Vet Warns of 5 Dangerous Mistakes Dog Owners Make: 'I Would Never'

Veterinarian Dr. Ben Simpson-Vernon, known as Ben the Vet on social media, warns dog owners about five dangerous mistakes they often make. These everyday habits can have severe consequences if not avoided.

Firstly, Dr. Simpson-Vernier advises against throwing sticks for dogs to chase. The resulting injuries can be catastrophic, sometimes fatal, as sticks can impale a dog's throat or break off, causing abscesses and swelling that block the airway. He stresses that throwing sticks should be replaced with safe alternatives like fetching games using soft toys.

Secondly, he cautions against giving dogs hard chew items like bones, antlers, or yak bars. These can cause severe dental fractures, which might go unnoticed until it's too late. Simpson-Vernier recommends the "fingernail test" to determine if a chew item is safe - if it can't be indented with a fingernail, it's too hard for a dog to chew.

Thirdly, he warns against feeding dogs raw diets. While these diets might be popular, they pose health risks to both dogs and their owners. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and Campylobacter, which can be transmitted to humans, especially children or immunosuppressed individuals. Dr. Simpson-Vernier suggests switching to commercially prepared fresh cooked foods or seeking advice from a veterinary nutritionist for homemade meals.

Lastly, he discourages the use of shock collars for training. Although intended to curb behaviors like barking, shock collars can cause extreme anxiety in dogs. Dogs may become fearful of the collar and the shock, leading to a state of constant fear rather than learning the desired behavior. He advocates for positive-reinforcement training methods, rewarding dogs with treats for good behavior to foster a positive association.