We all do things out of love for our pets. But some of the most common everyday habits, the ones that feel completely normal, can quietly work against your pet’s health. Here’s what to watch out for.

Sharing your food from the table

It’s hard to resist those eyes. But many human foods are toxic to dogs and cats. Grapes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and xylitol (found in many sugar-free products) can all cause serious illness, and some can be fatal even in small amounts. 

Beyond toxicity, table scraps are often too rich, too fatty, or too salty for your pet’s digestive system, and regularly feeding them this way is a leading contributor to obesity and pancreatitis in dogs.

Letting your dog greet every other dog on a walk

Socialisation is important, but not every on-lead greeting is a positive experience for your dog. When two dogs meet on leads, they are unable to engage in their natural greeting behaviours freely, which can create tension and stress even when both dogs appear friendly. 

Over time, repeated forced greetings can actually contribute to lead reactivity, the very behaviour owners are often trying to prevent. Quality socialisation matters more than quantity.

Skipping the annual vet check because your pet “seems fine”

If your pet is eating well and acting normally, it can feel unnecessary to book a check-up. But many conditions including dental disease, heart murmurs, early kidney disease and certain cancers develop silently and show no outward symptoms until they are well advanced. 

Annual health checks allow your vet to detect changes early, when treatment options are far greater and outcomes are far better.

Assuming your indoor cat does not need parasite prevention

Many cat owners believe that because their cat never goes outside, they are not at risk from parasites. Unfortunately this is not the case. Fleas can enter your home on clothing, shoes or other pets. Mosquitoes, which can carry heartworm, freely enter most homes. Indoor cats absolutely still benefit from a regular parasite prevention program.

Letting dental hygiene slide

By the age of three, the majority of dogs and cats show some signs of periodontal disease, and most owners have no idea. Bad breath is frequently a sign that bacteria, tartar and inflammation are already established in your pet’s mouth. 

Left untreated, bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys and liver over time. Regular tooth brushing, dental chews and professional dental checks all make a real difference.

Giving your pet human pain relief

Common human pain medications including ibuprofen and aspirin are not safe for use in pets without veterinary guidance. Ibuprofen is toxic to dogs, and even doses that seem small can cause serious harm.

If your pet appears to be in pain, please contact your vet rather than reaching for your own medicine cupboard. There are safe and effective veterinary pain relief options available.

Overfeeding “just a little extra”

What feels like a small extra treat can represent a significant percentage of your pet’s daily calorie intake. Over time, consistent overfeeding leads to weight gain that puts pressure on joints, strains the heart and significantly shortens life expectancy. 

If you are unsure whether your pet is at a healthy weight, ask your vet to assess their body condition score at their next visit.

All of these habits are easy to adjust once you know about them. If you have any questions about your pet’s diet, parasite prevention, dental health or general care, the team at Clyde Vet is always happy to help.

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