As loving dog owners, we often go to great lengths to keep our furry companions healthy and happy. But sometimes, what seems like responsible pet care can actually do more harm than good. Many well-intentioned habits that appear beneficial on the surface may be causing stress, discomfort, or even long-term health issues for our dogs. Today, we’re bringing you 10 supposedly “healthy” dog habits that could harm your dogs.
10. Adding Pet Supplements
Many owners add supplements to their dog’s diet as extra nutrition. However, over-supplementation is a thing, and it can cause serious health problems for your dog. For instance, too much calcium may interfere with proper bone development , especially in puppies who are large breeds. Also, excess vitamin A messes with both bones and joints, so don’t ever add supplements to your dog’s diet without the go signal of your vet.
9. Puzzle Feeder
Mental stimulation is good for dogs so puzzle feeders are the new must have among fur parents. However, some dogs find puzzle feeders stressful rather than enriching, especially anxious dogs or those with food sensitivities. Constantly making dogs work for basic nutrition can increase stress around mealtimes and may not be appropriate for all personalities. Senior dogs or those with cognitive issues may become frustrated rather than stimulated. With this, observe your dog’s response to the feeder.
8. Forced Swimming
While swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs, some dogs aren’t just built for such. Also, here’s some news flash for us: not all dogs are natural swimmers. Forcing them into swimming creates lasting trauma and anxiety around the water. But if you really want to take them for a swim, consider a properly fitted life jacket for safety, especially for first-time swimmers or dogs with short legs.
7. Raw Food Diets
Raw feeding has gained the attention of dog owners, especially on TikTok. You see, they contain raw food which could lead to Salmonella and E.coli. Yup, your dog can contract those! Raw diets are also extremely difficult to balance nutritionally without extensive knowledge, often leading to deficiencies or dangerous excesses of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. If you want to add fresh foods to your dog’s diet, incorporate small amounts of cooked, dog-safe options into a balanced commercial diet.
6. Ice Cubes as Treats
Ice cubes seem like a perfect healthy treat as they provide hydration, especially on hot summer days. They appear to be a zero-calorie way to provide enrichment and relief from heat. However, ice cubes can actually crack teeth, especially in chewers or older dogs with weakened enamel. The extreme cold can be uncomfortable for dogs with sensitive teeth, and consuming large quantities can cause stomach upset or even dangerous drops in body temperature. Some dogs may also choke on ice chips.
5. Retractable Leashes for “Freedom”
Retractable leashes seem like the perfect compromise as they give dogs freedom to explore while maintaining safety and control. They’re marketed as allowing dogs to be dogs while keeping them secure, and many owners love the convenience of adjustable length. The problem is that retractable leashes actually teach dogs that pulling is rewarded with more freedom. This makes loose-leash walking nearly impossible to achieve. They also provide poor control in emergency situations and by the time you realize you need your dog closer, they may be 20 feet away investigating something dangerous.
4. Daily Baths
Clean dogs are healthy dogs, right? Many well-meaning owners establish weekly bath routines. However, this habit strips away the natural oils that protect your dog’s skin and coat. Daily bathing can lead to dry, irritated skin, increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Also, most dogs only need baths every 6-12 weeks unless for a bath again.
3. Socialization With Other Dogs
“Socialization is key” is drummed into every new dog owner’s head. With this, dog parks, playdates, and group walks become daily requirements in pursuit of the perfectly socialized pet .But forcing social interaction on dogs who are naturally introverted or have had negative experiences can increase anxiety and reactivity rather than reduce it. Not all dogs enjoy constant social interaction, and pushing them past their comfort zone often creates behavioral problems rather than solving them. Learn to read your dog’s body language and respect their social preferences.
2. Free-Feeding Dogs
The idea sounds logical: dogs in the wild don’t eat on human schedules, so leaving food out all day allows for more natural eating patterns. Yup, that’s free feeding for some owners. Unfortunately, this eliminates one of your strongest training tools: food motivation. It also makes it impossible to monitor appetite changes that often signal health issues early. In multi-pet households, free-feeding can lead to resource guarding and makes it difficult to ensure each pet gets appropriate nutrition.
1. Over-Exercising High-Energy Breeds
The thinking is that more exercise equals better behavior and a healthier dog. This is why we commonly see Jack Russell Terriers and other high energy breeds have a grueling routine. But here’s the problem: forcing intense daily exercise can create exercise addiction and chronic stress in your dog. Dogs that require constant physical stimulation to feel normal often develop anxiety when they can’t maintain these extreme activity levels. Even worse, over-exercising growing puppies can permanently damage developing joints and growth plates, leading to lifelong issues.