Veterinarians reveal 10 of the most common mistakes pet owners make

Sophia MitrokostasFeb 10, 2021, 01:23 IST

Having a pet can be rewarding, but also challenging.Shutterstock

Veterinarians told Insider about some common pet-care mistakes many owners make.
Giving your cat or dog medication that's meant for humans could be fatal.
Letting your dog meet new dogs face-first may not always be appropriate.

Helping your pet live their best life isn't always easy.

But there are a few ways you could unknowingly be making their life a bit more difficult or even be missing out key warning signs related to their health.

Here are common mistakes pet owners make and how to fix them, according to veterinarians:

You should never try to cut matted fur out of a pet's ear.

If you can't brush it out, you might want to visit a groomer. Shutterstock

Socializing your new puppy early is vital.

Puppies should interact with people and other dogs. Shutterstock

Many pet owners probably haven't given their cats enough litter boxes.

One isn't enough. Shutterstock

Ignoring chronic vomiting could compromise your pet's health.

It's never normal for a pet to vomit. Shutterstock

Forgetting to trim your dog's nails is a common mistake.

Think your pooch doesn't need a pedicure? Think again. Shutterstock

Letting your dog meet new dogs face-first may not always be appropriate.

You can't predict how dogs will react to a new dog. Shutterstock

Picking up poop is definitely one of the least glamorous things about owning a dog - but this smelly task is non-negotiable.

Not only is it rude, but also it can be dangerous. hedgehog94/ iStock

Skipping your pet's annual vaccinations is never a wise idea.

In some places, certain shots are mandatory. Shutterstock

Assuming that smaller animals are easier to care for is a mistake.

Do your research before adopting any pet, big or small. Shutterstock

Giving your pet medications that are meant for humans could be fatal.

Never give your pet any drug without speaking to a vet. Shutterstock

A family of 3 downsized to a 270-square-foot RV to save money and travel across the country

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