10 Things I Would Never Do As a Veterinarian with my Dog!

As a former practicing veterinarian, I’ve gleaned invaluable insights into pet care that have shaped my approach to caring for my own dog. In this article, I share the 10 things I would never do with my own dog, offering a blend of cautionary tales and preventative measures. These insights are vital for any pet owner looking to foster a safe, healthy, and happy life for their furry companion.

1. Avoiding the Dog Park: Despite their popularity, dog parks can be hotbeds for injuries from dog fights and a breeding ground for parasites and diseases, including a mysterious respiratory illness spreading among dogs. Based on these risks, I steer clear of dog parks.

2. Being Cautious with Treats: Hard treats like deer antlers can cause dental fractures. While I do give my dog chewable treats, I’m vigilant to ensure she doesn’t break her teeth on excessively hard materials.

3. Preventing Accidents with Sticks: Sticks, a common plaything for dogs, can cause severe injuries if a dog runs with them in their mouth. Witnessing numerous related injuries, I’ve decided never to allow my dog to run with sticks.

4. Leash Safety Near Roads: The number of preventable accidents involving dogs hit by cars is staggering. To avoid this, I always ensure my dog is leashed near roads, a simple step that can save lives.

5. Rethinking Vaccines and Conventional Medications: Aware of the potential side effects of vaccines and conventional medications, including flea and tick preventatives, I opt for safer, holistic options wherever possible.

6. Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners: Common in various food products, artificial sweeteners like xylitol are extremely toxic to dogs. I make a point to avoid any food products that might contain these harmful ingredients.

7. Moderating Fatty Foods: Foods high in saturated fats, such as bacon, can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, a painful and potentially fatal condition. Hence, I’m cautious about the amount of fatty food my dog consumes.

8. Rejecting Cosmetic Procedures: Procedures like ear cropping and tail docking are purely cosmetic and unnecessary, often causing needless pain and discomfort to the animal. I firmly believe these should be banned and would never subject my dog to them.

9. Questioning Routine Diagnostic Testing: Excessive diagnostic testing can lead to unnecessary treatments and stress for the pet. I prefer a more measured approach, avoiding routine wellness screenings that often lead to a cascade of further testing and interventions.

10. Prioritizing Quality of Life in End-of-Life Decisions: When it comes to serious illnesses, my focus is on the quality of life rather than prolonging life at all costs. If my dog were suffering and had no reasonable chance of recovery, I would choose euthanasia over allowing her to endure prolonged suffering.

In conclusion, these ten practices are rooted in a deep understanding of pet health and a commitment to the well-being of our furry friends. By sharing these insights, I hope to help other pet owners make informed decisions that enhance the safety, health, and happiness of their pets.

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