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You let your dog walk you -

If your dog isn't leash-trained, going out for a stroll can be hazardous. Tens of thousands of people end up in the ER each year due to pet-related falls, many of which happen during walks when a person gets pulled or pushed over by a dog.

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You overlook ticks -

Tick bites put your furry friend at risk of diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can also cause serious illnesses in cats and put the rest of the family at risk.

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You ignore ringworm -

If your pet has a round bald patch, ringworm could be to blame. Untreated ringworm can lead to chronic skin issues, making your furry friend feel miserable.

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You don't bother to deworm your pets -

Roundworms are parasites in dogs and cats that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. An infected pet can spread roundworm eggs to people, which can result in blindness and tissue damage.

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You skip flea medicine -

Fleas will rapidly infest the skin of an untreated pet, particularly during the summer and fall, and your home will be teeming with their eggs and larvae. Humans often get bitten by the fleas and end up covered in itchy sores.

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You don't spay or neuter your pet -

Neutering lowers the risk of breast cancer in female pets and testicular cancer in males. Plus, neutered males are less likely to run away from home, mark their territory, or act aggressively.

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You keep the food bowl full -

Cats and dogs often eat more than they need, and if food is always available, they'll consume too many calories and gain too much weight, which can cause health problems.

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You force your cats to be vegetarian -

Cats are obligate carnivores and must eat meat to survive, as they depend on nutrients only found in animal tissue. Dogs, however, may be able to handle a well-balanced vegetarian diet, but you should consult a vet first.

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You give them too little exercise -

Without exercise, pets are prone to obesity, which increases their risk of respiratory problems and joint issues. Vets recommend at least half an hour of exercise each day, though this can vary depending on breed and size.

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You misread body language -

A wagging tail isn't always a good sign. When a dog wants to threaten someone, they may hold their tail high and wave it stiffly back and forth. If you mistake this for playfulness, you could get bitten.

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You don't give your pet enough attention -

Your pet will get bored if you don't play or interact with them, leading to destructive behavior like chewing, digging, and barking. 

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You make cats share a litter box -

Pet experts say you should have one box for every cat in your home, plus one extra. If a litter box is dirty or smells like other cats, they may not use it and do their business on the floor.

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You don't socialize young pets -

During the first seven weeks of a puppy or kitten's life, they must get used to people. Humans should spend this time building up trust via gentle handling and play.

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You leave your dog alone too long -

Leaving your dog alone for long periods of time can lead to separation anxiety and destructive habits like chewing, digging, and barking. 

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You don't set rules -

Cats and dogs need consistent rules. Owners need to make it clear that scratching furniture or peeing on the carpet is not ok. Reward your pets for good behavior and seek advice from a trainer if needed.

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You scold pets for accidents -

If you come home to find your pet has peed on the floor, yelling at them won't help. The accident happened in the past, so they won't understand why you're angry. Instead, praise your pets right away when they do their business where they're supposed to.

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You leave young children unsupervised -

Sometimes, young kids can play too rough with their pets, causing the animals to strike out in self-defense. Be sure to supervise play time when a new pet joins the family.

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You give milk to cats -

Contrary to popular belief, most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they can't digest the sugars in milk. Drinking milk could lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

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You let dogs eat spoiled food -

Don't let dogs rifle through the garbage; eating spoiled food could lead to food poisoning or pancreas problems.

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You give bones to dogs -

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advises against giving bones to dogs, as chewing them can injure their teeth, tongue, or mouth. Bones can also become lodged in the digestive tract, potentially requiring surgical removal.

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You feed your dog table scraps -

If your dog begs at the dinner table for scraps, rewarding them with a bit of food from your plate will encourage them to beg more in future. Plus, some human foods are toxic to pets and can cause serious health problems.

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You don't make sure your cat gets enough water -

Cats have a low thirst drive and may not always drink enough to stay hydrated. It's important to ensure their water bowl is always full or purchase a water fountain designed for cats.

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You give up your cat if you fall pregnant -

Cat feces contains a parasite that causes an illness called toxoplasmosis, which can harm an unborn baby. Pregnant people should avoid handling kitty litter where possible, but they don't need to give up their cat.

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You don't have a disaster plan -

If a fire or natural disaster forces you to leave your home, what will you do with your pets? It's best to find pet-friendly shelters and motels ahead of time so you can keep your pets during an emergency.

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You adopt a pet on a whim -

Adopting a pet should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision; owning a pet is a life-long commitment. Do some research ahead of time to decide what type of pet and breed would be best for your family.

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You don't provide a collar or identification tag -

Not providing your pet with proper identification puts them at risk of being lost and unable to be reunited with their owners. Always ensure your furry friend has a collar with an identification tag or is microchipped.

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You take your dog for a walk on a hot day -

When the air temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celcius), the asphalt can reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celcius), causing burns and permanent damage to your dogs' foot pads after just one minute of contact.

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You walk your dog through foxtails -

Foxtails, a weed-type grass, contains razor-sharp seeds that can embed into your dog's skin and cause serious damage. If you suspect a seed has entered your dog's body, call a vet immediately.

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You leave batteries lying around -

If your pet chews and pierces a battery, it can cause chemical burns and metal poisoning. Batteries can also cause an obstruction if swallowed whole.

Sources: (WebMD) (Vets Now)

See also: Which house plants are non-toxic to pets?

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