Are you being inadvertently cruel to your pooch?

Know Your Pooch 

VK Joshi

The writer is former director, GSI, and an avid animal lover. His understanding of man's best friend comes from over six decades of dedicated association with it              

In the past 25 years or so, I have observed that suddenly the love for dogs has mushroomed, and there are dog lovers all over society. It is good to love and be humane to the poor creatures who have been our friends and companions for thousands of years.

Owning a dog is a rewarding experience filled with companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. However, as loving pet owners, many are unaware that some of their everyday actions might inadvertently harm their furry friends. From feeding them inappropriate foods to using harmful grooming products or unintentionally causing stress by leaving them alone/tying them, these subtle mistakes can impact a dog's overall health, behaviour, and well-being over time. Recognizing and rectifying these behaviours is vital to ensure your dog leads a happy, healthy life.

One of the most common ways owners inadvertently hurt their dogs is by feeding them human foods that are toxic or unsuitable. Certain foods, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum), are highly toxic to dogs. These substances can cause symptoms ranging from digestive upset to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure or seizures. People’s love for street dogs is understandable. No harm in that. But when you buy a pack or two of biscuits meant for humans or a loaf of bread, and feed them, is like poisoning them slowly.

Even foods that are generally safe, like bread or dairy, can cause issues if fed in excess or if a dog has food allergies. Overfeeding or offering high-fat treats may lead to obesity, which predisposes dogs to joint issues, heart disease, and decreased lifespan.

A dog is a hyperactive living being and has a short life span, averaging 12 years. To cope with its need for growth and well-being, it needs a hard, crunchy, and high-protein diet. In Indian homes, it is a common mistake to give milk and chapati to dogs. If that were required, then nature would never have given them ferocious, long teeth. They are specifically meant to bite and take off large chunks of meat. Alas, the majority of dog lovers say, ‘we are vegetarians, so how can we feed non-veg to our ‘child’! Agreed, but in that case, such owners should adopt a goat instead. The trauma of hyperacidity and reflux faced by a dog can be understood only by a person who knows what to feed them and what not to feed. Each morning, your pooch walks out, chews some grass, and then vomits yellow bile. You rush him to the vet and get him treated. Once the appetite is normal, you again feed him the food that his system rejects! Better stick to balanced, species-appropriate dog food and treats designed for canine nutrition.

Many pet owners may not realize that certain shampoos, conditioners, or cleaning agents contain chemicals that can irritate or burn a dog's skin. Products not formulated specifically for dogs may strip natural oils, leading to dry or irritated skin, or worse, cause allergic reactions.

Similarly, household cleaning agents, insecticides, and even anti-parasitic medications used improperly can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through a cut on the skin. I am from the old school and never ever used a shampoo for bathing. I used to make indigenous shampoo with ‘Reetha’ peels. Of course, now it is outdated; therefore, use veterinarian-recommended grooming products. Keep household chemicals out of reach, and always follow directions when applying topical treatments or medications.

Dogs communicate largely through body language. Ignoring signs of fear, stress, or discomfort may lead owners to accidentally cause distress or even injury. For example, forcing a dog into situations it clearly perceives as threatening—like unwanted grooming, nail trims, or social interactions—can cause anxiety or defensive aggression. However, if all such experiences can be made a pleasure or rewarding, a dog will willingly accept the grooming, nail trimming etc.

You must understand that even your dog, if disturbed or stressed due to your action which he considers undesirable, he may stand up, raise his hackles (hair on the back where the two shoulder blades meet) or pull back his lips to bare his teeth, he is not at all happy. He may attack you, if pestered further.  Educate yourself on canine body language. Allow your dog to approach new experiences at their comfort level and always prioritize gentle, positive reinforcement like timely rewards.

From rough handling to improper restraint, many pet owners may cause accidental harm. Pulling on a dog's collar too hard, rough play, or sudden movements during walks can lead to injuries like strained muscles, bruises, or dental damage.

Similarly, neglecting to secure your dog properly during travel or in hazardous environments poses risks of falls, burns, or ingestion of harmful substances. I remember a teenage boy who learnt the use of a choke collar from me and, against my advice, tied the dog with a choke collar. In an excitement dog jumped and fell about four feet below, hanging by his collar. Poor creature had a very painful death! Therefore, handle your dog gently and appropriately. Use proper equipment like well-fitted collars and harnesses, and supervise all interactions and activities.

Like your own children, your dog also needs frequent health checkups. Being dumb, he cannot express his pain. Skipping routine veterinary visits, vaccinations, and parasite control can allow minor health issues to grow into serious problems. Delayed treatment can inadvertently cause suffering and reduce your dog's lifespan. Neglecting dental care, for instance, can lead to painful dental diseases affecting overall health, while untreated health conditions may cause discomfort or a decline in quality of life.

There are other hazards too. For example, certain household or outdoor environmental factors can pose dangers unknowingly. Toxic plants (like lilies or azaleas), chemicals, small objects that can be swallowed, or hot surfaces all pose risks. Additionally, extreme weather conditions—exposure to excessive heat, cold, or humidity—can be detrimental. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, hypothermia, or dehydration if not adequately protected.

It is best to puppy-proof your home and yard, remove or secure hazardous items, and ensure your dog has access to shade, water, and a safe shelter. Unintentional harm isn't limited to physical injuries—poor socialization and training can also harm your dog’s mental well-being. Overly strict or inconsistent training methods, use of punishment-based techniques, or neglecting socialization can cause fear, anxiety, or aggression. Lack of training may result in behavioral problems that could be misconstrued as naughty or malicious but are often rooted in fear or confusion.

From day one use positive reinforcement training methods. Socialize your dog gradually and appropriately with other animals and humans. Remember, his hearing power is 80 times more than yours, and he can sniff in parts per billion. He may not have an analytical brain like yours, but he is better equipped for emergencies. Socialisation brings him at par with many other animals, sounds and removes the fear of humans.

The next time you feed a morsel from your food, please do remember that out of sheer blind love you are harming him more than caring.