Dog owners are constantly given advice on everything from training techniques to the best diets for their pets – but one vet believes there are three important lessons every owner should know. Amir the Vet, who shares advice online, recently opened up about the things he wishes more dog owners understood, explaining they could have a huge impact on a dog’s health, behaviour and overall happiness.
His first piece of advice focuses on something many owners may not even realise they’re doing. According to the vet, dogs are incredibly sensitive to human emotions and body language, meaning anxious owners can unintentionally pass their stress on to their pets. He explained: “Calm owners create calm dogs.
“Dogs are so incredibly sensitive to body language and energy. So if you are a reactive or anxious owner, your dog will pick this up unintentionally.”
While it’s impossible to stay relaxed all the time, he encouraged owners to remain as calm as possible when interacting with their dogs, especially in potentially stressful situations.
His second tip is aimed at owners of older dogs.
Many people assume a pet slowing down is simply a natural part of ageing, but the vet warned this isn’t always the case.
He said: “Don’t assume that if your dog is slowing down, it has to be because they’re getting older.
“In many cases this can be true, yes. However, in several cases they may be slowing down because of heart disease or because of arthritis pain.”
Rather than dismissing changes in behaviour as old age, he urged owners to seek veterinary advice to rule out any underlying health problems.
“Have them checked out if they are slowing down because you do not want to miss a possible diagnosis,” he added.
His final piece of advice may come as a surprise to many devoted pet owners.
While most people shower their dogs with affection, the vet explained that love alone isn’t enough for a dog to thrive.
Instead, he believes dogs need both kindness and clear boundaries.
“Love without structure and routine creates insecurity,” he explained. “And structure without kindness creates fear.”
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According to the vet, the happiest and most confident dogs are those whose owners strike the right balance between affection, consistency and routine.
He said: “You need to provide your dogs with a combination of both love and kindness and structure and routine for them to thrive and be happy.”