10 common mistakes people make that could risk the health of their dogs

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Many people consider dogs to be like members of the family.

Keeping them healthy and happy seems straightforward — feed them, walk them, love them. But there are some things you may be doing that are hurting your dog's health and happiness.

Here are a few mistakes you're probably making with your dog, and what you can do to become a better parent to your pup.

You're hugging them.

REUTERS/Nathaniel Wilder

Hugging your dog has some mixed reactions from vets and psychologists. Sparked by an op-ed piece in Psychology Today, people have been unsure if hugging your dog is the best thing to do. Business Insider explained how doing so can make your dog feel uncomfortable. 

"The reason we say they don't like being hugged is because of what they look like when you're hugging them," dog-cognition scientist Dr. Alexandra Horowitz told Business Insider. "They pin their ears back, they lick their lips (sort of air licking). Or they yawn, which is another stress behavior. Or they move to get away. Or they show this kind of whale-eye posture — you can see the whites of their eyes. They show behavior that's like, 'This is uncomfortable.'"

Horrowitz is onto something — NPR reported that the dog's stress level increases when we hug them. 

You let them lick your baby's face.

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Dogs and babies are arguably two of the cutest beings on the planet, but there's a reason why you shouldn't let your dog lick your baby's face. 

Although licking is a sign of affection for dogs, a baby's immune system is not strong enough to fight off any bacteria or microbes that dogs may pass along. There's also the issue of the dog's diet. If they eat raw food, their saliva could transfer bacteria like salmonella to your baby's facial mucous membranes. 

You let them eat table food.

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Feeding dogs table food is another thing veterinarians always warn against.

Pet owners should be aware that there are specific foods that can cause your dog harm. Peach stems, potato skin, grapes, and avocados are a few culprits, and look out for things like 'xylitol' in diet peanut butter.

Of course, not all dogs will react the same way to human foods, so play it safe and stick with specific dog food. 

 

See the rest of the story at Business Insider