Pet Care Mistakes New Owners Make – Avoid These Common Errors

A new pet owner is excited, emotional, and often confused. You want to do everything right, but sometimes your love becomes a mistake. Most pet care mistakes are not because people are careless. They are because people don’t know what’s correct and what’s harmful.

This article will highlight the most common mistakes new pet owners make (dogs and cats), and how to correct them.

1. Feeding Human Food Out of Love (Biggest Mistake)

New owners think:
“My pet is my baby, I will feed them like a family member.”

But pets are not humans. Indian food is spicy, oily, and full of salt. Many people feel guilty if they don’t give their pet “family food”. That guilt leads to problems.

Why human food is bad

• Spices irritate the stomach: Pets can’t handle chili, masala, ginger.

• Oil causes obesity: Oil makes them fat and lazy.

• Onions/garlic cause toxicity: It can damage blood cells.

• Sweets cause diabetes: Pets easily get diabetes from sugar.

• Milk causes diarrhea: Most pets are lactose intolerant.

Common harmful foods (Indian context)

Onions, garlic, chocolates, chips, spicy curry, small bones, tea/coffee.

Correct approach

Feed pet food or balanced homemade food.
If you want to give homemade food, keep it simple:

• boiled chicken + rice

• cooked vegetables

• eggs (limited)

Treats should be occasional, not daily.

2. Not Following a Feeding Schedule

Many new owners feed whenever they remember. This creates big problems:

Results

• stomach issues

• obesity

• poor toilet training

• bad behavior

Why schedule matters

Pets need routine. Their digestion works better with fixed timings.
If you feed at random times, their body doesn’t know when to expect food, causing stress and stomach problems.

Correct approach

Puppies: 4 meals per day
Adult pets: 2 meals per day
Same time, same bowl.

A schedule helps with:

• potty training

• better digestion

• controlled weight

• better behavior

3. Not Vaccinating Properly

Some people skip vaccines because it’s expensive or they think “my pet stays indoors”.

Real truth:

Vaccines are the first line of defense. Even indoor pets can catch diseases from:

• stray animals

• contaminated surfaces

• visitors

• accidental outdoor trips

Common diseases prevented

• Parvo

• Distemper

• Rabies

• Hepatitis

• Parainfluenza

Correct approach

Follow the vaccination schedule properly.
Don’t delay boosters.
Vaccines save lives.

4. Skipping Deworming

Deworming is not optional.

Why deworming is important

Worms steal nutrients from the pet and weaken them.

Symptoms of worms

• diarrhea

• bloated belly

• itching around anus

• weakness

• weight loss

Correct approach

Deworm every 2–3 months.
Use vet-recommended medicines only.

Worms can spread to humans, especially kids. So deworming is not just for pets—it’s for your whole family.

5. Ignoring Grooming

Many new owners think grooming is only for long-haired pets. But grooming is for all pets.

Benefits of grooming

• reduces shedding

• prevents skin infections

• keeps coat healthy

• prevents fleas

• improves bonding

Correct approach

• brush regularly

• bathe properly (not too often)

• clean ears

• trim nails

A clean pet is a happy pet.

6. Not Training Properly

Training is not only for discipline. It is for safety.

Common mistakes

• not teaching basic commands

• using harsh punishment

• not socializing

Correct approach

Use positive reinforcement, not punishment.
Teach basic commands like:

• sit

• stay

• come

• leave it

Socialization is also crucial. A pet that is not socialized becomes fearful and aggressive.

7. Over-Exercise (Especially in Puppies)

Puppies look energetic, but their bones are still growing. Over-exercise can cause serious damage.

Over-exercise causes:

• joint problems

• bone weakness

• fatigue

• injuries

Correct approach

• short walks

• controlled play

• avoid jumping

• no long running until 1 year

8. Not Providing Enough Water

Water is not only for thirst. It helps digestion and kidney health.

Signs of dehydration

• dry gums

• lethargy

• dark urine

• loss of appetite

Correct approach

• keep water clean

• change daily

• keep water bowl in shade

• ensure pet drinks enough in summer

9. Ignoring Dental Care

Many owners don’t brush teeth. This causes major health issues.

Result

• bad breath

• tooth decay

• gum disease

• heart problems

Correct approach

• brush teeth 2–3 times a week

• use dental chews

• regular vet check

10. Not Checking for Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are common in India.

Problems caused

• itching

• skin infection

• anemia

• diseases

Correct approach

• monthly flea treatment

• regular checking

• clean bedding

11. Keeping Pet in a Small Space

Pets need space to move. Keeping them in a small space causes stress and depression.

Problems

• stress

• aggression

• obesity

• depression

Correct approach

• daily walks

• play time

• indoor exercise

12. Not Socializing the Pet

Socialization is crucial. Without it, pets become fearful, aggressive, or anxious.

Correct approach

• introduce to people

• introduce to other pets

• positive experiences

13. Ignoring Behavioral Issues

Many owners ignore small signs like excessive barking, hiding, aggression, chewing, or scratching.

Correct approach

• identify the reason

• training

• vet check if needed

14. Using Cheap Products

Cheap food, toys, or medicine can harm your pet. It may cause health problems and poor growth.

Correct approach

Buy quality products.
Avoid random supplements.

15. Not Knowing Pet Body Language

Pets communicate through body language. If you ignore it, you may misunderstand them.

Common signs

• tail wagging

• ears back

• yawning

• growling

• paw lifting

Correct approach

Learn pet body language to avoid problems.

16. Not Keeping Hygiene

Poor hygiene causes infections.

Hygiene tips

• clean bowls

• clean bedding

• clean litter box

• clean house regularly

17. Overfeeding Treats

Treats are not food. Overfeeding treats leads to obesity and bad behavior.

Correct approach

• treats only 5% of daily calories

• use treats for training only

18. Not Taking Vet Advice Seriously

Some owners follow random online advice. This causes wrong medicine, wrong diet, and health problems.

Correct approach

Always consult a vet.

19. Not Keeping a Routine

Pets need routine.

Routine includes:

• feeding time

• play time

• sleep time

• grooming time

20. Not Loving Properly (Yes, This Too)

Some owners are strict and distant. Pets need love and bonding.

How to bond:

• gentle petting

• play

• training

• talking to them

Final Summary

A new pet owner makes mistakes because they don’t know better. But these mistakes are fixable. If you follow the correct routine, your pet will be healthier, happier, and more obedient.