training – but Dr. Fitzgerald advises against it for their safety.
Not only does it increase your dog's chances of being hit by a vehicle, but it also poses risks such as encountering toxic materials, snakes, bees, spiders, and wildlife, as well as getting into fights. Your pooch might also become trapped in lakes or rivers or find themselves lost.
Dr. MacMillan adds: "Letting your dog off on the leash in the park should only be done if you can completely rely on their recall ability and, even then, it is still not without risk. Parks are busy places, with joggers, squirrels, cyclists, other dogs, ducks, and children all sharing the same space.
"If your dog is not well-trained this could result in an accident. The other problem with city parks is that they are often not fenced, and your dog could easily run out into a nearby road, especially if they are in hot pursuit of a squirrel!
"Road traffic accidents can leave your dog injured or even dead. It is far better to let your dog off the leash in the countryside (with no livestock around) or in a safe, fenced area, especially while they are still training."
2. Leaving teething puppies unsupervised
If you've got a teething puppy on your hands, you should avoid leaving them unattended. Dr. Fitzgerald says this is another one of the most common mistakes he's seen, as dogs can "ingest and swallow dangerous objects and end up needing surgery".
Dr. MacMillan adds: "A teething puppy will take it upon themselves to chew anything! If your pup is unsupervised there is a risk of them chewing things like electrical wires which could result in electrocution or household plants that could cause stomach upsets.
"Other items, such as socks, may be accidentally swallowed during chewing, leading to a dangerous blockage in their digestive tract. It is always best to watch your puppy, but if you need to leave them unsupervised for a short period then you should create a puppy safe zone in the house.
“This is far safer than giving them free access to your whole home. Make sure they have plenty of puppy-safe teething toys to keep them busy, too."
3. Leaving dogs unsupervised together
Dr. Fitzgerald also warns against leaving dogs together unsupervised, as this can lead to dog bites that require treatment.
Dr. MacMillan adds: "Leaving dogs unsupervised together can be risky, especially if one of the dogs is possessive over resources. I also see problems with elderly dogs that don’t appreciate having a bouncy, young puppy around. Fights easily break out over toys, bedding or food.
"Dog fights can be nasty business, with bite wounds causing bruising, tissue damage, and infection. In the very worst case, dogs can even die due to fighting especially if one of them has a size advantage.
"Unless you completely trust your dogs together, keep them in separate rooms while you are out. I also recommend feeding your dogs separately and watching to make sure that they stay apart, to avoid sudden fights occurring."
4. Exercising in extreme temperatures
It's super-important to ensure your dog gets enough activity, but exercising them in extreme temperatures can do more harm than good. Dr. Fitzgerald says owners should think twice before taking them out in harsh conditions – whether it's too cold or too hot.
If you're feeling on the fence, you might want to read our guides that answer: What temperature is too cold to walk a dog and when is it too hot to walk your dog?
Dr. MacMillan adds: "Exercising your dog in extreme temperatures is incredibly dangerous. Too hot and your dog is at risk of heat stroke, too cold and they are at risk of hypothermia.
"No dog has died from missing a walk or two, but plenty have from being exercised during inappropriate weather. It is important to take into account your dog’s breed and health status when making decisions about exercise at various temperatures, too.
"For example, a very large dog with a thick coat, or a flat-faced breed like a bulldog, will be more susceptible to problems in warm weather, and skinny, elderly, or young animals will be at increased risk during cold snaps. Be sensible, perhaps change the timing of your walk or stay at home if you are unsure."
Dr. Fitzgerald's book, It Started with a Turtle: One Man's Life on a Blue & Green Planet, is available on Amazon.
Want more expert advice? Read how to be the best dog owner and ways to show your dog you love them.
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This page was last updated on March 17 by Megan Milstead.
