Okay, fellow dog lovers, let’s be real for a sec: we adore our pups. They’re basically family—scratch that—they are family. But even the most doting pet parents (yeah, I’m looking at you 😏) can mess up without realizing it. I’ve definitely been there, casually doing something that seemed fine… only to find out later it wasn’t exactly a gold-star move for my dog’s health.
So, I figured, why not make a list of those sneaky little things – the harmful things to dogs you might be doing – we all do at some point? Grab your coffee (or a treat for your pup), and let’s chat about 12 harmful things to dogs you might be doing without even realizing it. Trust me, some of these will surprise you.
1. Overfeeding (Yep, Even With Love in Your Eyes)
We all want our dogs to be happy, and food = happiness, right? But here’s the thing: overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for dogs. Obesity can lead to a ton of issues like diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease.
Signs you’re overdoing it:
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Your dog’s ribs aren’t easily felt under a light touch.
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You’ve upgraded to XXL beds because…well, they need the space.
FYI, I totally used to think an extra scoop was just “spoiling with love.” Turns out, I was spoiling my dog’s waistline. 😅
2. Skipping the Daily Walks (Because “It’s Just One Day”)
Ever said, “Ehh, we’ll skip the walk today—it’s raining”? Same. But dogs need consistent exercise, both for their physical and mental health.
Even if you’ve got a backyard, a walk provides stimulation that sniffing the same old fence just can’t match. Plus, let’s be honest, we could all use the fresh air.
3. Using Human Shampoo (It Smells So Good Though!)
I get it—sometimes you run out of dog shampoo, and that expensive coconut-vanilla human stuff is right there. Bad idea. Dog skin has a totally different pH than ours. Using human shampoo can cause dryness, itchiness, and irritation.
IMO, just keep an extra bottle of dog shampoo handy so you’re not tempted. Your pup’s skin will thank you later. 🙂
4. Letting Them Hang Their Head Out the Window
Is there anything cuter than a dog with its head out the car window, tongue flapping in the breeze? Nope. But—here comes the buzzkill—this can be super dangerous. Flying debris, dust, or bugs can injure your dog’s eyes, and sudden stops? Don’t even get me started.
Use a dog seatbelt harness or secured crate instead. Not as “Instagram-worthy,” but way safer.
5. Ignoring Dental Care (Because Doggy Breath is Normal, Right?)
I was 100% guilty of thinking “dog breath” was just…a dog thing. Turns out, bad breath usually means dental issues like gum disease or tooth decay.
Easy ways to up your dental game:
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Brush their teeth a few times a week (special dog toothpaste only!).
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Offer dental chews designed to clean teeth.
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Schedule annual vet check-ups for professional cleanings.
6. Feeding Them Human Food (A Little Can’t Hurt…or Can It?)
We’ve all given those puppy-dog eyes a piece of our snack. But some human foods are toxic to dogs—even in tiny amounts.
Top offenders:
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Grapes & raisins
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Onions & garlic
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Chocolate (yep, even white chocolate isn’t safe)
Pro tip: Keep a list of no-go foods on the fridge. Saves lives (and panic Googling).
7. Skipping Flea and Tick Prevention (Because “Winter’s Here”)
I used to think fleas and ticks disappeared in cold weather. Nope! These pests are sneakier than that. Year-round prevention is crucial. Fleas can survive indoors, and ticks can pop up during mild winters.
A monthly preventative keeps things simple. Trust me—you don’t want to deal with an infestation. 🙃
8. Not Providing Enough Mental Stimulation
A tired dog = a happy dog, right? Well, it’s not just about physical energy. Dogs need mental challenges too. Otherwise, you might find a shredded pillow when you get home. (Ask me how I know…)
Try:
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Puzzle toys
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Training new tricks
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Hide-and-seek with treats
It keeps their brain busy and out of trouble.
9. Using Retractable Leashes (They Seem Handy But…)
Oh man, retractable leashes feel so convenient until they’re not. They can lead to injuries for both dogs and owners (rope burns, sudden jerks—you name it). Plus, they don’t offer much control if your dog bolts after a squirrel.
A sturdy, standard leash gives you better control and keeps walks safe and sane.
10. Skipping Regular Vet Visits (“She Looks Fine!”)
I get it—vet visits aren’t exactly fun (for anyone involved). But preventative care can catch problems early. Dogs are masters at hiding discomfort, so regular check-ups are key.
IMO, better to have a “wasted” visit than a missed diagnosis.
11. Leaving Them Alone Too Long (Even If They “Seem Fine”)
We all have busy lives, but dogs are pack animals. Extended time alone can lead to separation anxiety, depression, and destructive behavior.
If you’re out for long stretches:
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Consider a dog walker or pet sitter.
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Leave stimulating toys to keep them occupied.
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Set up a camera to check in (I love spying on my dog mid-nap).
12. Punishing After the Fact (“Bad Dog!” Hours Later)
Ever come home to a mess and scolded your dog, only to get that “What the heck?” face? That’s because dogs don’t connect past actions with present punishment.
Positive reinforcement works way better. If you catch them in the act, a firm “no” is fine. Otherwise? Let it go (cue Elsa).
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Learning and Loving
Phew, that was a list and a half about the harmful things to dogs you might not know about, right? The thing is, we all make mistakes with our pets—it comes with the territory. The key? Learning and improving. Our dogs don’t expect us to be perfect (thank goodness), but they do trust us to keep them safe and happy.
So, did any of these surprise you? Have you caught yourself doing a few? (No judgment—I’m right there with you!) Drop a comment or share this with a fellow dog parent who could use a friendly heads-up.
And hey, give your pup an extra cuddle from me tonight. 🐾❤️