I’m a vet - why you shouldn’t treat your dog like a baby, it can have serious consequences

A celebrity vet has revealed why you shouldn’t treat your dog like a baby – it could have serious consequences.

The animal expert said that this common bad habit could be the reason your pooch has behavioural issues.

Rory Cowlam, known as Rory the Vet, told Country Living that the biggest mistake a dog owner can make is treating their pups like children.

“It’s lovely that people care so much about their animals, however it leads to a large part of the behavioural issues that we see in pets these days,” she said.

Although many dog parents become attached to their pets, like a parent does their child, Cowlam believes that the current “behaviour pandemic” in dogs all boils down to their owners actions.

She advised pet owners to be the “relaxed parent” in the relationship, adding that it’s important to expose dogs to all kinds of situations. The vet also suggested taking your pooch to the pub and passing them around your friends.

Shielding them from social environments can be harmful to their behavioural growth and if you’re constantly nervous that your dog is going to act up, then they can sense this and feed off the anxious energy, she added. Cowlam even listed one more mistake that many dog owners make which is picking up their pets when other dogs approach on a walk.

She reassured that “99 times out of 100 that big dog is more friendly than your dog”, encouraging pet owners to be more calm and relaxed with their mutts. This comes after an urgent vet warning over popular dog treats that can lead to life-threatening illnesses.

Vets also issued an urgent warning to pet owners over common household products that could seriously harm your cats and dogs. Experts say it is important for Brits to use pet-safe cleaning products or they run the risk of making their animals very ill. And one more vet issued a warning to dog owners after a pet nearly died from inhaling a seed on a walk.

Dog lovers are being urged to keep an eye on their pet as we approach the summer months and grass seeds become more common. They are small, pointy seeds attached to the tops of long grass stems. The seeds are more likely to be a risk for dogs as the weather improves and walks through fields become regular. They’re often found in meadows and wooded areas too.

(Story source: The Sun)