10 Things You Should NEVER Do To Your Dog!

According to the Humane Society, there are currently 78.2 million dogs in the United States, and with a dog's unconditional love and loyalty come responsibilities. When it comes to these everyday tasks, they should be taken very seriously—especially for your pup’s sake and for everyone around you. We all know how much you adore your pet, but even the most loving Dog Moms and Dads make mistakes from time to time!

Here are ten things you should never, ever do to your dog!

1. Leave your dog in the car alone.

Even when the weather is mild, a car can quickly turn into a greenhouse, causing your dog to become overheated and ill. A dog can die if left alone for an extended period of time. A dog left alone in a car is a target for thieves regardless of the weather or season. Dogs should never be left unattended in a vehicle!

2. Keep your dog outside or on a leash.

Yes, all dogs should have access to the outdoors, but you should never leave your dog in your yard while you are at work. Particularly when chained up, in the hot sun, or during the cold winter months. This is also true for long car rides. It’s abusive, and the consequences could be dire!

3. Ignore your dog's teeth.

Daily tooth brushing is recommended for dogs and cats, but only 2% of dog owners do it! Furthermore, 65 percent of dogs with stage one periodontal disease go untreated. Always have your dog's teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year and before beginning any home-based dental regimen.

4. Hit a dog.

It is not acceptable to use your hand(s) to punish a dog. It will sever your bond with your dog and prevent proper training! This type of abuse undermines their confidence and makes them more likely to lash out.

5. Assume your dog has no feelings.

Dogs feel—they have emotions and understand them. Recent scientific studies have shown that dogs experience love like humans and can read human emotions based on facial expressions. Dogs can love, feel, become depressed, and be excited!

6. Ignore veterinary visits.

Some people believe they can self-diagnose their dog's health issues and avoid seeking veterinary care. There is a time and a place for conducting online research or looking up additional medical information for a beloved pet. However, if a dog exhibits unusual behavior or exhibits any signs of illness, it is critical to seek veterinary care immediately!

7. Use your dog's crate or barricade for the wrong reasons.

When a dog misbehaves, putting him in a kennel is not the appropriate response. When you use the crate to punish your dog, you are teaching him that the kennel is a bad place rather than a safe haven. Because you want your dog to enjoy being crated, never use it to scold or punish him.

8. Don't forget to scoop the poop.

This is especially important in congested neighborhoods and cities. It is also critical that you do not allow your dog to urinate in someone else's yard. Urine, particularly female dog urine, can cause unsightly dead spots in lawns. Taking proper care of business will keep you in good standing in your community!

9. Please do not bring your dog as an uninvited guest.

Your puppy could be the most lovable and well-mannered pet on the planet! But, whether you're going to a restaurant, a store, or someone's house, you should never bring your dog uninvited. However, this does not imply that you must always leave him at home! There are many dog friendly locations that are always welcoming with dogs that you can search for!

10. Allowing your dog to ride in the car with his head out the window is not a good idea.

When a dog is riding out of a car window, something they see can excite him, or encourage them to jump out. You should also be wary of wind and dirt, as these can cause damage to their eyes. Your pup could also hurt his neck if your windows don’t lock or if the window begins to close o

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